Kettlebell Buying Guide

Revised 3/18/22

When I’m at home or traveling, the kettlebell is my go-to. When time, space, or budget is limited, a kettlebell is the only piece of equipment you need for a great workout without compromise.

Whether you choose to train only with kettlebells or just need a way of staying active when you can’t make it to the gym, get yourself a kettlebell or two.

This is a basic buying guide for kettlebell users of all levels. You could get very specific about choosing the kettlebell that is right for you, and unless you plan on competing, these recommendations will work for most people. Skip to recommendations

Most workouts with my clients and myself involve using kettlebells. There are a variety of exercises utilizing kettlebells that allow you to train the entire body, presenting challenges and opportunities to develop strength, power, mobility, and stability with additional demands placed on the cardiovascular system. In some cases, the kettlebell is the most comfortable option compared to holding a dumbbell or barbell. Some exercises are exclusive to the kettlebell, like the kettlebell swing (swinging a dumbbell feels so wrong).

The more kettlebells you get the better, but you can do a lot with one. In fact, you could train effectively for your entire life with just a single kettlebell. Now I’m not endorsing you only train with kettlebells, but you can certainly attain high levels of fitness using only kettlebells. Many people of all ages and varying levels of athleticism do this training exclusively with kettlebells.

Quality

There’s a large variety of kettlebells on the market. Cheap kettlebells are likely to chip and become worn faster and will certainly need to be replaced. A good quality kettlebell starts around $30-50 w/ shipping and could last you forever; it’s worth the extra investment. Painted kettlebells will lose their paint if you're banging them around with other kettlebells or tossing them to the ground aggressively. Vinyl Coated is a nice option if you like your equipment to stay looking pretty or prefer the rubber versus iron touch on your skin. If you have hardwood floors I recommend vinyl coated; painted kettlebells mark the floors.

Standard vs. Competition Kettlebells

Kettlebells come in a standard size (most common in stores and gyms) or a larger, not heavier, competition size. Competition kettlebells all have the same diameter, regardless of weight. The larger handles also offer more space for the hands. For some, the larger surface area makes it easier to support in the rack position (on the body). Beginners may find that it hurts less when it slams into the wrist because it has less distance to travel before it hits (when done right, it’s not supposed to hurt, but it takes some practice).

I prefer the competition size, however, my female clients prefer the standard size. Although I recommend the competition size, it’s really a personal preference.