r/kettlebell • u/TonightUnlucky6017 • 3h ago
Training Video 56kg snatches for 10+8
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Pink knee sleeves help with fashion and snatching big bells
r/kettlebell • u/celestial_sour_cream • Jul 03 '24
NOTE: This is a living document. Please comment for suggestions, typo corrections, and more!
(This original post written was a bit outdated and wanted something more succinct. Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/comments/3qxa4i/new_to_kettlebells_start_here_updated_for_2015 )
Q: What brand of Kettlebell should I buy?
A: Before we can talk about brands, there are two types of Kettlebells we recommend: (1) Competition and (2) Cast iron.
Competition kettlebells keep the same shape/size across the weights and typically have a fixed handle size (33mm or 35 mm). They are primarily used for Girevoy Sport (GS) but can be used for other styles of kettlebell lifting. The downside to competition kettlebells is that they are typically more expensive than other types of Kettlebells.
Cast iron kettlebells were popularized by “hardstyle” kettlebell training initially by Pavel Tsatsouline. They are typically very cost effective compared to competition kettlebells. The upside is to cast iron kettlebells over competition bells is that they're typically smaller for weights under 28 kg. The downside is the handles and the bell itself increases in size as the weight goes up.
We do not recommend vinyl, plastic, or other kettlebells that are not cast iron and competition due to their durability and their ergonomics to do the common kettlebell ballistic exercises (swing, clean, snatch, etc).
For Competition bells, we recommend:
For Cast iron kettlebells, we recommend:
Due to community feedback from lack of stock and shipping issues, we currently do not recommend Kettlebell Kings.
In recent years, there has been a surgence of adjustable kettlebells in the market. In particular, a competition-style kettlebell that is able to be adjusted from 12 to 32 kg. The biggest benefit of these style kettlebells is that you have access to multiple kettlebell weights with the footprint of one. Most brands allow you to jump from 0.5 to 2 kg weight increments. We recommend the following brands if you want one:
EU recommendations needed here; comment if you have one!
Q: What weight of kettlebell should I buy to start out with?
A: For most men, a kettlebell between 16-24 kg is the most common recommendation. For most women, 8-16 kg. The recommendation depends on your prior fitness history. If you’re still unsure, make a post and be sure to include details about your training history!
Fellow moderator u/LennyTheRebel has made a more extensive write-up about choosing the best kettlebell weight for you here: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/comments/1j90tz1/picking_a_weight_as_a_beginner/
Q: What is a good free beginner routine for someone new to kettlebells?
A: There are many beginner routines suggested on r/kettlebell, but we recommend the following:
Q: What are some good paid programs?
There are many paid programs, but we’ll list the popular ones here:
You can see more in our wiki here: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/wiki/programs/
Before going into the two “styles” of kettlebell training, I want to make a point that kettlebell training styles do not need to have strict adherence to either styles. They are useful definitions to describe kettlebell training intent and don’t feel like you have to adhere to one of them completely when learning kettlebell exercises.
Hardstyle was popularized by Pavel Tsatsouline in the Late 90’s/Early 2000’s, forming Dragon Door (RKC) and later StrongFirst (SFG). Hardstyle technique emphasizes a focus on maximal tension, explosive power, and force production. A byproduct of this is usually training at lower rep ranges for strength and hypertrophy goals.
Girevoy Sport (GS), also known as kettlebell sport, is older than Hardstyle, and has been a competitive sport in Eastern Europe and Russia since the late 1960’s. In the sport, the competitive lifts are the Snatch, Jerk, Long Cycle (Clean and Jerk). The competition format is a 10 minute set of one of these exercises for as many reps as possible within the time limit. Because of this, there is an emphasis on efficiency on the lifts, including changes on how a swing is performed, the rack position, and more, compared to hardstyle training.
On the subreddit you may see the term Hybrid style to describe technique. This simply just means adopting technique principles from both Hardstyle and GS.
The “big 6” movements of kettlebell training you will see online are:
Although you are free to learn them in any order, we recommend learning them in the order listed (or simultaneously with a focus on order).
You will see many training terms that are popular with kettlebells. You can read more about these in the wiki here: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/wiki/index/
We recommend the following resources to learn the big 6 (backgrounds on these instructors are mixed between hardstyle, GS and hybrid).
The following recommendations have been made by /r/kettlebell community members that have not been thoroughly watched by the moderators:
Help us fill this out by commenting recommendations!
There are many great books recommended by kettlebell instructions and coaches. There are also non-kettlebell training books that are listed because principles from them can be applied to kettlebells. We list a few here:
Dan John
Although we cannot make specific recommendations on people, we recommend anyone interested in kettlebell training to spend some time with a trainer and/or kettlebell coach. This can be done in-person or virtually. There are many great coaches who hang out in this subreddit. Although we do not allow for explicit self-promotion, we encourage folks to reach out to coaches privately and get coaching from someone they’ve interacted with here in the community.
StrongFirst and RKC are the two oldest and well known hardstyle certifications. If you want to learn how to move kettlebells in the way they teach, they both provide search engines to find coaches in your area:
I couldn't find a similar "Find a Coach" option for IKFF and other GS organizations, so some help on this would be greatful!
r/kettlebell • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago
Welcome Comrade!
This is the r/Kettlebell Discussion Thread posted every Monday, where you can discuss anything and everything related to Kettlebells. We invite the Kettlebell Community to post anything that can be beneficial to the sub and help answer questions from newer members. Additionally, feel free to log your planned and/or completed training sessions, as well as any general community happenings you'd like the community to know about. Thank you.
As always, please be sure to review our Code of Conduct, FAQ and Beginner's Guide if you are new to Kettlebells. See the Programs page for some program options.
You can also use the search bar or Google's subreddit search to find related discussion topics.
Have a great day!
r/kettlebell • u/TonightUnlucky6017 • 3h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Pink knee sleeves help with fashion and snatching big bells
r/kettlebell • u/Iron-Berserker • 42m ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
1st clip strict 88. 2nd I don’t count as strict bc my knees popped a little. 3rd strict 97. 4th fail 106 so we push press. Keep it pushing!!
r/kettlebell • u/frendermannen • 1h ago
Hey!
I wonder if there's anyone out there using some sort of training watch during their workouts and if they also have an issue with the kettlebell pushing on the watch face (which gives a bit of discomfort) and if they have solved that issue and how? Would very much track my workout. :)
r/kettlebell • u/jocubrown • 1d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
This is about 38 lbs on the BOS adjustables, been trying to add a pound or two a week. Tips or comments appreciated.
r/kettlebell • u/TonightUnlucky6017 • 11h ago
Me: maintain 205-210lbs at about 12% bf. maintain ability to dunk. be able to go play sports with my sons.
r/kettlebell • u/Artthiefvsgutter • 10h ago
Is 300 swings with a 32kg a day too repetitive? I do 5 every 30sec, but don’t want to get hurt over using one pattern…
r/kettlebell • u/Open_Dig5278 • 1h ago
I keep getting black specs/flakes on my hand after handling my cast iron kettlebells.
The handle still feels fine, but I'm wondering long term if this is going to be an issue, and if this type of "shedding" is expected? It's soft to the touch and feels like paint
r/kettlebell • u/ContributionSea1225 • 23h ago
Hi everyone, not a fitness expert so I’m confused by this:
I am seeing a lot of people rather skinny looking pressing 36/48kg bells, and others that are absolutely jacked lifting the same weights.
I could be wrong but I’ve never seen the same thing with say barbell lifters. Typically more weight on the barbell = bigger person.
So how does that work? Why are these people skinny looking (don’t look like someone that trains at all) while others are more muscular? Shouldn’t the kettlebell have helped build more muscle for them to be capable of generating that much power ?
r/kettlebell • u/OliverKitsch • 1d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
I made this tutorial for my job and I thought I’d post it here, too. These cues help you build tension in the right spots for press as well as getting you into the right position under the bell.
This is just a starting point. Pls don’t hurt me.
r/kettlebell • u/A1M94 • 5h ago
Hi, I am getting more into snatches and I am little worried about the ceiling clearance. When I stand in my home-gym, I can touch the ceiling with my fingertips (packed shoulders). With closed fist, there is about 10cm left. This is ok for pressing as the kbell is resting on the forearm and palm is closed.
If I understand it correctly, snatch should follow the same logic as clean, where kbell goes “around the wrist”. So it should not go above fully extended arm, right? It should go around in the near-to-top position. I am playing with 16kg right now but I am wondering if I could still fit in with larger kbells.
r/kettlebell • u/Legendary_Pasos • 1d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
r/kettlebell • u/spyrothunder222 • 3h ago
See photo above ;
wondering how do I fix I get black particles on my hand when using…
I’m using Rogue kettlebell 16kg with yellow ring
Thanks
r/kettlebell • u/Possible-Jerk0138 • 23h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Hi 43 yr old female, beginner. Been messing around with this guy for about a week. The bruises are from learning snatch’s. Any tips for my swing? I’m using 15 and 20 lb bells to start coming from power yoga background.
I realize I probably need a heavier bell sooner than later but this is all I have for now.
Also, I’m in rehab for booze and that’s not my laundry.
r/kettlebell • u/irontamer • 16h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
2 hands anyhow 95lb + 24kg
r/kettlebell • u/Fustin82 • 12h ago
Hope this is allowed. It looks like Colin is back with a new adventure. Heavy Kettlebells, pre order is open.
https://greatlakesmethod.com/products/great-lakes-method-heavy-series-kettlebells
Most of us know Colin’s reputation. I hate to see anyone else get ripped off by this guy. Be warned before sending him any pre order money.
r/kettlebell • u/arthurbarther • 18h ago
Dropped a 24Kg KB during my last workout. Had been using cheap foam tiles mats from Walmart and the bell tore right through them. Fortunately the floor isn’t cracked and neither is the bell.
Decided to upgrade my space and went to Tractor Supply Company and got myself a 4’x6’ ¾” thick vulcanized stall mat for $55. Transporting /setting it up was not easy but I love it now. So much more durable than what I had before and for ⅓ of what Amazon would’ve charged for comparable flooring.
r/kettlebell • u/BoxAcrobatic6636 • 20h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
r/kettlebell • u/Stimhack • 18h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Sometimes I bang the outside of my left wrist. Had to record a few sets to find one where I do it. Most of my cleans are fine but sometimes I do something that I can't figure out myself. Only with the left arm, never the right arm.
r/kettlebell • u/J-from-PandT • 13h ago
Log :
date/reps in time/reps of challenge
1st - 408 in 46:00, 408/10k
2nd - 348 in 33:00, 756/10k
3rd - 424 in 42:00, 1180/10k
4th - 336 in 31:00, 1516/10k
5th - off day
6th - 418 in 48:00, 1934/10k
7th - off day
8th - 350 in 32:00, 2284/10k
9th - off day
10th - 772 in 2:20:00, 3056/10k
11th - off day
12th - 512 in 38:00, 3568/10k
13th - off day
14th - 1028 in 2:20:00, 4596/10k
15th - 512 in 52:00, 5108/10k
16th - 130 in 10:00, 5238/10k
17th - off day
18th - off day
19th - evening - 812 in 1:50:00, 6050/10k
20th - off day
21st - 1010 in 4:15:00, 7060/10k
22nd - 504 in 60:00, 7564/10k
.....
This has been something, and that something has been many times more mentally challenging to me than were the ten thousand swings challenge and the ten thousand snatch challenge before this.
It's like I found peak monotony while starting a bunch of volume challenge at what turned out to be not exactly even close to the perfect time to expect this of myself.
The monotony is up there, my mood is "yeah, let's take today off again", and yet I plug away.
On the 21st I basically said the entire afternoon/evening shall be making a grand reps happen...and it did, and it was SOMETHING.
The 14th and the 21st being thousand rep kettlebell juggling days both felt like I experienced "improvement at a cellular level" (which is description somewhat similar to something u/irontamer said to me about these high volume workouts).
I find myself nose breathing much more, my physical recovery has gotten to the movement is grooved but done in a moderate to high state of physical fatigue making for a medium level of physical effort at this point.
My tongue posture has gotten a lot better, and I'd say throughout the day I'm less tense physically, my body is literally more loose, more relaxed, more at relaxed.
It's mad interesting gains from doing this, right now, by not quitting it as would've been possibly considered rational at any point.
We're largely sedentary in the modern world, kettlebell volume can change that, change you. For the better.
It'd be smart for me to have a twice monthly lunacy volume day continuing. Again "improvement at a cellular level".
2500ish reps could be three days, could be five or six days, so I see the light at the end of the tunnel for this, and am admittedly looking forward to changing it up to a more general freestyle approach to train every day (freestyle train every day long having been my practice and is my earliest enjoyed strength training/roots).
I didn't scale into the challenge, but have definitely been eating in at least a small calorie deficit - I know this by estimation ;
My quantity of milk drank is down, my quantity of meat eaten is down, and skewing towards lean cuts of pork that I cook or of takeout chicken in some manner - these more than anything.
The local grocery store has a hot bar with what I consider a tasty peppered breaded chicken, and for $10 I can walk out with a big enough meal of that to eat with a jug of arnold palmer (iced tea lemonade) to drink and be content, and...also not have to cook which means that half hour to an hour of cooking can instead be kettlebell reps therefore finishing the darn thing sooner.
I either sleep every spare moment or barely sleep, and the latter is the days with uptime energy and some actual mental interest in lifting kettlebell - like I sleep fast, deep, and ubereffectively.
I had one "diabetes in the cup" (ALL THE SUGAR ADDED) iced coffee (before the 21st's thousand rep all afternoon/evening "use all available daylight" session). That was...probably a mistake as next day (today) I woke almost caffeined out zonked, but in the moment was enjoyable, and showed me I still am squirrel...and that squirrels do not tolerate caffeine much.
The former long sleeps is like "I got nine hours and a nap, and now...I DO NOT WANT TO go outside and kettlebell" after said nap (but should and half the time this challenge...do).
Today was one of those, where I made 500 reps happen in a dedicated hour.
The long nap off days still also see me do the night's kitchen calisthenics, and after more than a year of daily baithak I'm kinda over them despite not having even come close to the high rep performance goal...but all the sudden I am really into shiko.
So the daily bw squat variant may change completely, to shiko, right now both are happening, but baithak may soon be dropped from the daily exercises.
Ain't no one saying a kettlebell primary trainer/trainee (spelling lololzzz) can't supplement with other modalities.
I do my pushups.
I'd never not do some calisthenics.
Therefore the gym is always with me.
Here's to strength,
r/kettlebell • u/_You_Snooze_You_Lose • 1d ago
Did they go out of business? Their website has been down for at least a few weeks. Looking to buy a second pair of competition style bells and don’t see them anywhere. Amazon has one listing but doesn’t have an option to select weights.
r/kettlebell • u/CreativePalpitation5 • 1d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
100 SA Long Cycle workout with 36kg. no other rules. I liked this workout a lot, felt like I got stronger over the workout, and set a goal to do a workout that hits 200 SA long cycle with a 36kg within a few weeks.
Just trying to contribute back to this awesome community.
r/kettlebell • u/Global_Distance_8387 • 15h ago
Hey everyone, I’m 17 and I’ve been at bells for 1 year now(1 year in August).
Due to me moving I lost access to my lighter bells and only have access to a 48 + 56kg now.
My goal is to put both of them overhead by the end of this year, I can high pull the 48kg for 10 and clean it for 2-3 reps per side.
The 56kg is still a work in progress but I can single arm swing it for 10-15 and do 10+ 2 hand cleans a side with it.
I don’t know how I would put them overhead without having a 40 or 44kg bell to work up from so I’m asking you guys for advice.
Please and thank you
I’m 5 foot 10 and 215 pounds currently
r/kettlebell • u/ImportantDig1191 • 22h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
22.07.26: Daily Grind (2x20kg)
Total Training Time: 51:49
Heart Rate: 142bpm average/ 162bpm max
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block A: Circuit - 60s rest between rounds
5 High Pulls
5 Cleans
5 Strict Press
5 Snatches
X5 - 100 total reps (2x20kg Kettlebells)
Accessory Exercise ⬇️
Parallel Bar Dips
10, 10, 10, 10, 15
55 total reps (106kg Bodyweight)
Assault Bike - 5 to 6 RPE
9:00 minutes total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block B: Finishers
(+140kg Barbell/+2x14kg Dumbells/+2x20kg & 2x44kg Kettlebells)
A: Push/Pull
3 Chinups
3 Scapula Retraction
&
7 Dips (20kg Kettlebell/106kg BW)
B: Back
3 Deadlifts
8 Shrugs
11 total reps (140kg Barbell)
C: Overhead TUT
Clean, 4 Jerks
5 total reps (2x44kg Kettlebells)
D: Arms
Incline Bicep Curls
10, 6
16 total reps (2x14kg Dumbells)
E: AMRAP
30 Seated Seesaw Press (2x20kg Kettlebells)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Bread:
Matthew 6:24-34 KJV
[24] No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [25] Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: [29] and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.