What weight kettlebell should I buy?

thehamo

So, ive done a couple of classes and I think instead of spending so much on each class im going to buy my own. Im a male roughly 94kg just coming back into fitness. Ive seen 16kg reccomended by a lot of people, but to be honest, I struggled with a lot of the moves using a 16kg. I was thinking a 12kg but wondering would I see any results using a 12kg bell?

Dixie Chick

I use a 16kg for swinging and squatting but I also struggle with overhead stuff then with the 16kg (as in I cant do t:D) however its progressive so its not to say that i wont get to that point. Maybe try a 14kg? Or even buy a 14 and a 16, they are investmnets.

TommyKnocker

I started off with a 12kg KB and a 16kg KB. Used the 16 for swings, squats, rows, curls, presses etc and used the 12kg KB for learning the snatch technique, TGU's, windmills etc.

No I have a range of paired KB's from 8kg-24kg and will utilise different weights for different exercises.

And if you want some good home workout routines utilising KB's and body weight exercises, then check out Myomytv.com, where Marianne has some really good routines posted.

FewFew

Not to take the thread off topic, but I'm curious about these kettlebell yokes. I've seen them and just assumed they were another type of dumbell, but more and more people seem to be talking about them as something great and this thread and its mention of specific exercises has me curious.

I'm a fan of getting the aul dumbells out every other night, but I've never been very happy doing more than a few set workouts that I rotate, but always felt it limiting.

Could someone throw up a link to a nice impartial site that goes into this kettlebell lark? I'd google it, but all too often an exercise gets sold as a wonder breakthrough.


EDIT : Actually nevermind, that myohmy site has convinced me to look into it further, partially because of the positivity, partially because that woman looks phenomenal, but mostly because it seems to be a set of resistance exercises that doesn't require me getting gym membership or buying a bench. Unless these kettle yokes are stupidly expensive... :P

Mellor

TommyKnocker wrote: »

I started off with a 12kg KB and a 16kg KB. Used the 16 for swings, squats, rows, curls, presses etc and used the 12kg KB for learning the snatch technique, TGU's, windmills etc.

I agree that different movements need different loads, but imo the 16-24kg the most useful range.

I'd personally suggest using the class to learn the technique, then choose the next size bell up. Eg, learn snatch with a 12kg, buy a 16kg for snatching at home. this is jut because they are very unique movements, that once you get familar, you'll be able for a heavier loads

Fewcifur wrote: »

Not to take the thread off topic, but I'm curious about these kettlebell yokes. I've seen them and just assumed they were another type of dumbell, but more and more people seem to be talking about them as something great and this thread and its mention of specific exercises has me curious.
...

EDIT : Actually nevermind, that myohmy site has convinced me to look into it further, partially because of the positivity, partially because that woman looks phenomenal, but mostly because it seems to be a set of resistance exercises that doesn't require me getting gym membership or buying a bench. Unless these kettle yokes are stupidly expensive... :P

They're a piece of metal. so in a way they are another type of dumbell, as you put it. But the shape, handle, and importantly off-centre centre of gravity, lend them to very different movements. Generally, bigger, explosive, compound movements when compared to the normal excercises you see with dumbells.

cmyk

thehamo wrote: »

So, ive done a couple of classes and I think instead of spending so much on each class im going to buy my own. Im a male roughly 94kg just coming back into fitness. Ive seen 16kg reccomended by a lot of people, but to be honest, I struggled with a lot of the moves using a 16kg. I was thinking a 12kg but wondering would I see any results using a 12kg bell?

I'd echo a lot of what was said above. If you're training from home I'd recommend sticking to swings (double handed and single), clean and press ladders and turkish get ups. Those will help build the shoulder strength needed for snatching.

If you've only done a couple of classes though I doubt you've covered the snatch yet.

So in answer to your question @94kg you should be well capable of swinging a 16kg. This might (currently) be too heavy for TGU's and pressing but try pressing a 16kg in your next class or ask the instructor. If you can only afford the one bell go for the 16kg and do TGU's with your shoe. Make a fist and rest the sole of your shoe on top of them....do 5 mins and tell me it's easy.