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| Author | Topic: Kettlebells ; what weigthlifting tools? |
| bk 05-17-2003 05:31 PM | Hello, A friend of mine recently suggested that I try working out using kettlebells. These are apparantly an older Russian weightlifting tool (in fashion right now due to Pavel Tsatsouline, I've been told). Now, my friend does have the build that I would like myself, strong and fast with good tone(?), but not big and bulky. He says he has been training only with kettlebells and deadlifts, and then some ab-only exercises. Now, kettlebells and deadlifts are definitely not isolation exercises. That said, since his build is close to what I would aim for, I see some merit in giving these exercises a try. (I have not yet even done any weight training, as I had not wanted to change my build yet.) But, before I do, does anyone have any comments on these exercises? Thanks, Brian |
| Wai 05-18-2003 12:50 PM | i will ask RRM but i think dumbbels are most ideal and that it is not so much what you use but how... |
| RRM 05-22-2003 08:16 AM | Yes, dumbbells are more effective, because you can use them more precise. Building your body is not so much about what tools you use, or how hard you work out, as it is about shaping it exactly according to how you want it to be, and knowing how you want it to be. The very first thing to do, is to find out what muscle EXACTLY you want to see bigger. And if you think that they all need to be bigger: what need to be bigger the MOST? Then focus on exercising exactly these muscles. Non of us is perfectly build, in the sense that we only need to build up all our muscle; almost any body is 'out of balance', and the smartest thing to do, is to create 'the perfect balanced body' first. Once you have achived that, you can always decide to increase muscle volume in general as well. What looks best, is a perfectly balanced body. And, to achieve that, you need to exercise those muscles that give your body better proportions. And, therefore, you need weights that enable you to do precise exercises; that allow you to exercise only those muscle that you need to exercise. And, the lighter the weights, the more precise you can execute the required exercises. Once you are trained in doing the right exercises right, you can start increasing the loading (by increasing the weight, or even by narrowing the muscle area exercised). You need full control over your exercises in order to have full control over shaping your body. RRM |
| bk 05-23-2003 12:27 AM | quote:Do I read this correctly as saying that compound exercises can be done once the desired balance/dimensions have been achieved? quote:Do you have any recommendations for someone who has never been to a (bodybuilding) gym before? I mean, should I go try to find someone to teach me (like a trainer), or are there isolation exercises documented somewhere? My worry is that if I try to find someone for hands-on training, they will insist on convincing me to do compound exercises too. I suppose I could just say thanks but no thanks, and keep looking... Thanks again, I know these are very novice questions, Brian |