Kettlebells are massive weights that are either made of cast iron or steel. Basically, you might think that there can not be much difference, but this is wrong. Because as simple as the kettlebells may seem, these fitness tools also have very crucial features. This begins with the scope of the handles, to the method of manufacture, to the handling. In addition, there are still various differences in the kettlebells in terms of beginners and advanced.
The purchase decision
When it comes to deciding which kettlebells to buy, you're literally blown away by the sheer number of offers. Which of these fitness devices is the right one depends on very different criteria.An important point is also the weight, but not the only decisive factor.
1st factor: the weight class
If you roughly summarize the market for kettlebells, it contains six weight classes: 4 kg, 8 kg, 12 kg, 16 kg, 24 kg and 32 kg. In the meantime, intermediate weight classes such as 6 kg and 20 kg are becoming more and more established.
If you already have some pre-training, but no experience in kettlebell training for men, you should start with 12 or 16 kg and then later upgrade to 20 and 24 kg. Briefly for comparison: the Russian army, where kettlebell training already has a very long tradition, is trained with 24 kg kettlebells and the 32 kg are left to the professionals. A woman with some previous experience should start with 6 kg or 8 kg, if she is already active in fitness and weight training. With young people, the rule is to be cautious. They should train very cautiously with the kettlebell, and barbell or dumbbell training is more recommended.
2nd factor: the distance ball to handle
The distance between the ball and the handle also has a great influence on the training. If the distance is large, then the centrifugal forces increase during the swing exercises and the intensity of the workout increases.
3rd factor: the grip circumference
What you do not want to think, but the circumference of the handle of the kettlebells also has an impact on the workout. A thicker handle promotes strength in gripping, as opposed to a thin handle where you don't have to grip as vigorously.
4th factor: a variable weight or a fixed one?
Quite new are the kettlebells that are offered with a variable weight. Here, the advantage is obvious: you invest more money once, but then you don't have to buy more kettlebells in the long run, so you save money on the bottom line.
These variable kettlebells can then be modified depending on the training goal or exercise profile and always achieve the appropriate intensity of the workout. Thus, several people can train with one or the same kettlebell. But here also hides a danger, because by tearing or swinging immense forces are released and if the weight is not absolutely firmly locked, serious injuries or property damage can occur.
5th factor: the surface
First and foremost, you have to ask yourself the question about the quality of workmanship here. Most of the kettlebells are made of cast iron , which makes them cheap to buy, but not very durable. The situation is different with kettlebells made of steel , which are of higher quality, but at the same time more expensive to purchase. In addition, it is recommended to purchase kettlebells with a vinyl coating. Because these look particularly chic on the one hand and at the same time also protect the floor.
When it comes to deciding which kettlebells to purchase, there is no way around asking around and getting advice. Test reports can also help in the decision-making process.
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Published on: 3 February 2015