Best For
Considerations
Our Verdict
Kettlebells have emerged as a powerhouse in the fitness arena, offering an unparalleled blend of strength, cardio, and functional training.
Versatility is their hallmark, making them an ideal choice if you are seeking a well-rounded fitness tool.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
After years of working out from home, I have established a unique expertise and vast experience using all kinds of home exercise equipment.
All tested equipment types have been tried and used extensively, providing me with an excellent platform to score and review each equipment type.
By following my recommendations, you can rest assured you are following the advice of someone who puts his pride in pointing you towards products suited to YOUR unique fitness journey.
Contents
How are Kettlebells Compared to Average Home Exercise Equipment?
| Factor | Kettlebells | Average |
| Ease of use | 8,8 | 9,1 |
| Versatility | 9,8 | 8,8 |
| Total Body Score | 9,7 | 8,5 |
| Upper body (33%) | 9,8 | 8,7 |
| Lower body (33%) | 9,8 | 8,2 |
| Core (33%) | 9,5 | 8,6 |
| Range of Resistance Levels | 9,5 | 8,7 |
| Impact on Joints and Tendons | 8,7 | 8,3 |
| Durability | 9 | 9 |
| Portability | 6,2 | 7 |
| Economy | 7,4 | 8,8 |
| Size | 8,7 | 8,2 |
| TOTAL SCORE | 8,98 | 8,66 |
Performance Tests
The Hometraininghero LOVES home exercise equipment.
And to determine which home exercise equipment lives up to their hype, we put them all to the test.
We test 9 different performance factors, considering their effectiveness, versatility, economy, and ease of use. Here is a quick overview of the 9 test categories:
- Ease of use
- Versatility
- Total Body Score
- 3.1– Upper body
- 3.2– Lower body
- 3.3– Core
- Range of Resistance Levels
- Impact on Joints and Tendons
- Durability
- Portability
- Economy (Purchase & Maintenance)
- Size
8.8 Ease of Use
Kettlebells score exceptionally well in ease of use.
Their simple design facilitates quick integration into any routine, and the handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing smooth transitions between exercises.
The learning curve is modest, and with proper form guidance, even beginners can navigate kettlebell exercises effectively. Personally, I went for a four-hour kettlebell course that alone presented me with a new dimension of functional training.
The intuitive nature of movements contributes to a seamless and user-friendly experience, earning them a solid 8.8 in this category.
9.8 Versatility
Scoring almost a perfect 10, kettlebells showcase exceptional versatility.
From basic swings to advanced Turkish get-ups, the possibilities are vast. Their unique shape allows for a myriad of movements that target various muscle groups.
Whether you’re focusing on strength, endurance, or flexibility, kettlebells adapt seamlessly. This adaptability accommodates users of all fitness levels, ensuring a versatile training experience.
Due to the sheer range of exercises available with kettlebells and the fact that they can be used for everything from cardio to bodybuilding – and everything in between, we score them an outstanding 9.8 in versatility.
9.8 Total Body Score
Upper Body: 9.8 | Lower Body: 9,8 | Core: 9.5
- Upper Body: Kettlebells excel in sculpting the upper body. Exercises like, for example, kettlebell presses and rows target muscles from shoulders to arms, providing comprehensive development. The dynamic nature of these workouts adds an extra layer of intensity, enhancing upper body strength effectively.
- Lower Body: Dynamic movements like kettlebell swings and lunges make these weights perfect for lower-body workouts. The explosive nature engages muscles effectively, promoting strength, power, and flexibility in the legs and glutes.
- Core: Kettlebell exercises, particularly those involving rotation, effectively engage the core. Movements like Russian twists and windmills contribute significantly to core stability and strength.
9.5 Range of Resistance Levels
Offering a broad spectrum of weights, kettlebells cater to diverse fitness levels.
This range allows for progressive resistance, essential for continual growth in strength and endurance.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, the availability of various weights ensures that you can tailor your workout intensity to match your fitness level, earning kettlebells a commendable 9.5 in this category.
8.7 Impact on Joints and Tendons
Kettlebells, while impactful, maintain joint friendliness.
The nature of controlled movements minimizes stress on joints and tendons, making them suitable for individuals with mild joint issues.
However, if you struggle with pre-existing joint problems, you should exercise caution and consider consulting a fitness professional or healthcare provider.
The controlled impact, earning them an 8.7, makes kettlebells a joint-friendly choice for most people.
9 Durability
Built to withstand the rigors of dynamic workouts, kettlebells prove very durable.
The construction quality ensures longevity, making them a solid investment for your fitness journey. The materials used and the overall design contribute to their durability, with loads of people – including me, reporting years of reliable use.
With proper care, kettlebells are built to last, justifying an impressive 9.6 score in durability.
6.2 Portability
If you are seeking highly portable options for on-the-go workouts or frequent travel, kettlebells pose a challenge due to their weight.
Although manageable within a gym or home setting, their bulkiness might limit their practicality if you are prioritizing portability.
As such, a score of 6.2 reflects the moderate portability of kettlebells, making them better suited for people with a dedicated workout space rather than those requiring frequent mobility.
Personally, I have never brought my kettlebells for any form for the trips – they are safely stored at home, while my resistance bands get to be my travel companions.
7.4 Economy (Purchase & Maintenance)
While kettlebells provide cost-effective benefits in certain aspects, it’s crucial to address the potential investment required for a diverse range of weights.
To fully capitalize on the versatility of kettlebell exercises, you probably will find it necessary to acquire multiple kettlebells of varying sizes.
This can result in a cumulative cost that surpasses the initial impression of affordability.
From starting with one kettlebell, I now own seven different sizes, costing well beyond 100$ altogether.
8.7 Size
Balancing between compact and moderately compact, kettlebells provide a reasonable spatial footprint.
Their storage efficiency makes them suitable for home gyms with limited space – while not as compact as some fitness equipment, their shape allows for efficient storage.
Kettlebells strike a satisfactory balance in size, earning them an 8.7 in this category.
Popular Brands
Fitness enthusiasts diving into the world of kettlebells may find themselves navigating a landscape flooded by different brands.
Here are five popular brands that have carved a niche in the kettlebell market:
Kettlebell Kings
Kettlebell Kings is renowned for its commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Their kettlebells feature a wide, flat base for stability and a comfortable grip, ensuring a seamless workout experience.
With a range of weights and durable coatings, Kettlebell Kings caters to both beginners and seasoned lifters.
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Fitness is synonymous with rugged durability.
Their kettlebells boast a single-piece casting, minimizing seams and weak points.
The textured finish provides a secure grip, making Rogue Fitness a favorite among people pushing their limits in intense kettlebell workouts.
CAP Barbell
CAP Barbell offers a budget-friendly yet reliable option.
Their kettlebells come in a variety of weights, making them accessible for users of all fitness levels.
The flat, wide base enhances stability, while the vinyl coating ensures durability and protects floors.
Rep Fitness
Rep Fitness focuses on both performance and aesthetics.
With a sleek design and color-coded weights, Rep Fitness kettlebells are not only functional but also add a touch of style to your workout space.
The textured handle ensures a secure grip during dynamic movements.
Bowflex
Bowflex brings innovation to the kettlebell realm with its adjustable model.
The Bowflex SelectTech kettlebell allows users to switch between different weights with the turn of a dial, providing a space-efficient solution for those with limited storage space.
Costly, but yet so genius!
Exercise Equipment that Complements Kettlebells
Pairing kettlebells with other exercise equipment can elevate your workouts, providing a diverse range of exercises and targeting different muscle groups.
Here are five pieces of exercise equipment that synergize well with kettlebells:
Tips From Erik
“Integrating diverse exercise equipment into your kettlebell workouts offers a strategic advantage by stimulating muscles in unique ways and promoting functional strength across multiple planes of motion. By combining resistance bands, pull-up bars, medicine balls, jump ropes, or suspension trainers with kettlebells, you create a dynamic training environment that challenges your body holistically, leading to greater gains in strength, endurance, and overall fitness.”
Owner of hometraininghero
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands complement kettlebells by adding variable resistance to exercises.
When used together, they enhance the intensity of movements and engage muscles differently. Combining resistance bands with kettlebells allows for a wider range of exercises, promoting muscle activation and functional strength across various planes of motion.
Pull-Up Bar
A pull-up bar complements kettlebells by offering vertical pulling movements to balance out the horizontal pushing movements typically performed with kettlebells.
Pull-ups and chin-ups target the back, arms, and core, complementing the full-body engagement of kettlebell exercises. By incorporating pull-ups into your routine, you can achieve a well-rounded upper body workout alongside kettlebell training.
Medicine Ball
Medicine balls add dynamic resistance and instability to exercises, enhancing core strength and coordination.
When combined with kettlebells, medicine balls can be used for explosive movements like slams and throws, incorporating power and agility into your workouts. This combination challenges stability, coordination, and muscular endurance, providing a comprehensive training stimulus.
Jump Rope
Jumping rope is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that complements kettlebell training by adding a high-intensity element to your workouts.
Jump rope intervals between kettlebell sets can boost heart rate, improve agility, and enhance overall endurance. This combination creates a balanced workout that targets both strength and cardiovascular fitness, making it ideal for efficient full-body conditioning.
Suspension Trainer
Suspension trainers, such as TRX, offer versatile bodyweight exercises that complement kettlebell training.
By leveraging gravity and bodyweight, suspension trainers provide adjustable resistance for a wide range of movements. When used alongside kettlebells, suspension trainers enhance stability, core strength, and functional movement patterns, creating a challenging and dynamic workout experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs below. Hopefully, you will find the answers you are searching for.
Selecting the best quality kettlebells involves considering factors such as construction, coating, and overall design.
Renowned brands like Kettlebell Kings, Rogue Fitness, and Rep Fitness are recognized for producing high-quality kettlebells. Look for options with a single-piece casting, durable coating, and ergonomic handles, ensuring longevity and a comfortable grip during workouts.
The effectiveness of a kettlebell exercise depends on individual fitness goals.
However, the kettlebell swing stands out as one of the most effective. This full-body movement engages the hips, glutes, core, and shoulders, promoting strength, power, and cardiovascular endurance.
It’s a dynamic exercise that delivers comprehensive fitness benefits in a single movement.
Yes, there can be a significant difference in the quality of kettlebells.
Factors such as material, construction, and coating contribute to overall quality. High-quality kettlebells typically have a single-piece casting to minimize weak points, a durable coating to prevent chipping, and ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip.
Investing in reputable brands known for their commitment to craftsmanship ensures a superior-quality kettlebell.
The best kettlebell weight depends on your fitness levels and goals.
For beginners, starting with a weight between 8-16 kg is recommended for women and 16-24 kg for men. As strength increases, you can progress to heavier kettlebells.
Choosing a weight that allows for proper form and controlled movements is crucial. Consulting with a fitness professional can help determine the ideal starting weight based on individual capabilities and objectives.