Do you use Kettlebells with your clients even though you are not "KB" certified?

Very rarely and if I do it's just holding them for load or simple "swings" but nothing heavy duty.
I think there's a place for everything but I also think being sensible and training wisely is first and foremost.

As for getting "certified" in KB, I am wondering if whether or not pretty soon every move we make will require "certification" or shall I say "sub-certification"?

Hello Patty,
I do not train my clients with kettlebells. I also see other trainers use questionable form with kettlebells not to mention free weights too. I personally find kettlebells too invasive with the shoulder therefore, I use alternative movements and exercises that are just as effective with safety in mind.

Sincerely,
Michael

I don't believe anyone should train another person with any piece of equipment without understanding how to properly use that equipment themselves. Kettlebells are great to train with (and have been since WAY before they became mainstream). I understand your concern, having seen instructors use/teach these with bad form myself. If you can perform KB exercises with proper technique (if you can tell when others aren't, you probably are) then you shouldn't have any problems incorporating their use into your clients routines. I am not certified and my clients regularly use them. I've attended a few KB classes with respectable instructors in the past but, they really aren't so complicated that you need a certification to show the basics. If you want to utilize some of the more advanced techniques then I would suggest going to a good KB instructor and get them to train you for a while, that's what they do. If you want to do KB specific training then I would definitely get the certification first, so you are able to teach the beginner to the advanced. I would feel limited without my KB's.

I agree with both LaRue and Kurt.

We purposely do not leave kettlebells on the floor at the gym just yet because the majority of the population still does not know how to correctly swing the kettlebell let alone know how to do a proper Turkish Get-up.

I have found that most of the Kb exercises do transition nicely to the dumbbell also.

I have a 10/15 & 20 lb. kettlebell that I use in my boot camps. I teach the basic swing, windmill and 1/2 get up. I took classes from a friend who is an RKC trainer and incorporated into my own workouts, I then felt comfortable to train others.

Sure, why not, if you are proficient and can properly demonstrate, also it is weight appropriate, sure. I am not TRX certified but use it almost daily. I have no desire to get certified in KB's, but I adapt it into my workout if it calls for it. If you don't feel comfortable using them in your own workout then I would not recommend you use them to train someone else, simple-period!

I agree with the majority of the trainers and don't believe people should use kettlebells unless they are properly trained. I went to an IDEA fitness convention workshop involving kettlebells the instructor was very knowledgable and competed with kettlebells. He had injured his shoulder, elbow and wrist using the kettlebells. It is so easy to hurt yourself using a kettlebell your hands have to be precisely placed in order to avoid injuries. I feel it is to big of a risk for me personally to use them. My cousin got certified in kettlebells and after he was finished with his certification his hands were full of calluses and blood. He stated it was one of the hardest things he has ever done. So knowing that information I don't feel comfortable having someone use a kettlebell under my guidance without myself holding that certification.