Thank you Bianca, think the hip thrusts have helped a lot lately! 🙂

I am watching these “new old videos” (or “old new videos”, depending on how you look at it) and I do have to say that your figure has improved a lot in these last months.

Maybe because of Bret’s phenomenal hip thrusts in all their great versions?

Bianca

Michael, I find the Pro-grades more comfortable for most exercises, but then I am 5’5” and not petite, so they are not too big for me. Some people prefer the standard shape and that is fine, For some exercises I would prefer the standard shape, like front squats and reverse lunges, because sometimes when I am already fatigued, it’s harder to maintain a rack (plus I have difficulty at times keeping my elbow in and hip forward, due to tight hip flexors and traps). Let your wife stick with the standard KB if she finds it more comfortable.

The Pro-grades are a great shape and actually feel lighter than their standard shaped counterparts.

Marianne

Michael — I’ve used both the “regular” iron kettlebells and the “pro-grade” competition style steel kettlebells. The biggest advantage of the competition bells is that they are all the same size regardless of weight. Whereas the iron bells get larger as you move up in weight. Perhaps you already knew that. On basic exercises, like the swing or rows, it’s not a big deal in my view. However, on more technical moves, utilizing a clean or a snatch for example, having a consistent size is really nice.

Hi Marianne

Thank you for your answer. I just ordered a 16kg pro-grade and will try it. My wife uses
a 6kg & 10kg cast iron KB, but she is a bit intimidated with the pro-grade steel KB’s because they are so big for her. She is 5 feet 2 inches tall. Do you have any problems using the pro-grades due to there size?

I am presently using a 12kg & 16kg cast iron KB. The one thing i will say is that the cast iron KB’s get bigger in size and handles as you increase the weight, instead of having the same shape and handle size as a pro-grade steel KB.

Thanks
Michael

Hi Michael, I wish I could give you a scientific answer. I got these KBs because they were from Wolverson which = very good value. And I got the steel ones to try because they were pro-grade (which I like better). The Iron ones are good too.

The main thing when choosing a KB, is not just the material, but how well it is made, especially the handle. Watch for any line where the metal joins (this will rip your hands off if it isn’t smooth). Also watch the size of the handle to ensure proper positioning of the Bell while in the rack position (Bell should not be resting on the wrist). Finally, make sure the shape of the handle is rounder rather than cornered and flat (make for better form during exercises and less discomfort).

Does that help?

Marianne

great workout…thanks…i will try this one. I have a question about the steel competition kettlebells that you are using. Have
you ever tried the black cast iron kettlebells? and if so…can you please compare both the cast iron vs. steel kettlebells? give me your pro’s and con’s? and why do you prefer steel kb’s over cast iron?

Thanks
Michael

The skipping is a killer for the calves! Mine were so sore after your workout!

Enjoy your weekend, hope you get nice weather 😀

Good thinking Vickie – can all be modified for single KB use, which is another bonus! 🙂

yep I go deep and low and also slow on the squats. the presses I used 12kg not 14kg. my calves are killing me from all the skipping and I have a 90 training session today and I race (sailboat) all weekend.