Before Buying Kettlebells, Here's What A Trainer Says You Should Know
Before Buying Kettlebells, Here's What A Trainer Says You Should Know
If you’re not using kettlebells in your workout routine, you’re missing out. Kettlebells are versatile by nature, since they let you train your power, endurance and strength all in one piece of iron, says Lauren Kanski, a NASM-certified trainer who specializes in kettlebell skillwork.
Unlike a barbell or dumbbell, a kettlebell focuses its weight on one side. "The way the handle/grip is positioned on the kettlebell loads the weight on one side instead of it being evenly dispersed like a barbell or dumbbell," says Kanski. "This allows us to train in a more explosive/ballistic fashion."
But when shopping for a kettlebell, Laura Miranda, DPT, CSCS, creator of the PURSUIT Training Method recommends considering a few features first, like whether you want just one bell or a whole set. She points out that heavier weights are good for power movements like swings and snatches, versus lighter weights, which are ideal for things like presses and Turkish get-ups.
If you're worried that you don't have enough space at home to invest in a whole set though, you can consider opting for an adjustable kettlebell, which lets you play with different weights without having to buy separate kettlebells. You can also consider going for a soft kettlebell set instead, which will protect you and your floors in case of accidental drops.
Other things you can consider when kettlebell shopping: whether the coating provides a comfortable grip, whether they're durable, and whether you prefer classic style, or competition kettles, which tend to be pricier.
The weight set you should buy really depends on your lifting history, says Kanski but she considers 8-12kg to be a good range for women working on overhead movements, and a little heavier for lower body movements, like swings and goblet squa
Ready to shop for a set? Here are the best kettlebell options for you to pick from, based on customer reviews.
Power Systems Premium Kettlebell
Power Systems
amazon.com
$67.53
If you want to purchase more than one size kettlebell, not only are these a reliable option, but they’re also easy to distinguish because each weight is a different color. They range from five to 50 pounds, come color-coded, with a smooth steel handle for an easy grip.
Reviewer rave: “Product delivered in excellent condition with more than enough packaging. The handle is wide enough for two hands and the vinyl coating is very durable. No product issues and no complaints after a couple months of using 2–3 times/week."
Rogue Kettle Gryp Portable Accessory
rogue wallet
roguefitness.com
$34.95
Wave goodbye to everything you thought a kettlebell looked like in the past. This handy AF tool allows you to interchange your dumbbells and loop them into the middle of the ring so that you can use all kinds of different weights during your workout sesh.
Reviewer rave: "I bought it about a month ago, and it’s been in my workout bag ever since. The design is so simple but very well built and it works very well."
Bowflex SelectTech 840
Bowflex
amazon.com
$222.00
This tech-savvy kettlebell is like six weights in one (literally). With the adjustable dial at the top, you can change the kettlebell's resistance between 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 49 pounds, making it super easy to switch from one exercise to the next when you're changing up intensity.
Reviewer rave: "I highly recommend this piece of equipment, I’ve had it for a couple of weeks and I have used the kettlebell almost everyday since I’ve had it. The versatility of the kettlebell lets you quickly adjust your workout from cardio to weight training and back again, I plan to buy a second one in a few months once I learn and develop the proper techniques to maximize my workouts. Anyone considering purchasing one of these kettlebells will not regret the purchase."
Surge Hydro Ball 12
surgestrong.com
$34.99
Want a super easy way to adjust the weight in your kettlebell workout routine? Just add water. (Literally) This Hydro Ball can be filled with water to meet the weight you're looking for. If you want to go a lighter one day, just empty into the sink and voila! You're all set.
Reviewer rave: "This is a solid product, really nice of workouts at home. The water truly does add a whole new dynamic, I didn't really follow the workout charts, I mainly use them for traditional weight movements like hammer curls and 1-arm shoulder presses. I've seen others use them for just about everything, specifically kettlebell workouts, which they are ideal for because you can adjust the weight they don't damage the floor when dropped."
CAP Barbell Color Coated Kettlebell with Chrome Handle, 30 lb
Yes4All 10-40lb Adjustable Kettlebell Weights
Yes4All
amazon.com
$120.99
This powder-coated kettlebell can be adjusted from 10-40 pounds, according to what your workout needs are, and feature a flat bottom for easy storage. But if you want something a little lighter, opt for the individual weight sets that comes with a trio of 5, 10, and 15 pound kettlebells.
Reviewer rave: "I wanted to start using kettlebells and this was a good starter set for a decent price." —Michele, amazon.com
Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell with Handle - 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 lb. for Weightlifting, Conditioning, Strength and core Training
【10-40LBS】Kettlebell Weights Sets,Adjustable Kettle Bells Weight Set For Men Or Women Strength Training Exercise，15 lb 20 lb 30 lb 35 lbs Kettlebells, Great Assistant For Home Office Fitness.
Hyperwear Soft Kettlebell with Handle and Adjustable Versatile SoftBell Weight Plates Home Gym Equipment for Weightlifting, Core Strength and Training (30 lb)
AmazonBasics Enamel Cast Iron Kettlebell - 15 Pounds, Black
Starting with, there are two different types.