Due to joining a new gym, I'm back on the kettlebell routine, and I'm loving it. Feel like a badass again.

I'm debating on getting Nike Free trainers or Vibram Five Fingers. Can't decide which I want. Anyone have experience with the two? The Five Fingers just seem so... goofy (and I'm a goofy dude)... but they also more fully embrace the whole naturalistic thing than the Nike Free.

Can't work out barefoot?

I don't think I can at this gym (and I couldn't at my last one). I might ask them, though.

Really, doesn't matter. But, everyone I've seen wearing VFFs for lifting have looked like total douches and been really weak. I never wore mine for lifting, and never would.

According to the RKC philosophy, you need to have minimal (or no) arch support when working with kettlebells. That means either Converses or other flat shoes (like VFF or Frees). I wore Toms for a while and loved them, but they don't hold up. I currently where Cons, but I'm not crazy about them.

By the way, this guy wears VFF at my old gym (though he's barefoot in this pic). I wouldn't call him weak.


He's my old RKC instructor, and he's opened his own kettelbell gym. Unfortunately, it's a long way from my house, or I'd be going to it.

I've been going to the gym nearly every day for the last 3 weeks and I still haven't tried the kettlebells. I walk right by them! I want to try them, but I'm really enjoying my current routine right now.

started into week 8 since i've begun lifting. just been doing upper body. I have done total body in the past and tbh I kind of thought people were douches for just doing upper body. now that i'm doing it i absolutely love it. i look forward to my workouts instead of dreading them and i'm making awesome gains. I've bulked up about 8-10 pounds and gained loads on my bench. eventually i may incorporate squat into my routine. I've been lifting every other day, and doing a little core workout on my off days.

Rarity. It was just an observation. Personally, I just wear some flat indoor soccer shoes. They work really well. VFFs offer no protection whatsoever, so it is a bit more of a risk. Seems like everyone who wants to wear VFFs while lifting just does it to be trendy. Do what you want, though, as there is certainly no harm in it.

You need to get an instructor to work with you. They aren't something you just "pick up.". Don't want to develop bad habits and possibly injure yourself.

Unless you have a really good reason, your initial thoughts were correct :D

:thumb:

So you pretty much ignore the largest muscles in your body? Hope you don't get blown over by a small breeze...

Yeah. I am aware. My gym has trainers stationed right next to them to help anyone who wants to try them.

I hate leg day as much as anyone, but I've recently found some new routines that I somewhat enjoy. I'm doing a lot of single leg squats, balance lunges, and plyometrics. I've noticed some good results in the way my legs look and in the ability to do the exercises, but the biggest difference is my increased speed and jumping ability when playing racquetball & volleyball. That makes it all worth it.