Several weeks ago I added some kettlebell exercises to my off-bike routine. I\’ve been doing the same old exercises for six years, and it\’s gotten rather monotonous. I think it\’s time to add some new moves.

I\’ve started with a 7.5-lb weight. The physical therapist who has been working with me (for tendonitis in my foot) recommended that size. He says the way to determine whether a kettlebell is too heavy for you is this:

Hold the weight by the flat part of the handle, with the rounded part up, and your forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you aren\’t able to keep your wrist straight, the weight is too heavy; and you should use a lighter one.

Here is one suggested kettlebell routine. And if this one will help me climb better when I\’m faced with some hilly country, it will be worth doing.

Now for the 64-dollar question: can kettlebell workouts be done instead of some of my old exercises; and if so, which ones? Like everybody else, I have only so much time for off-bike work.

Just be careful not to let that thing hit your head. That\’s a \”ring\” that I, for one, am not eager to hear.