This is a bit of a digression, but not really, because it relates to what I said in the previous post about kettlebell training not being your best choice if your main goal is to look like a physique competitor or fitness model. You can throw in some kettlebells if you want, particularly if you're in the leaning-out phase of your training, but they shouldn't comprise the bulk of your training unless you are a genetically gifted (or hormonally enhanced) individual who has already built all the muscle he or she will ever need, in which case you might conceivably get away with it.
It's not just kettlebells; I would say the same about any sort of "functional" training. Generally speaking, as a trainer I am biased in favor of multi-joint exercises that require the body to move in all three planes of motion because they do a better job of preparing our bodies for the rigors of daily life. Real-world movement is multi-joint and multiplanar, so if your goal is general physical preparedness I believe you're best off with an exercise routine that's comprised mainly of multi-joint multiplanar exercises. Enter the kettlebell :) Or the dumbbell or the stability ball or the medicine ball or the TRX suspension trainer--there are no shortage of options.
Of course bodybuilders need some functional training too, because what's the use of having a beautiful body if it doesn't work properly? Even if you don't give a rat's ass about being able to get around without a walker when you're 80 (and of course most bodybuilders do), you still want to be able to hit your poses, right? And if you think that doesn't involve simultaneous recruitment of multiple muscle groups and a lot of freakin' hard work, you've plainly never tried it :)
But as well as functional training bodybuilders also need lots and lots of isolation exercises to "bring up" any areas that are not developing in the desired proportions. Biceps curls, triceps extensions, lateral raises and other exercises that are kind of a waste of time from a functional-fitness standpoint may make perfect sense as part of a bodybuilding program.
And you know what? I'm fine with that. That kind of training may not be my thing, but so what? Anything that gets a person off the couch and into the gym is A-OK as far as I'm concerned. Different people are motivated by different things, and as a trainer it's my role to facilitate, not judge. I actually have a major problem with trainers who presume to tell people what they should want. I mean, how presumptuous is that? Success means different things to different people, and when it comes to setting a training goal, the only definition of success that matters is yours. If you ever encounter a trainer who doesn't get that, run don't walk.
And for heaven's sake don't let the functional fitness snobs get away with treating you as some sort of knuckle-dragging Neanderthal if you choose to train for aesthetic reasons! There's nothing "less than" about what you're doing.
Likewise if you're more interested in getting strong than in losing that last 15 lbs, don't let anyone rain on your parade! This can be an issue for women in particular due to the pervasive belief that smaller is always better unless cleavage is involved. If you've added 25 pounds to your bench press and 50 pounds to your deadlift in the last three months, don't let anyone tell you your program isn't working just because you've had to buy bigger pants to accommodate the new muscle in your thighs. If anyone tries, knock him to the floor, power-clean him to the rack position, then press him overhead until he cries for his mommy :)
Basically what I'm saying here is, we want what we want, and it's all good. (Yeah, I live in San Francisco. What's your point?)
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