You just have to sift through the myriad sizes, brands, styles, and weights.
Heres how to tell what matters and whats useless.
Weve already discussedwhy kettlebells are awesome, and all the things you could do with them.
You may even be ready to add one to your home gym, orset of dorm room weights.
Well, brace yourself to plunk down between $50 and $300 for justonekettlebell.
Its tempting to reach for high-end stuff, but you really dont need thebestkettlebell when youre starting out.
A 16 kilogram kettlebell will be larger, not just heavier, than its 8 kilogram kin.
Standardized kettlebells arent necessarily better.
They ensure that your exercise technique stays consistent between training and competition.
Because theyre made out of steel, they last longer too.
Competition kettlebells are a quality option if you see very serious kettlebell training in your future.
That way, you might work on technique, get stronger, and not outgrow it too quickly.
Start between 8 and 16 kilograms and see how it feels.
Its not an exact science.
Youd probably test a kettlebells weight by lifting it like a dumbbell and thinking, Whoa, thats heavy!
But dont think about using a kettlebell the same way as a dumbbell.
Sure, youcouldwear gloves, but they can also interfere with your exercise technique.
Pay extraattention to the kettlebell handle, including the underside, and check for even smoothness.
Big kettlebell manufacturers likeVulcanandRogue Fitnessusually take care of this, but cheaper kettlebells often do not.
Youll still get callouses, but overall your hands will thank you.
The painted ones can chip more.
you might find more affordable vinyl or plastic kettlebells, but the drawbacks outweigh any money you might save.
Sometimes there even isnt enough space between the handle and ball for you to comfortably hold it.
You might come across adjustable kettlebells or kettlebells that come in two or more pieces.
I wouldnt recommend either for serious kettlebell training because theyre simply less secure and safe.
This guide from Garage Gym offers a lot ofgreat insight on shopping for a kettlebell.
Theyre nice to have, but theyre also not chump change.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
Image byPhotographing Travis,rjakobsson,.v1ctor Casale, andOKFoundryCompany.
