Sorry if this subject has been discussed earlier, I don't visit this side of the forum as much as I should.  I attended a session at a conference about kettle bells.  There wasn't a chance to ask questions.  Here are some I have that I hope someone can answer.  I think this kettle bells are something I'd like to start training with. I just want to use them to stay fit.  I don't do any real heavy lifting anymore.  Joints hurt too much.  Any suggestions on what size I should buy?  Should I buy pairs?  Thanks for the help.

Satch

Satch--

far be it from me to advise someone of your lofty stature, but, since you ask, i would get one of the adjustable ones.

you will get tired of using a pood (@36lbs) or two all the time.

i have one from ironmind, it's very durable and can load over 100lbs without being too bulky to swing around.

i even throw it now and then, just to see if it will fly.

Hey Old Man,

I had one from Kurt for about a month that I got to try some stuff with.  It was a 16 kilo.  I did swings back and forth to the side with it and clean and presses.  I wore a heart rate monitor with it once doing the clean and presses and it gets your heart racing.  It wasn't too bad on the joints either.

I traded him the 16 for a 24.  I  haven't had a chance to do the clean and presses with it but it's going to be significantly harder.  I'd go with the 16 if you're just looking for a different kind of fitness workout.

The only tip I'd give to someone buying one is to get one without a knurled handle.  For a lot of the moves you can do, like the clean and press, the handle needs to spin in your hand.  The knurling can really do a number.  Chalk would be a good idea to.

Let me know if you end up getting into it.

~Jason

Hey Larry,

Most of the adjustable ones are only going to be good for swings. Plate loaded handles will beat the s*$# out of your forearms if your trying snatches and or cleans.

Knowing what I do about you Larry, I would suggest a pair of 24 kgs to start. Cleans, 1 arm snatches, double snatches, front squats, mil press/ push press would be about all you'd need for your "stay fit" goals.

greg

When you can knock out 5x30 two handed snatches with a 53lb KB in each hand...see what kind of throwing shape you are in

Oh and you might just find the 56 MUCH lighter than before.  Then if you want to work a little more you can walk across a 100' bridge with both 53's in the clean position doing 5 squats, 3 steps, 5 squats, 3 steps, non stop across the bridge.  THEN do the snatches.

Just a suggestion

I think that kettelbells are a fine 'addition' to training.  Make sure they do not take the place of some heavy weight room work though.  They can be used as feeder workouts or something to get your general physical preparedness up to par but again they shouldn't take the place of heavy training.  The great throwers all have great technique, most have great strength but endurance is not something they possess.  They don't need to.  It is not what wins the awards and the money. 

If you want some applicable endurance then load up a bar with 85-90% of your max and start doing singles, double or triples for time.  Example: do 2 reps every minute for 12 mins.  This would be a better "kind" of endurance.  This is just my opinion.

Do you guys have any good websites on Kettlebell training? It seams that when ever I go to a site it just points back to this Russian dude’s dragon web site.