[quote]NDWillie wrote:
Chris,
I would definetely give the Iron Woody handles a try and a review for fellow T-mag readers. That would also give me a chance to try them out before forking out the cash for the kbells from dragon door. I emailed Mike Mahler and he thought that I should start with a 53lbs and a 70lbs kettlebell. What type of weight can go in the handles and be safe? [/quote]
The regular model can only be loaded up to 52 lbs. The super can go up to 93 lbs.
The only adjustable kettlebell on the market that feels close to a real kettlebell is the uskettlebell model. The ironwoody and kettlestack handles are better than other handles on the market, but not a substitue for the real thing. Heavy weights (over 70lbs) feels uncomfortable with the KB handles.
My attitidue is get the real thing. If you want a close second then get the USkettlebell version. If you cannot afford that, then forget it. Just go to the gym or use dumbbells or make a sandbag.
Mike Mahler
[quote]Coach Davies wrote:
I started to type a response but after a while I realized…hmm, I’ve already written this. So from my book “Renegade Training for Football” here’s my take:
“Kettlebell work should be an instrumental portion of any lifting program and is a tremendously functional portion of the Renegade programs. Athletes who perform kettle bell lifts not only develop a superb understanding of muscular harmony and balance but also develop powerful tendons that are suitable for long-term strength work. Coaches find kettle bells an extraordinary medium, as it provides the perfect setting for training groups in an efficient manner. Kettlebell training is possibly one of the best mediums to vary strength training outside of use of barbells. Athletes are able to perform the motions of the Olympic lifts using the bell.”
Now that being said if you have a chance you can get some great information and DVD’s from people like Pavel Tsatsouline, Mike Mahler and I even put out a 2-part DVD on kb training. If you havn’t had a chance take a look at some of Mike’s work - he’s a top notch source of information and great coach. You couldn’t do better.
I hope that helps.
In faith,
Coach Davies[/quote]
Thanks for the praise coach!
I have the full 18 piece set and they are worth it.You can gain size but that is program design.What they are really great for is reactive strength.The 'bells ability to impart ballistic shock for TRUE reactive strength is amazing.Do for reps, you can develop the kind of speed strength endurance that boxers have without having to BE a boxer(not that that is bad,I love boxing).I must say that I was skeptical at first and waited a couple a years but after 14 months I am using the 88lbs bells for snatches/presses/jerks and cleans and loving every minute of it. Just my take…