Will Jillian’s kettlebell technique split your wrists and crack your back? Will you be forced to file for disability after doing her DVD? I dunno. But I DO know two awesome ladies who kettlebell on the regular, Workout Mommy and Karen C. L. Anderson, (I’ve met them in person). I asked these fit chicks what they think of the atrocities portrayed in the media towards bad ass Jillian on her kettlebell swingin’. Here’s what they had to say.

From Workout Mommy

I love Jillian Michaels and think she has done great things for many people, but she should not have released her kettlebell DVD. When I first started training with kettlebells I really had no idea what I was doing. I tried some DVDs but ended up with a sore back and bruised wrists.  It wasn’t until I started training with an RKC instructor that I realized just how important proper form really is.

Jillian’s technique is flawed and WILL result in someone getting injured. Although she claims she trained with someone to create the video, she doesn’t address the fact that her form is clearly lacking on many moves, including the swing (the most basic and widely used kettlebell movement). Jillian has SUCH a huge following, especially among women, so to introduce them to kettlebell training like this is just shameful! Kettlebell training is an effective metabolic workout, but when you do it wrong, it can hurt.

I would like to see Jillian spend some time training with an RKC instructor (Lauren Brooks perhaps?) and put together something that delivers a safe and effective kettlebell workout. And then send it to me.

Workout Mommy using her kettlebell.

From Karen C.L. Anderson

Why use a professional Kettlebell trainer? Kettlebells are not something you just pick up and do, and they can’t be compared to regular weights. It is in your best interests, if you want to learn how to properly use and train with kettlebells, to find an instructor who has gone through specific kettlebell training certification, not just regular personal training certification.

I am not here to criticize Michaels from the perspective of an expert because I am not one, but from what I’ve heard and read from well-known kettlebell trainers, she does not use proper form in her videos. This is troubling because she is so popular. And it’s troubling because proper form is imperative when lifting any type of weight.

The best and most qualified instructors are certified and the top five kettlebell certification programs are via Dragon Door, International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation, Art of Strength, American Kettlebell Club and Kettlebell Concepts.

I started training with kettlebells about six months ago. Within three months I moved from using 18-lb kettlebells to being able to press two 35-lb kettlebells over my head! In addition, I have lost weight and shaved inches from my waist. What I love most about the workout is that it combines strength training and cardio in a simple way. I also appreciate the nature of the moves…some are powerful and ballistic, and others are more flowing. It’s not overly complicated, but at the same time it’s not a mindless exercise.

Kettlebell training is not the same as traditional strength training. The nature of the movement is quite different, and it requires technical and systematic execution, coordination and kinesthetic (body) awareness. That said, there is nothing to fear; once you learn correct kettlebell movement and technique, it becomes intrinsic. Your mind and your muscle memory take over, you become one with the kettlebell, and you no longer think about the action. Once you learn you never forget.

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Thanks for sharing, ladies! Follow these two Kettlebell Queens on Twitter: @KCLAnderson and @WorkoutMommy. ka-BOOM!