Real Workouts, Real Equipment, Real Cheap

[Smye 694]

I know this is typically a space reserved for sharing questions and advice about exercise and fitness mechanics, trends, and tips. But sometimes it's just so stinking expensive to get ahold of a proper set of kettlebells, barbells, or other exercise equipment. Well, I've had enough and have decided to make my own and I wanted to share this process with you all in case it can be of use to anyone else.

Before I begin, let me be clear that I do not believe one needs any formal equipment to develop and maintain a high level of fitness - I'm all about natural movements and the joy of using your own body in work & play. However, I also recognize the desire among many of us for something a little more formal. I am not a physiologist, nor am I a fitness expert in the true sense of the word - nor will I pretend to be. I will not be offering workout tips or WODs here, just a tip or two each month that have made my life easier and more affordable.

Now the fun part. We've all seen kettlebells in the gym, maybe we've even used them a time or two. They're typically big hunks of Iron with handles - tools that allow us to tap into that primal 'URGH!' of weight-training and are actually pretty fun in the process. The trouble is that they're expensive - $1.50/lb for the poorly made ones and well over $4.00/lb for anything high quality. Until now.

On Friday I'll be posting a step-by-step tutorial of how I made my kettlebells once they've finished curing as well as my thoughts on how to make the process go more smoothly.

[lisaanewme67 123]

Can't wait to hear!!!

thanks for this...

[Smye 694]

That's two of us

[momfromjersey22 403]

37 days post op and I took a zumba class. A Lil sore but was able to do all but one song.

[lisaanewme67 123]

@@momfromjersey22 awesome job, lol... congrats! Keepbup the excellent work!

[momfromjersey22 403]

@@momfromjersey22 awesome job, lol... congrats! Keepbup the excellent work!

thanks, I might have over did it, I got lightheaded a few times, but it felt good!!

[Smye 694]

@@momfromjersey22, sore and lightheaded or not, nice work! Just make sure you're getting enough Protein and fluids. Keep it up!

As for the kettlebells, the gada mace and (now) jori club(s), they're out curing on the deck as I type, but unfortunately some stuff came up at work and it won't be until tomorrow mid-day that I'm able to get everything posted. On the bright side, they'll be 100% complete by that points so I'll have some photos of each in use.

[Rovobay 920]

sub'd for results... now over to your food thread with similar title....

[Smye 694]

They're done! Homemade kettlebells & other weights

[Rovobay 920]

curious how those handles will hold up after a few uses. . . . . .

great work. thanks for sharing.

[Smye 694]

@@Rovobay, I had the same question - then I did some calculations (I was a physics and chem major in college). In short, that's what the sand is for - it helps hold a uniform cross section in the tubes and functions, essentially, as insane reinforcement inside the handle - you're going to break the bell itself long before you break the handle (unless, of course, you go after the handle with a hammer or something ridiculous)