The Best Kettlebell For Beginners To Shake Up Their Workout Routine

When people first start working out, they open themselves up to a whole new world of possibilities, and often seek out as many ways to achieve their goals quickly as they possibly can.

Considering the more you mix up your workouts the better your results will be, this is normally a good way to go.

However, the less popular a piece of equipment is, the less knowledge people will have, and the more likely things are to go wrong.

The kettlebell sums this up perfectly, as they are popular enough to be found in most gyms, but many people still don’t know what to do with them.

In order to truly get the most out of kettlebells, you need to first find out more about them, from how they work to the different options you have.

With that in mind, I want to show you the best kettlebell for beginners to shake up their workout routine.

We will examine how kettlebells work, go through all of the options available, and look at some of the best kettlebells on the market to get you started.

That should give you all you need to pick your perfect kettlebell and begin making the most of all the benefits they have to offer.

What Is A Kettlebell?

The kettlebell is a heavy item that was originally designed in the 18^th century to weigh down crops in Russia.

Traditionally made from cast iron or steel, it features a single weighted section, which is usually spherical, with a long, curved, continuous handle, in a semi-circle across the top.

Since having been repurposed by the fitness industry, the kettlebell functions as kind of a middle ground between barbells and dumbbells and can be used with either one or two hands.

Kettlebells are primarily used in ballistic styles of training, where greater focus is placed on using explosive movements, which are intended to improve power.

That said, they can also be used to improve cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, and strength.

They are even helpful for those trying to lose weight or improve their body composition as well.

What Are The Benefits To Using A Kettlebell As A Beginner?

The benefits to using a kettlebell as a beginner are that it allows you to change up your workout and add a number of more explosive movements. With your body always constantly trying to adapt, keeping it guessing in this way is the best option to continue making improvements.

Unlike the slow and controlled exercises that you traditionally perform with dumbbells and barbells, kettlebells are designed for building momentum and using multiple parts of your body to move the weight at any cost.

When you realise that you can also perform some traditional dumbbell exercises with them too, it makes a kettlebell an incredibly versatile piece of equipment and an invaluable tool to anyone new to the world of weightlifting. They are also a fabulous option for anyone involved in CrossFit as well.

What Weight Kettlebell Should I Be Using As A Beginner?

As beneficial as a kettlebell is, it is essential to choose the correct weight.

This is particularly true if you are a beginner, as you won’t have developed that much strength yet. Beginners will also want to take their gender into account, as untrained men will generally be stronger than untrained women.

Most men will usually want to start off using a 35 pound (16 kg) kettlebell, while women will generally want to go for an 18 pound (8 kg) kettlebell.

However, this is only a guideline.

Men and women who have been training for a long time may be able to start with higher weights, while those with no weightlifting experience at all will likely need to start off lower.

The exercises you plan to perform will also play a major role in your decision.

For example, someone planning to perform halos or thrusts will likely want to select a lighter weight than people planning to primarily use their kettlebell for swings.

Ensuring you select the appropriate weight enables you to perform all of the exercises with proper form, which will help to keep you safe, while ensuring you progress as quickly as possible.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Kettlebell

When it comes to selecting a kettlebell to purchase, there are a wide range of options available, many of which boast characteristics that vary wildly from their competitors.

We will now look at the 5 main factors that go into the make-up of a kettlebell.

You need to take each on board and work out how important it is to you. That way, you can build a picture of the perfect kettlebell to match all of your needs.

Size

When looking at the size of a kettlebell, you need to take both the weight and the handle into consideration.

The handle needs to be of a size where you can comfortably fit both of your hands on it.

Meanwhile, it must be thin enough that you can comfortably wrap your hands around it and get a good grip.

The weight needs to be narrow enough that it comfortably fits between your legs with plenty of room, so it is safe to do kettlebell swings.

Meanwhile, it shouldn’t be too long, as smaller users may find they end up hitting the floor.

You also need to ensure that the weight and handle are equally balanced, so that you can perform smooth, flowing movements during your workouts.

Material

Kettlebells will usually be available in a choice of cast iron, plastic, rubber, and occasionally even fabric.

Cast iron are by far the most durable, followed by rubber, with fabric and plastic at the bottom of the list.

However, there are different benefits to each of the other materials.

The fabric and rubber options are great choices for people worried about damaging the surfaces they are training on, while plastic kettlebells are usually the cheapest, so are a great choice for those on a budget.

Filling & Coating

Plastic kettlebells are usually filled with either concrete, sand, or water.

Rubber kettlebells are often filled with the same things, although can sometimes be made completely of solid rubber as well.

Fabric kettlebells are almost always filled with sand, while cast iron kettlebells are completely solid.

Concrete filled kettlebells will usually have the most even weight distribution, however they are often much more likely to break than water or sand filled options.

The unfilled, solid cast iron kettlebells feature great balance and durability, but are usually the most expensive.

Adjustable Or Not

While traditional kettlebells will come in a single weight, adjustable options are available that work like a set of kettlebells in one, much like you may have seen with the more common adjustable dumbbells.

Adjustable kettlebells are a great option for those who need to save space, although they are usually much more expensive and less durable than traditional kettlebells.

The Best Kettlebell To Buy For A Beginner

Now that you have a good idea of some of the options you have available in the world of kettlebells, I will show you a collection of the best kettlebells to buy for a beginner.

These will have options ideal for people of all abilities, budgets, and styles, to ensure everyone can find their perfect kettlebell.

ONNIT Primal Bell Kettlebell

The ONNIT Primal Bell Kettlebell is well known for its unique design, which is available in the shape of a chimp, gorilla, or howler monkey head, or even the mask of Marvel hero Iron Man.

Depending on the face you choose, weights of 18, 36, 40, and 72 pounds are available, creating the opportunity to own a truly iconic set of kettlebells.

Made from chip resistant cast iron, the ONNIT Primal Bell Kettlebell is designed to have a long and productive life.

The large handle provides plenty of room to hold it, no matter how large your hands are, yet is still perfectly balanced with the weight of the bell to provide optimum performance.

Endorsed by numerous performance athletes, you can be confident in the high quality of your purchase.

However, with the range retailing from between $119.75 to $435, they certainly aren’t a cheap item and will be a little too pricy for many.

Pros

• Available in a choice of stunning, distinctive designs
• A range of 4 different weights are available
• Made from high quality chip resistant cast iron, which is designed to have a long, hard life
• Endorsed by multiple performance athletes

Cons

• Very expensive, particularly in the heavier weights

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell is an adjustable kettlebell that acts as a full range of kettlebells in one.

With the turn of a dial, you can change the weight between 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds, eliminating the need for multiple pieces for equipment for most people.

Its sleek, stylish, red and black design is extremely eye catching, and its shape is slightly more oblong than the normal rounded bells, giving it a unique vibe.

However, its composite material and rotating dial make it a little less durable than other kettlebells.

With a recommended retail price of $149, it is by no means a cheap piece of equipment, yet its ability to replace 6 traditional kettlebells and have access to 24 trainer led workout videos still allows it to provide great value.

Pros

• Functions as a range of 6 kettlebells in 1
• Produced by a well-known, reputable company
• Stylish red and black design
• Offers access to a range of online, trainer led videos

Cons

• Less durable than other kettlebells
• Top end of the weight range will be too light for many

CAP Barbell Enamel Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell

The CAP Barbell Enamel Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell takes their traditional black cast iron kettlebell and adds a high sheen enamel coating to it.

This not only protects it from corrosion but also adds an aesthetic element to the product.

Kettlebells are available in 5 pound increments from 10 lbs to 40 lbs, and then 10 pound increments from 40 lbs to 70 lbs.

Prices for individual kettlebells range from $26.99 to $123.22, while 25, 35, and 80 pound sets are available for $40.98, $55.90, and $101.89, respectively.

Its wide handle makes it ideal for swinging exercises and people with large hands, while its flat bottom is perfect for storing, placing down between sets, and even performing flat bottom kettlebell exercises.

Pros

• Enamel coated to add style and prevent corrosion
• Available in a great range of different weights
• Reasonably affordable and good value
• Flat bottom makes it perfect for storage and certain exercises

Cons

• Handle is a little thick and hard to grip for people with smaller hands
• Not overly aesthetically pleasing

User Reviews:

CAP Barbell Rubber Color Coated Kettlebell

The CAP Barbell Rubber Color Coated Kettlebell takes their regular cast iron kettlebell and covers the body in a rubber sleeve and the handle in chrome.

This makes it significantly more aesthetically pleasing, protects it from damage, and makes it less likely to damage the floors you train on.

Available in a choice of four colours that includes pink, green, orange, and red, each of which represents the weight of the kettlebell, it ensures you never make a mistake with which one you select.

Weights of 10, 15, 20, and 25 are available and range in price from $25.19 to $64.88

Pros

• Available in a range of weights and vibrant colours
• Each weight is conveniently colour coded
• Boasts high quality materials and manufacture
• Covering protects both the kettlebell and your home surfaces

Cons

• Handle is a little thick and hard to grip for people with smaller hands
• Range of available weights is a little limited

User Reviews:

JaxJox Kettlebell Connect 2.0

The JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0 is a high tech kettlebell that allows you to quickly and easily change the weight between 12, 18, 24, 60, 36, and 42 pounds, while its docking bay tells you exactly what weight you have selected.

Sixaxis motion sensors allow it to continually send data to the connected app, to help you keep track of all your workouts and see how you are progressing. For a monthly fee of $12.99, the app will also provide you with direct contact to qualified trainers and give you access to guided workouts.

Its sleek, compact design and wide handle make it easy to use and suitable for almost any kettlebell exercises, as well as many traditional movements. However, at $249, it will, admittedly, be a little out of some people’s price range.

Pros

• Includes workout tracking and access to dedicated workouts and personal trainers
• Functions as a range of 6 kettlebells in 1
• Quick and easy to change between weights, while the dock ensures you know what you are lifting
• Sleek design and large handle make it suitable for a huge range of exercises

Cons

• Quite expensive on its own and the subscription service makes it even more so
• Not as sturdy or durable as traditional kettlebells

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell

The Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell is a simple yet effective option, designed to be an affordable alternative. Made from solid cast iron, it is made to stand up to anything you throw at it, while the painted exterior will help to protect it from corrosion.

While its plain black design leaves a little to be desired in the style department, the debossed numbering ensures you always know what weight you are using.

The handle also features a wide, textured grip, to ensure optimal security while in use.

Available in a choice of weights including 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 45, and 60 pounds, there are options available to suit the majority of people.

Priced between $21.99 and $86.99, they are all also extremely affordable and should be attainable by most users.

Pros

• Great range of weights available
• Pricing makes them attainable for the majority of people
• Coated to prevent corrosion
• Wide, textured handle for optimum grip
• Made from hard, solid cast iron

Cons

• Very plain, unstylish design
• Top end of the weight range could go a little higher

User Reviews:

Best Choice Products 3-Piece Kettlebell Set With Storage Rack

Rather than a single kettlebell, the Best Choice Products 3-Piece Kettlebell Set With Storage Rack is a range of 3 kettlebells, weighing 5, 10, and 15 pounds.

Each is made from a durable, high density polyethylene, and they come with a convenient storage rack to keep them all safe, tidy, and secure.

Their solid black design with weights printed on them in vibrant blue, red, and yellow ensure they aren’t an eye sore and that you always know exactly what weight you are using.

With a recommended retail price of $39.99, they offer extremely good value and are a product that is affordable for all.

Pros

• Incredibly affordable and good value
• Includes a choice of weights
• Weights are colour coded, to ensure you always know what you are using
• Included storage rack helps to keep everything safe, secure, and tidy

Cons

• Range of weights is a little low
• The plastic design is less durable than cast iron options

User Reviews:

The Original KETTLE GRYP Portable Accessory

Rather than a traditional kettlebell, the KETTLE GRYP is an accessory capable of turning your dumbbells into kettlebells.

This means rather than having both dumbbells and kettlebells, you simply need a set of dumbbells, and the KETTLE GRYP can allow you to have both.

Its wide handle offers plenty of room and is easy to grip, while the bright orange design adds its own unique style. Weighing just 0.9 pounds, it is also incredibly lightweight, so can easily be transported around and taken with you to gyms.

The high impact plastic makes it comfortable to use, while a recommended retail price of $34.95 makes it a good value product that is attainable for all.

Pros

• Allows you to turn dumbbells of any weights into kettlebells
• Comfortable and easy to grip
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Good value and attainable for all

Cons

• Can’t be used without access to a set of dumbbells

User Reviews:

Are There Any Risks When Using A Kettlebell As A Beginner?

The main risk for a beginner using a kettlebell comes from the explosive movements you commonly do with the equipment.

With the movements being less careful and calculated, there is more risk of pulling or injuring something, particularly in the lower back. Trips and falls are also more likely too.

Lack of knowledge is also a concern that needs to be addressed.

As kettlebell exercises aren’t as popular as dumbbell or barbell exercises, many beginners will often perform exercises they have seen or even come up with themselves, without really knowing what they are doing.

The best way for any beginner to make the most of the benefits that kettlebells can offer is to speak to a personal trainer or watch some online coaching videos.

These will help you to understand both the equipment and the movements, so you can reap all of the rewards, with very few of the risks.

Example Beginner Kettlebell Workout

A great beginner kettlebell workout for people to try is the Aubrey Marcus Kettlebell Workout.

With guidance and instructions from an established fitness professional, it will allow you to step into the world of kettlebells in the safest, most effective way possible.

Using just three of the most common kettlebell exercises, the halo, swing, and thruster, and the Tabata training method, you will have an easy to follow routine that encompasses the full benefits of the explosive movements kettlebells are known for.

Conclusion

Kettlebells are a fabulous option to include in your workout, as they add an incredible amount of variety and a new way to train.

Hopefully, you will now have a better idea of the best kettlebell for you, which will help people just discovering them to completely shake up their workout routine.

That means all that’s left is for you to purchase your chosen product and find the kettlebell workout that suits you best.

That way, you can look forward to experiencing all of the fabulous benefits that kettlebells have to offer for yourself, as soon as possible.

Those who want to take it a step further can even sign up for a kettlebell course.

Usually conducted online, kettlebell courses will give you an in depth understanding of kettlebells and help you to become the master of your new equipment.