The kettle bells, also known as Weights Russian, are a training tool increasingly used in all types of routines. However, precisely due to this popularization, there is a great diversity of models available on the market.
Choosing a suitable kettle bell may not be as easy as it sounds. Therefore, it is worth stopping to assess its different characteristics according to our needs, such as shape, weight or material. Here are some practical tips!
1. Hard or Soft?
There are two main styles in the style of kettle bells: the Hard-style and the Soft-style. The first ones (don’t be fooled by the name) are the most classic and simple, and also the most suitable for beginners and for learning the technique. They are characterized by offering a svery wide handle that allows double grip with both hands, which is very practical for some exercises. So, if you are going to start strength training, these will be the best option.
Soft-styles tend to have more colorful designs, with a narrower grip and a more refined design.
2. The material
When we talk about Hard-style or classic kettle bells, we can find them mainly of three materials: cast iron, plastic and sand. Pay attention to the details of each one of them and choose the one that suits you best:
- Those of cast iron are the most common to see, and also the most durable and economical. They are made in one piece, and if you are not going to store or use them in a humid environment, they are highly recommended.
- The plastic ones are filled with a heavier material, such as cement. Its appearance tends to be more modern or flashy, although its durability is less than those of iron.
- The sand ones are easy to transport because they can be emptied, but their handle is not rigid, so they prevent the performance of many classic kettle bell exercises.
3. The handle
Not all kettle bells have a handle of the same size or thickness. And since there is also a great difference in the sizes of each hand, it is necessary to test and make sure that we are going to take a model that we can use properly in our kettle bell training.
Check that your hand can close comfortably around the handle, offering a firm grip without straining your fingers. Some exercises require the kettle bell to be firmly gripped or it could fly off, risking accidents.
In addition, the handle can have different widths and shapes. Some allow a double grip, very useful for beginners, while others are narrower and are specialized for other types of exercises.
Finally, the surface of the handle itself is also very important. Many kettle bells offer a porous texture that some prefer to avoid to prevent calluses on the hands. However, these types of textures offer better grip and greater adherence, helping to avoid accidents that can become very dangerous.
4. Adjustable kettle bells
Although fixed weight kettle bells are common, adjustable weight models have appeared. These kettle bells have a base weight, to which you can add removable plates that allow you to adjust the weight. In this way, we have a wide range of resistances in a single kettle bell, without having to buy several of different weights.
If you have little storage space, they are a great option, although their durability and comfort are somewhat inferior to those of classic kettle bells.
5. The base and the form
The body of kettle bells tends to be rounded with a flat base, offering a small flat surface on the sides. This surface plays a supporting role in many exercises, and therefore it is convenient that the kettle bell is not completely spherical.
Similarly, the base should be wide and offer solid support. Keep that in mind!
6. Weight
Last but not least for this is the weight in kettle bell training. The most common kettle bells are about 16 kg, but there are between 8 and 48 kg. Which one should you buy?
If you are a beginner, a 16 kg kettle bell is recommended for men and 12 kg for women. Of course, this is for guidance only, and depends entirely on your fitness level.
