Jillian Michaels Is Bad For Kettlebells
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Sep 21, 2009 in Featured Articles, Sandy's Journal, Training Tips & Tricks
I hate to be negative and usually hesitate to call someone out.
In this case I really feel that I have no choice. The reason? Because Jillian Michaels has such a large number of devotees on the Biggest Loser and is considered an expert every time she opens her mouth .
Consider this. Mary Smith watches the Biggest Loser and thinks if she sees Jillian doing an arm front raise with a squat and calling it a Kettlebell Swing then it just a be a kettlebell swing. Mary contacts a certified kettlebell instructor and that person tries to correct her form only to hear that “I watched Jillian Michaels do swings and this is what she did.” Mary thinks since Jillian is a TV trainer that she must be an expert on each and every subject related to physical activity. That’s best case scenario. Worst case is that Mary gets hurt before she can contact someone that actually knows what they are doing.
Kettlebells are dynamic and injury is a real possibility if done without proper instruction. This is worse than if a tennis pro decided that since golf is so “Hot,” that they need to start teaching golf instead.
Being a trainer, in no way gives Jillian Michaels the expertise to teach kettlebells. Look I’m not a personal trainer and I don’t try to train folks except in my area of expertise. Jillian says at one point during the QVC piece, “I know you are thinking…you don’t know how to use it (the kettlebell)” Well I can assure you she doesn’t know how to use it either, unfortunately.
Now, let me also acknowledge that I haven’t seen Jilliam Michaels complete kettlebell workout video. I saw her do 5 of the 25 movements she incorporates on the video for sale and 5 was quite enough. None of the movements were close to what I would teach a client of mine. I saw her on the Biggest Loser last year and then on the QVC piece recently where she is selling a video and something that looks a bit like a kettlebell. That’s all I can say about it. I don’t think it’s a real kettlebell though. I saw her and the MC, as well as a model, doing some movements with this piece of equipment that they called a kettlebell. Here’s a real kettlebell by the way.
As Jillian says, the kettlebell is the hottest thing out there right now and this is both good and bad. Good because it is such an amazing tool as she points out, and bad because the fact that it is hot means that a lot of “non pros” sense a business opportunity. And that is all they happen to care about. Do you really think Michaels would be exploiting kettlebells if they weren’t the “new” hot thing? She says that this Biggest Loser season she is ONLY using kettlebells, bodyweight exercise and aerobic work. Someone is going to wish kettlebells weren’t part of the mix and it will be a contestant. Kettlebells done well are safe, effective and life changing. Done poorly they are a recipe for disaster and almost a guarantee for injury.
Typically, kettlebell exercises require face time with a certified kettlebell instructor to learn. I’ve encountered only one self-taught person who was using safe and adequate form when I first met with them. I’ve talked to more than a few who thought they had better skills then they did and that’s just the way it is.
First off, her kettlebell isn’t big enough for anyone but a beginning female. And even a beginning female will quickly graduate from this once they learn to use their hips properly as they kettlebell train.
Hips you say? Well I don’t hear Jillian refer to hips even once. And folks, if you don’t have hip drive to the point of near violence, then you aren’t going to do any kettlebell exercise all that safely. Hip mobility and power are the keys to Russian kettlebell work. Watch the QVC video and you will see no hip action of note. You will see arms and squatting. The model comes closest to a true swing. Additionally, there is no squat in a swing. Someone needs to let Jilliam Michaels know that. Each rep she squats into it. Correctly, she would hinge at the hip and move back ,not down. Bad for the back and this usually happens because the hips aren’t moving at all and the movement is coming from the waist. Quite a big difference in the movement pattern. The bottom of the swing puts you into what I call the “ready” position. I can’t think of a land sport where the “ready” position, or some near semblance of it, aren’t used. It’s a position from which you can really move well . That is the bottom of the swing.
Here is the correct way to do a Russian Swing by the way. I do my best to imitate Jillian not easy to do for me.
Please comment on this post and let me know what you think? I’m here to help anyone I can. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll get it for you.
Train Hard,
Sandy Sommer, RKC
PS Here is a real kettlebell workout for women who are new to kettlebells!
PPS If you are a man and new to it check this out!
52 Comment(s)
By Laura Pasik on Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for this post, Sandy. I don’t like being negative either, but if it keeps someone from getting hurt … well, I think it’s more than justified. It boggles my mind that someone who knows nothing about kettlebells would presume to put out a kettlebell video without at least collaborating with a kettlebell expert (a REAL kettlebell expert, not Ryan Shanahan
). I hate seeing people like Jillian Michaels using their fame so irresponsibly. She had a chance to do something really good, and she blew it.
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
Laura, It’s only going to get worse I think. She mentions on QVC that she is only using her body and kettlebells this season for resistance training. Maybe she will learn how to do them.
By Amy Jurrens, RKC on Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
I just watched half of the QVC video and had to stop. I’m horrified! First of all – take off your shoes. Secondly – don’t tell people a kettlebell snatch is easy. No one should be snatching until they can snap their hips properly in a swing. Dear Judy! I think you’re right, Sandy. Jillian Michaels is bad for kettlebells. I’m going to warn everyone I can.
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
Great point about the shoes. And I didn’t talk about the snatches because the “swings” irriated me so much. She is a opportunist and she is horrifying.
By Justin on Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
All I can see on Jillian Michaels is someone getting hurt doing exercises with such bad form. I was telling this to my wife while she watched the video and she kept saying that they were not using heavy enough weights to hurt anything and somebody showed JM how to do it that way so it must be right somewhere. Bull. My wife thinks I am a kettlebell snob now. What really got me was JM’s “Hero Swings” all of that jumping around with a kettlebell flying over your head is just going to mess up ankles, knees, backs and shoulders. Even with that little 20# bell. I am not an RKC(yet) but a little research (*gasp* that can be done?!?!) you can find good people like Sandy who can teach you the proper form. Even, Heaven forbid, get Enter The Kettlebell and you are well on your way to real kettlebell training. I have heard some of JM’s radio shows and she talks about how they are going to be using KB’s on the biggest loser this season and I told my wife 2 months ago I was going to cringe and bitch about it the whole season if she didn’t do something real in the world of KB’s be it RKC or AOS certification. She keeps referring to her trainer she calls “Crazy Trainer Steve” about the kettlebell stuff and apparently he goes down and helps the biggest loser contestants with kettlebell routines. If that is where she learned KB’s then he definitly is wrong. I hope someone doesn’t hurt themselves with these wrong exercises. Thanks Sandy for clearing up the swing so well.
PS did you guys see those snatches they were trying???
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Justin,
Thanks for your input! I worry about this season of the Biggest Loser as she did say she is only using kettlebells for training. Hopefully, Jillian Michaels will learn how to use them before the show starts. Doubtful but let’s hope.
By Justin on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Unfortunately, the season is taped and finished. They just have to air on TV. There is no hope of her learning now at least for this season. There is going to be a whole bunch of people who see the show and do what they do on there because it must be right if Jillian does it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Biggest Loser brand Kettlebells come out with JIllians signature on them. Maybe Pavel should make a surprise visit to next season’s taping. They think Jillian is the mean tough trainer…meet the Evil Russian….
Just a thought… Happy Kettlebells!
Justin
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Pavel’s persona AKA The Evil Russian is at least respectful as well as demanding. Not demeaning at all.
By Sue on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Great post and video, Sandy! I’m going to link it on my blog later on. People need to know about this.
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Sue,
People do need to know about this and it’s going to be a big challenge because this season of the Biggest Loser Hasn’t even started yet. We have our work cut out for us but I’m up for the challenge!
By Liz on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Sandy,
Thanks so much for writing this article. I just watched the little QVC video they have on the product site and was horrified. I would have thought after the outcry last Spring when she incorrectly demonstrated Kettlebell use on The Biggest Loser, that she would have responded to some of the many RKC and other trainers who offered to teach her a proper swing.
I had a little squat in my swing when I started working with my RKC (Michelle Gabriel), but even learning from youtube videos had given me a better swing than the one she’s TEACHING to people. Sheesh!
Unfortunately, the new season has already started. Episode 2 is tonight. I will be very interested to see what kinds of things she has people doing with kettlebells. (I saw some renegade rows last week, and those were fine.) It’s a HUGE shame that so many people will be improperly instructed in kettlebell use thanks to JM.
I will be linking back to your post from my site for sure!
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Liz,
Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to comment. Jillian Michaels obviously has a huge audience and it would have been amazing if you’d take the time to learn what she is trying to teach. She is considered, rightly or wrongly, and expert in physical fitness and there are many folks who will see what she teaches and try to emulate it. Let’s hope that when they try to imitate her interesting form that they will ironically miss her form and get it right!
By Sarah Rippel on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Ahhhh…Jillian…don’t we just love her?
Thanks for the awesome post, Sandy. I’m thinking YOU need to educate Miss Michaels…that’s what I think!
Kettlebells have obviously become the “hot” thing…leave it to the “big names” in the public eye to try and profit off of it without taking the time to master the craft themselves.
On another note, you’ll be happy to know that i’m back a’swingin’…after almost three months of mostly triathlon-based training, I reacquainted myself with my first kettlebell (beat-up 8 kilo) yesterday and had a blast!
I think i’m gonna share your post on Facebook!
Yours in Health,
Sarah
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Sarah,
Thanks for your commentary! I’m glad to hear that you are swinging again:) I work with a few triatheletes and I know they’ve been happy with the impact on their results.
I would be honored if you share on Facebook. I also anxiously awaiting hearing from JM. I’d love to share some knowledge with her.
Train Hard!
By Travis Jewett on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
This is an awesome post. I am a kettlebell enthusiast and I thought the same thing when last season Jillian used a kettlebell. “Oh crap, she is going to ruin them, fat people everywhere will be in the ER!” I also had to send an email to Men’s Fitness about swing form, the guy in their photo was on his toes at full extension, I wanted to puke!
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Travis,
Thanks for your post. I really don’t like being negative but I have an obligation,as you know, to help folks practice with kettlebells safely. I saw that in Men’s Fitness. Did they respond?
Train Hard!
By Chris on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
I have seen so many people just having a go and swinging badly. In one gym, which advertises that it gives better all round health care,I saw untrained instructors telling clients to pull the bell. A trainer in my present gym asked if I could show him how. I refused and pointed him in the direction of an RKC. I’m not going to risk injuring someone. You get what pay for and what you work at- short cuts don’t work!
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Chris, Thanks for your thoughts:)
I’ve seen only a few good swings in gyms. Although I’ve seen plenty of PTs trying to teach it. Really is a travesty in so many ways. I obviously have an economic interest in folks using an RKC, especially if it’s me, but I really want to see kettlebells practiced well mainly.
By Kelley Moore on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply
Wow. I am really new to kettlebells and have a lot to learn, but this QVC video was so mortifying I couldn’t even watch the whole thing. I can only imagine how frustrating that is for a RKC to watch. People will either get hurt, or they could get discouraged and ditch kettlebells before they ever have a chance to see how great they really are. Scary. We can only counteract with correct information. So glad you posted on this. Thanks for your video too, I found that extremely helpful.
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for your post Kelley!
Quite frustrating indeed. I don’t want folks to get scared and certainly don’t want anyone to get hurt. On a good note, she does help create some momentum as far as PR is concerned; we then just have to “undo” what she has done!
Train Hard!
By Travis Jewett on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply
I never did hear from Men’s Fitness yet. I will let you know if I do. I wasn’t being negative in my email, I just wanted them to know that so many people look to them for fitness advice, it is best to do your homework before you introduce new things.
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply
Travis, Please let me know if they ever happen to get back to you.
Train Hard!
By Sharon on Sep 25, 2009 | Reply
Well, at least they can take supplements, listen to her podcasts and read her books, blogs while they are recovering from their KB induced injuries LOL!
She uses KB’s in an inappropriate manner on the show – not just bad form but bad IDEAS for their use. She did is some last year too – I was watching once and she was having them do ATTROCIOUS and DANGEROUS things with the KB. She treats them like they are “funny looking dumbbells”.
By mc on Sep 26, 2009 | Reply
great points and looking good
just in case you’d like another pair of eyes on you’re very nice form. them knees is moving though – you keep them still above the ankles sometimes, but not always
also, have you experimented with the neck position a la arthrokinetic response? http://bit.ly/n9VBC
best to you,
mc
By Sandy, RKC on Sep 27, 2009 | Reply
Thank you MC and Sharon for posting here. I look forward to checking out the arthokinetic response, MC:)
By Chris F. on Oct 3, 2009 | Reply
Hey Sandy, thanks for the video. I stumbled upon your site recently as I have just gotten into KBs. I have ETKB and have just worked on the program minimum. I plan on spending some money on a private lesson with an RKC ASAP. I live in Philadelphia.
Anyway, just learned a lot from the side view with the swing and the lat contraction. I’m thinking I was swinging too high and a bit loose. I’ll try it Monday.
In regard to the Ms. Michaels fiasco–fight the good fight man! I can understand where you are coming from. I teach a form of vigorous yoga that is often ripped off by unqualified teachers that haven’t been through the same training. I cringe when I see some of the bad (and often dangerous) form promoted.
Anyway, I didn’t take you to be negative, just passionate and genuinely concerned.
Best,
~Chris F.
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Chris,
Great hearing from you. You have some great choices to work from but there is an RKC certification next weekend in Philly and they are looking for “victims.” If you are interested in being a volunteer there so that you can be taught for free my a recent grad let me know and I will send you the email. BTW yoga and kettlebells go together quite well.
Train Hard!
By CORALINE on Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
great information, I am new to kettlebells and have spent the last 3 months doing the swings with bad form, squatting up the kettlebell, my knees breaking forward and shins not staying straight. I started doing some tabata and my knees were so so painful and after doing some research I realized what I learned was wrong. I went 2 different instructors and this is how they were doing it. I am now doing the swings correctly and no more knee problems. if you don’t have your swing down you have nothing.
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Coraline,
Glad you got it all straightened out. Tabata is a great protocol and glad it is working for you now.
Train Hard,
By Chris F. on Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Hi Sandy,
That sounds awesome but unfortunately I have several work commitments on Saturday and Sunday. Do you know how long they need “victims” for? I could have some time Friday and Saturday evening. If not, do you have a recommendation for an RKC in my city? I looked on the DD website and there are a few but it’s always nice to get a personal endorsement.
And yeah the yoga and KBs are a great combination. I was really into weight lifting back in my 20s but I hadn’t touched a weight in over a decade. I got really into Bikram Hot Yoga in 2001 and became a teacher. I also made a return to some martial art study after 20 years (I loved it as a teenager) last year when I wanted a little bit more active cardio.
Anyway, it was an ad I saw in “Fight” magazine that had the caption, “Kettlebells, the closet you can be in a fight without throwing a punch.” I thought that was pretty intense and I go through periods where I can’t do any martial art training so I thought KBs would be a nice supplement. Well, I just love them and after years of exclusively doing yoga I began to feel like a person that was on a strict vegetarian diet and needed some good old meat–if that analogy makes any sense.
Anyway, sorry for the long-winded post. Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your site.
Best,
~Chris F.
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Chris,
Victims are needed Sunday about 1 PM for an hour. What part of Philly are you in. There are a ton of solid instructors so give me an idea of what’s proximate!
By Chris F. on Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Yeah, I’m tied up Sunday from 11 am till 6 pm. I live in South Philly and not too far from center city. I can get anywhere basically.
Thanks man!
By Amy on Oct 10, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for doing this, Sandy.
Jillian Michaels is a menace. We need more intelligent and skilled folks like you publicly correcting her.
I’ve been using kettlebells for a while with a good instructor. Understanding the correct form and use requires quality, professional instruction, not some celebrity from a TV game show.
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 10, 2009 | Reply
Amy,
Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts and they are much appreciated. I find JM to be appalling in her approach.
Train Hard!
By CORALINE on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
hi
sandy
I have a question, do you still get the same benefits from a swing if you don’t bend at the knees so much when doing it?
thanks
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
Coraline,
Thanks for asking this question about the swing. The squatting swing just isn’t as safe and we can’t seperate safety and performance. At the top of a safe, correct swing, your pelvis is rotated posterially to accomadate your clenched glutes and a Hardstyle Lock. At the bottom of the swing your hip tilt is anterior and results in safe lower back health instead of the scooping squat which usally results in a flexed spine, rounded shoulders etc which puts a lot of negative pressure on the lumbar area. If your hips aren’t pried back at the bottom of the swing the chance of injury is very high.The bottom of the swing should look like a good deadlift not a squat. So the question is what’s safe? I hope this helps!
By CORALINE on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
thanks
I bought 2 of pavels books and dvd is on its way, where I learned to do swings the teacher is certified by the american kettle club and I am assuming it is different than rkc. I am doing box squats this week,and I feel it in my hamstrings. I am trying to unlearn what I was taught and it is not easy!
this is how I was doing the swing and my knees got really tweaked
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG3yf3GReqw
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
Where are you located? It would be best if you consult with an RKC to help you get started at the least if you want to learn Hardstyle and all it’s benefit. I amy know someone in your area.
Train Hard!
By CORALINE on Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
thanks
I got hooked up with a RKC trainer!
I am so excited!
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
Excellent. Glad to hear it and have fun!
By MikeZ on Oct 23, 2009 | Reply
Sandy, what a great “how to” and “how to not” with the kb swing! I’ve been using kbs for a few months (w/out any formal training…RKC instructors are far and few between where I live). I really studied your video last night and applied it today. Huge difference!!! It felt better and form-wise it look exponentially better. Thanks!
mikez
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 25, 2009 | Reply
Mike, So happy to hear that I’ve been able to assist you at a distance. Glad to see we share some mutual friends as well. Let me know if you ever have any qusetions and I’ll do my best to help out!
Train Hard!
By Mike Eves on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Just seen the QVC piece – dreadful technique! I wonder how many people have been injured by this.
The snatch demo is even worse!
Great website Sandy, keep it up.
By Sandy, RKC on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply
Mike,
Thanks for the opinion. Jillian Michaels just doesn’t get it. It’s quite amazing.
Train with Purpose,
By Scott Stransky on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply
I was just having this same conversation with the RKC II I’ve been training with. Every day that I gain a bit more knowledge about KBs and the different exercises, I get more frightened by people like Jillian putting out false–and dangerous–information. My only hope is that celebrities like her will help create awareness of how amazing KBs are and get people off the couch and working with an RKC.
By Sandy, RKC on Nov 8, 2009 | Reply
Scott,
Thanks for taking the time out to leave your thoughts. I am certain that Ms. Michaels has helped create awareness and that will ultimately be good for all kettlebell professionals. I know that interest in my area has picked up from “The Biggest Loser.”
Train with Purpose!
By Dale on Nov 13, 2009 | Reply
Hey Sandy, Great video and nice talking with you today.
Dale
By Sandy, RKC on Nov 13, 2009 | Reply
Great chat with you as well. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you at all Dale. It would be my pleasure!
By Lisa on Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
Thank you so much for this video. Honestly she is the reason I decided to give kettlebells a try because she talks about them so much and I needed a new and challenging workout. However, I have been an athlete most of my life and form above all is most important. I know from doing free weights in high school how easy it is to get hurt. Having no real experience with kettlebells, even I could tell how horrible her form was. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that “swing” is more a fling and does nothing beneficial fitness wise and will most likely lead to serious back problems. I made sure to check out legit websites for instructional dvd’s and videos and also looked for a store that sold “real” kettlebells not the crap on tv or in walmart. I’m with a few others on here. I don’t want to be negative and I actually do respect Jillian in many ways. I think she is very positive and motivation to many, particularly women, but also as others have stated, her form is bad news because she does have so many followers. I’ll take her diet advice, but I’m sticking with you for the kettlebell instruction.
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Dec 27, 2009 | Reply
Lisa,
You are quite welcome. Jillian has certainly helped create kettlebell awareness, as she does have a large audience. It’s up to us in the kettlebell community to make sure folks use them safely and effectively.
Train with purpose,
Sandy Sommer RKC
By abbye on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
So I tired to click on your qvc link to see her horrible display of what she calls KB training….but the page is gone. BUT I FOUND SOMETHING EVEN BETTER!!! Check out this blog with Jillian’s KB workout from exercise TV. Seems she heard all the ridicule and SEMI fixed her form from the biggest loser spot…..BUT OH IT GETS BETTER…..then at minute 2:15 she states that she is next going to demonstrate “what she calls” (direct quote) a “swing thru”…….OBVIOUSLY a dangerous spin that she added to her swing…….putting crazy stress on the lumbar!!!!! Thank you for posting this blog….I hope the word gets out fast that she is NOT A CERTIFIED KETTLEBELL INSTRUCTOR and that she will potentially hurt a mass of people…….here is the link:
http://www.blackandi.com/?p=1467
By Sandy Sommer RKC on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Abbye,
Thanks for your contribution. Kettlebells are a great tool and shouldn’t be abused. Thanks for helping to get the word out!
Sandy Sommer RKC