Anyone use kettlebells? or made their own?

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Originally Posted by Mudkipz

I got both as gifts and was pretty amazed at how much of a difference that little twisting motion really makes. Plus with the ab straps the pullup machine is pretty darn versatile and lets you work out pretty much your whole body in a doorway.

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if those are your style then check these out:
Body Weight Suspension Strength Building Equipment, Weightless Abdominal Fitness Training Apparatus, Universal Strength Apparatus

they are very simple but very versatile. i use them for everything from push ups to dips to pull ups. and because your arm can move around anywhere it is amazing for all those little support muscles. when i first saw them i thought "great idea but they won't make that much of a difference really". then my mom bought my dad a set for christmas and man did i change my mind. again its nothing advanced or cutting edge, it simply allows you to perform exercises without any help.

so here is what i ended up with. the handle is made from 1"1/4 fence pipe i found in the barn and cut and welded up. the black dot in the middle of the bottom is the bolt i used to suspend the nut and washer in the cement.

now i have to decide if i want to cut the basketball off the outside or not. a rubber coating is nice but i would like to seal the cement also.

Those "USAs" look pretty cool, though for a hundred bucks I may just have to take my inspiration from you and just make a set myself.

Nice work on the kettle by the way. If anything, I think a steel/concrete design will help you get stronger faster as you'll be less inclined to drop it near your feet. Those heavy rubber ones just don't command enough respect.

Nice work on the kettle bells/balls. I would leave the basketball covering on. It would provide a smooth surface so it won't scratch anything. If you want it colored you can always go get some "Plastidip" from a hardware store. This stuff is used for coating pliers and tools so their handles grip better. I used this product in a manufacturing setting and found it to be real durable. I would look for the blue color if you can find it. It is thicker and more durable then the black.

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Originally Posted by Mudkipz

Those "USAs" look pretty cool, though for a hundred bucks I may just have to take my inspiration from you and just make a set myself.

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i definitely thought about making those but then i remembered that i would be hanging upside down and in many positions that would be very bad to fall from. i know NOTHING about climbing rigs or anything like that so i opted for a product with a weight spec that has been tested and proven. if you can make some that you'd be confident in then that would be awsome, do it and post some pics so i can be jealous:)

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Originally Posted by turbine712

If you want it colored you can always go get some "Plastidip" from a hardware store.

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i have used that stuff before but hadn't seen it in a long time. i didn't know if you could still get it and at what price, thanks for the idea. it would be cool to coat the whole thing to be blue.

If you cannot find it, contact Plastidip Intl. They are located in the Twin Cities (St.Paul/Mlps) and would be able to steer you to a vendor in your area.

quick update, i took the basketball off the outside and was trying to get the bolt out of the bottom and am having problems for sure, i think next time i will cover the thread in foam and duct tape. i actually broke the bolt off inside and am in teh process of drilling it out and seeing what is left in the end. oh well it is my first try.

also i weighed it and it is 35lbs right on (but i did use a bathroom scale :)). now if i can find a larger ball to make a bigger one.

Hey Guys,

you might try superherostrength.com or agatsu.com (both canadian)

I prefer the "pro grade" bells as they are more versatile in my opinion.

I used to do the pavel style Kbells, but I am now a certified Kbell coach with Velery Fedorenko. He teaches a more fluid style that I feel is more ergonomic and efficient. This is an awesome video to learn how to lift in the fluid style.

You should also look into clubbells (I am also a certified instructor under Scott Sonnon) they are even more extreme than kettlebells.

www.rmaxi.com for clubbells (there are homemade versions, though they are not as safe as the real deal. do a google search.)

Matt

the kettlebells that my dad has have a bit larger diameter handle which was what i was going for as it tends to promote grip strength. i can't tell what the pro grade ones are like.

the clubbells seemed interesting but i figure i start one thing at a time :)