Ask a Personal Trainer

DrPhil

Anywhere good online to buy kettle bells?

Just started the kettle bell class at the gym, wouldn't mind getting a 12kg one for home workouts. All seem pretty expensive. Might be better off buying a second hand one locally.

reiteration

yeah, have a search on ebay and gumtree - maybe be able to pick up a cheap 2nd hand one locally...

Wardy257

If you succeed in all your sets/reps for that exercise next time increase, if you fail then you do the same weight again next time.  Keep a detailed log of all your training to help.

silent ninja

The Strength Shop ones are very good quality. Excellent finish, well balanced and the grip width is just right for two hands. The material is good and sufficiently grippy rather than slippery. The only thing they lack is rubber feet, but that's a none issue for me-- as long as you're not gonna throw the KB on wood you'll be fine. I'd recommend them. The above are all things you should look out for.

I want to get a 24kg one at some point. I have 16kg which is about right for a relatively able male -- I think this is too heavy for beginners personally but it's what Pavel recommends (I can't spell his surname sorry lol).

DrPhil

Been using 12 and 16 in the gym and 16 for home use would be too much.

sniffer66

Have to say I get quite annoyed at the cost of weights. It's essentially a piece of cast iron. I know the price of metal is on the rise but the mark up must be huge

And your body really doesn't care about the quality of the weight you are lifting.

silent ninja

It's "nicer" to have a smooth finish on a KB because it can be in contact with your body, especially your forearm. It's not necessary but I prefer something that doesn't rub.

Weights are definitely expensive but then again they can last decades

sniffer66

Agreed on the smooth finish. Our gym has plastic covered ones as well and I prefer them.

DeAdSoUls

Would Pilates and Yoga make my knees really ache?

Greg Hook

Any ideas where to start getting into shape?

Some bio:
I currently play 5-aside football once a week and about 2-3 nights I do about 20 minutes on my treadmill.
I'm small so not overweight at all. 5'6, 56kg. Yes, I said small.

In April 2015 I'm off to Florida and don't want to be one of those people on the beach with a t-shirt when everyone else has their's off! I'm extremely self conscious as to how weedy I look, so with a year to get in shape, how would you propose I start to build muscle? I don't want to be an 8 stone weakling anymore!