I’m always looking for ways to mix up my workout, and I thought I’d do you and me a solid and try out kettlebells again. If you’ve been to a gym recently, you’re probably already acquainted with the little devils, but humor me for those who are wondering what the heck kettlebells are and if a chime will announce we’re having tea and scones soon.

Alas, no to the tea and scones.

A kettlebell is a rounded weight with a handle, and you primarily swing it. Why would you want to do this? Because kettlebells combine strength training with cardio, and I’m all about doing twice the work in half the time.

So the video I tried—at the suggestion of good friend and travel ninja, Kim Knight—is called the Kettlebell Konnection. I like it because it has a separate section to demonstrate basic moves. For beginners, I’d suggest you worry about the swing and the clean. You get into the Turkist Lift, and I’m going to get hate mail. Just don’t go there yet.

[This is the point in the post where I look up Kettlebell Konnection and discover that it’s no longer available which is not the worst thing so far as the music it uses is concerned; however, that does kinda wreck my post. Okay, as they used to say on Friends, pivot!]

I would recommend (and take all of my advice at your own risk and only after consulting with a physician) that you find a good introductory Kettlebell workout video or find a trainer at the gym to assist you. I have a video with Bob Harper that came with the 10 pound kettlebell, and it does also explain basic form. You’re also welcome to explore the jungles of You Tube. Please remember you do all of this at your own risk. (Did I say that already? I think I did. At your own risk.)

Now. How did I use my kettlebell? I took a refresher on technique and tried the simplest workout on the DVD: 5 sets of 20 kettlebell swings/20 powerjacks. Okay, I only made 4 sets and then hopped on the treadmill. Let me assure you I am feeling it today. Good workout but not the kind that makes you want to never work out again. I did have some concern about my plantar fasciitis flaring up, but I managed to stave off any problems by paying attention to form and quitting before said form got sloppy.

(I had to turn to kettlebells because the cats weren’t on board with this regimen)

What equipment might you need? I have one 10 pounder and one 20 pounder. I use the former for arm work like rows and the latter for swings and squats. Start small. Kettlebells give deceptively good workouts.

On the whole, I’m looking forward to adding kettlebells back to my repertoire. They’re a good investment and don’t take up too much space. I’ll likely be adding rows, goblet squats, and basic swings to a routine of pushups, plank, and burpees.

Um, have any good videos that you use? I seem to be in the market, as it were.

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You can always send me suggestions on Twitter, Facebook or through my website at SallyKilpatrick.com. Until we meet again, do at least one thing healthy—you deserve it!

– Sally Kilpatrick