Kettlebells vs Dumbbells

Vojera

Hey all.

I've decided to get myself fit, lose weight and just generally feel better and so far it's going well. I've managed to go from couch potato to 5x30mins cardio a week and now I think I'm ready to start some strength training as a complement to that.

I've never done any strength training before and can't afford a gym, so I was hoping ye could give me some advice. I want to invest in some weights for home, but I'm not sure whether kettlebells or dumbbells will be better for me or will offer me a better variety. Do you have a preference? And is there a reason to go for one rather than the other?

cmyk

Hey Vojera,

Well done on the progress so far, and wanting to add some strength training. First off, they are both great tools and both have advantages, disadvantages and crossover. I am personally biased toward the kettlebells myself as I think they are slightly more versatile, having said that it really depends on what you intend to do with them?

If you haven't used them before though you'll probably need some instruction to start you off so factor that in too. The same applies of course for dumbells, but imo the injury risk is higher with kettlebells as you'll be doing ballistic movements, plus banging your forearm repeatedly isn't fun.

Kettlebells have the advantage of (most decent instructors will offer this) being able to trade up in bells, so if you initially buy a 12kg bell, when you outgrow it, simply go back to the instructor and trade in the 12kg for a 14kg/16kg and only pay the difference.

Vojera

Thanks for the feedback. Think you're right that I'll need a bit of instruction. Might tip into the gym across the road and see if non-members can pay a per day fee and see if I can get one of their instructors to help me out. No point doing it wrong and hurting myself!

That sounds really good about trading up the kettlebells too, I'll keep an eye out for that. Thanks!

Transform

kettlebells all the way - add in a skipping rope, mat, bands and a foam roll and you are set to go

Gone Fishin

It's Kettlebells for me, they are the complete gym at home. Like the last poster said, throw in a skipping rope or pull up bar etc. and you will be flying. If you are going to use KB, make sure you get proper instruction from a proper instructor (not one who was watched videos on youtube). Try: www.kettlebellsireland.com

Best of luck.

puppetmaster

New to kettlebells myself, I had heard alot about them and used many a dumbell in the past. I honestly couldnt reccomend them enough (KB). Huge benifits for cardio/fatburn workouts. And From my limited knowledge (Burning in muscles i didnt know existed) They are immense for Strength training. Particularly with the core muscles, Legs, arms and shoulders. (yeh most muscles really)

I wouldnt recommend them for Gettin arnie pecks but , all in its own good time

HBK

Hi Guys,

And for someone who has neevr used Kettlebells(always been a dumbell man) where would you suggest starting? what weight bell?

Dumbells I would be between 15-25kg most days

TommyKnocker

It seems that the normal recommended weight for starting with KB's are 8kg for females and 16kg for males.

I attended a 3 hour workshop last year where you are thought the technique of the basic moves and used a 16kg KB with no major issues during the class, though I was not always happy with my form.

For continuing at home then I initially bought a set of 12kg and 16kg KB's. I used the lighter KB's first for working on my technique and then progressed up to the heavier.

So my opinion would be to start initially with a weight a little lighter than you reckon you can handle until you get the correct form for the different moves dialed in.

cmyk

HBK wrote: »

Hi Guys,

And for someone who has neevr used Kettlebells(always been a dumbell man) where would you suggest starting? what weight bell?

Dumbells I would be between 15-25kg most days

Too many factors to say over a forum, but Tommy offered some good advice there. Start a shade lighter than you think you can handle and work on good technique from there. Some people pick up the technique in 5 minutes, others take a few classes.

The Guvnor

HBK wrote: »

Hi Guys,

And for someone who has neevr used Kettlebells(always been a dumbell man) where would you suggest starting? what weight bell?

Dumbells I would be between 15-25kg most days

I've never used KB's but I'll have a go at answering this.:D

IMO you cannot comapre db's with kb's - you are doing complete body movements with a KB where as with DB's it's static - you are on a bench etc.

Also these KB classes go on for what 30-60 mins so you want a KB that allows you to maintain form for the duration of the activity.

IMO - I don't think you'd need much more than 12kgs personally.

I prefer the look of the powerclubs - to me the clubs look more versatile with less stress on the wrist or forearm!?

cmyk

The Guvnor wrote: »

I prefer the look of the powerclubs - to me the clubs look more versatile with less stress on the wrist or forearm!?

I would think the opposite, you're extending the lever length of the weight with the clubs, consequently more wrist stress. I don't see them as more versatile either, but again a different tool.

The Guvnor

Which is why I really need to try both before making a 'final' judgement!:)