Last year, when gyms were forced to close their doors, searches for gym equipment like dumbbells, exercise mats and kettlebells went through the roof we all searched for new ways to keep both physically and mentally fit. While some of us started running, and others jumped onto the Peloton bandwagon to level-up that cardio, absolutely tons of invested in home gym equipment for living room weight training.
Now, nearly 18 months on, the best kettlebells — a simple bit of kit, valued for their versatility – are back in stock. Hurrah!
Similar to a dumbbell, the humble kettlebell is a type of weight found in most gyms and used in the majority of strength training and resistance training classes. They’re normally made from cast iron or cast steel, can be vinyl coated, and are shaped into round balls with handles on top for easy grip.
Used for a whole range of compound moves – squats, lunges, push-ups and glute bridges, to name a few – kettlebell exercises can be added to any workout to really spice things up, and will help you build the all-important core strength so essential for daily life. Consider your home workout elevated.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to figuring out the best kettlebells to buy for your kettlebell training, we’ve got a range of kettlebells and kettlebell weight sets from Amazon to John Lewis and Decathlon for you to add to your checkout. Let our guide help.
What are the benefits of weight training with kettlebells?
In short, loads. Studies have found strength training – surprise, surprise – can improve muscle strength, muscle gain, blood pressure levels, bone mineral density, blood glucose levels, and more.
Strength training is a great way to build muscle and tone up, and has also been found to boost your body’s state of EPOC – that’s excess post-exercise energy consumption. That basically means, while you may not burn loads of calories while working out, your body will continue to for hours post-sweat session. Not bad.
What weight kettlebell should I use?
If you’re just getting started with using a kettlebell in your workouts, start light and build your strength up, rather than risking injury lifting too heavy, advises personal trainer at PASSA Lillie Bleasdale. “Begin with a 4kg to 6kg weight – this will allow you to utilise the weight for both upper and lower body exercises,” she shares.
Not your first rodeo? For intermediates, she recommends a 10kg kettlebell. “This weight will allow you to progress to moves like a kettlebell swing, a great one for targeting lower body while also challenging your core and promoting stability in the muscles of your shoulders and lower back.”
If you’re really advanced when it comes to weight lifting, you’ll likely know what weight level you’re trained to, but some kettlebells go up to 50kg+.
Lillie stresses here that your strength level will be totally different to your best mate’s, and dictated by both your level of fitness and the type of training you do. If you’re unsure which weight is best for you, Lillie’s advises opting for an adjustable kettlebell. “It’ll become an invaluable piece of equipment which I’ve no doubt will serve you incredibly well,” she shares.
It’s also worth addressing what you’ll be using the kettlebell for here. If you’re looking to build muscle, studies have shown lifting heavier for fewer reps is best, and if you’re looking to tone, lifting lighter for more reps is advised. Take note.
Are there different types of kettlebell you can order?
Oh yep. As above, there’s a whole range of weights of kettlebells available – everything from 2kg to 50kg+. You can also buy new snazzy ‘smart’ kettlebells that enable you to change their weight.
A top tip here: do be careful to double-check the weight of your kettlebell when ordering. Certain websites are very clever at making 10lb sound like 10kg, which would be quite a disappointment if you wanted a 10kg weight and paid a lot for it. Don’t get caught out.
What kind of kettlebells are best?
The best type of kettlebells are ultimately what feels most comfortable to you. We prefer kettlebells that accommodate two-handed grips, for two-handed deadlifts and kettlebell swings. For beginners, we recommend choosing a cast-iron kettlebell (rather than a competition one) as they tend to have more-rounded handles. The other main difference is that cast-iron kettlebells increase and decrease in proportion to their weight, whereas, competition bells are the same size regardless of weight.
Do I need two kettlebells?
If you’re a beginner, you only really need one. As mentioned above, we recommend a 10kg kettlebell for women (get a 12 kg bell if 10 kg isn’t available).
How do I use a kettlebell?
Fun fact: unlike dumbbells, you only stereotypically use one kettlebell per workout. Google ‘home kettlebell workouts’ and you’ll find loads on YouTube from the likes of Joe Wicks, Kayla Itsines, and more.
Or have a go at any of the following moves yourself – do just make sure to practice good form, especially with your back, to reduce injury risk.
- Kettlebell swings
- Kettlebell squats
- Sumo squats
- Deadlift
- One-arm swings
- Kettlebell lunges
- Kettlebell row
Should I use kettlebells everyday?
Official NHS guidelines advise strength training a minimum of twice a week. Muscles take time to recover – rest is just as important as hitting your sweat sessions hard.
Ready to shop our pick of the best kettlebells available now? You’re in the right place
