Kettlebells can sometimes intimidate those who are just getting into fitness. After all, when you think about gyms and working out, the first thing that comes to most minds is an image of dumbbells and barbells. It’s true, kettlebells don’t always fit in that image, and it’s probably because they haven’t really been as popular as the other two. Regardless, if you’ve been to the gym then you’ve probably already seen a kettlebell before. It looks like a kettle with a handle – but just without the spout. Or, you know, in some cases, it could look like a bell, instead.
Now you might think that these weights look a little silly. But the fact is, they are actually really great tools when it comes to fighting off the excess weight. We believe that kettlebells should be more popular than they are. And we also think that people should use these more often. But just why should you get a kettlebell?
Well – with kettlebells you can perform resistance exercises that would otherwise be difficult to do with dumbbells and barbells. Kettlebells will offer you the weight training with a bonus of intense cardio (forget about hopping on the treadmill!). And if you use your kettlebell properly, you can absolutely condense your workout session into a shorter swing sesh.
If you’re ready to reap the benefits of the kettles, here are some of our best recommendations.
1. Training Kettlebell by TRX
If we want to talk about the absolute best kettlebells that you could possibly get, well-baby – these are it. The TRX kettlebells are some of the best you’ll ever find, and thankfully it is easy to order online. If you want to purchase a kettlebell, you can absolutely get it in whatever size you might need. From 4 kilos all the way to 28 kilos, you can get a kettlebell to suit your current physical state.
Now you may be asking – why exactly is this brand the best deal on kettlebells? And why exactly is it the best brand to get? Well, we’ve got the answers for you here.
TRX is a brand or company that so many people know for their suspension resistance or weight training equipment. They are present in so very many gyms the world over, and for good reason. The suspension training really does work! Now, TRX also has these kettlebells, which are absolutely a fantastic tool to complement your daily workouts and exercises.
This line of kettlebells is premium, and you will be able to see it from the look and the feel of each of them. They are all finished beautifully, as you would expect from this brand. After all, every single kettlebell has been through a special molding process (premium gravity). It is this process that makes the kettlebells so very durable. Plus, it is the process that makes the weights flat on the bottom. Because they’re flat on the bottom, it makes it possible to easily set them on the floor. There won’t be any danger of them tipping over at any point, which is important since when you’re in the middle of your workout you don’t want any risks like these.
To distinguish between each weight, the company has also identified each weight by a different color. Aside from the size, these colors will make it easy for you to quickly swap the weight in the middle of your workout.
Pros
- Amazing quality
- Durable
- Handle is comfortable
Cons
- The heavier sizes are quite pricey in comparison
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2. Selecttech Kettlebell (840) by Bowflex
Next, we have the best deal on kettlebells from Bowflex. This brand is yet another one that is well known the world over. They have machines and equipment present in so very many gyms the world over. Unlike the TRX kettlebells, Bowflex has a smaller range to choose form. They only have 3.5 kilos to 18-kilo options, so if you want heavier you will need to find something else.
Now, this product looks kind of weird, to be honest. More than anything it looks like a kettle than an actual kettlebell, but don’t let this fool you. Beneath this weight’s plastic shell, there is a full set of weights. Yes, you are not buying individual kettlebells. Instead, you are purchasing a full system. To use a particular weight, you can simply adjust the dial located on the kettlebell’s top. This makes it much easier for you to change the weight of your kettlebell in between your exercises. It’s a fantastic choice if you want versatility and the ability to own different weights without blowing wads of cash on buying each weight separately.
However, this isn’t a solution that suits everybody. You see, some people won’t enjoy the fact that this kettlebell will need to be adjusted with a dial every time you want to change the weights. Other people would prefer to have the ability to simply pick up a different weight instead of having to turn a dial every time, after all. But there’s no denying just how convenient this can be. It saves so much space, so if you’re worried about where you’re going to put your weights in a small space, the Bowflex is your answer.
Pros
- Convenient and space-saving
- Still a lot cheaper than buying 6 kettlebells individually
Cons
- Not for everyone
- Pretty big for use with only one hand
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3. Kettlebell Grip by Kettle Gryp
Kettlebells are great and all, but let’s be real here. Not everyone will have the space or the money to invest in a full set of kettlebells! Now, if you feel as though you’re lacking both space and money to start your fitness journey, know that you can get this product to solve both of those issues. You see, this product is extremely affordable. And on top of that, it is really, really small. Won’t take up any space at all! The caveat, however, is that you must already own a set of dumbbells to make this product work. Here’s why.
The Kettle Gryp is a simple product, but in our opinion, it’s relatively ingenious. You see, this product is a clamp meant to act as a kettlebell handle for your dumbbells. To use any dumbbell as a kettlebell, you need only to attach the Kettle Gryp to the dumbbell. After which you can then begin to use your dumbbell as a kettlebell! It is cheap, and it is also quite high quality. This made in the USA product will not disappoint.
If you already have some dumbbells and you do not want to spend too much on purchasing kettlebells, this is indeed the perfect option for you. The best part is that this is incredibly portable to boot, so you can simply bring it along with you wherever you might need to go! Of course, you’d have to have dumbbells around too but hey, it’s convenient in its own way!
Also note that dumbbells tend to be more versatile in exercise use than kettlebells – and as a result, purchasing a set of dumbbells along with this product may, in the end, be more economical.
Pros
- Small, extremely affordable
- Durable and convenient
Cons
- You need to have dumbbells already otherwise you will need to purchase a set
- Will need to purchase multiple Kettle Gryps if you want to use more than one “kettlebell” per workout
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4. Cast Iron Competition Kettlebell by CAP Barbell
The next best deal on kettlebells is this weight from CAP Barbell. Now don’t be fooled by the name – it is true that CAP does have barbells, but these weights we are about to talk about today are most certainly kettlebells. This product is fantastic if you’re looking to start or even supplement your home gym. It starts from nine pounds all the way to 88 pounds. So, as you can imagine, they basically have every variation of weight available. Know that CAP Barbell’s kettlebells are competition-grade. And they are absolutely comparable to the more premium top of the line options on the market today.
What makes CAP different is the fact that their products are much more affordable.
These kettlebells are made out of solid, excellent quality cast iron. Each weight is machined and then powder-coated, ensuring that the surface of the weight is seam-free. The handles are also quite comfortable on top of being really easy to hold and grip. The base is flat and wide, which will help you in feeling grounded as you complete your workouts. The flat wide bases also ensure stability when you store your weights away. And, to easily recognize each weight, every option is color-coded. Plus the weights area indicated not just in pounds, but also in kilos.
Pros
- Affordable
- Many weight options
- Color-coded and weights are indicated in kilos and pounds
Cons
- You’ll need to buy weights individually
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5. Solid Cast Iron Weights by Yes4All
If you want a cheap yet affordable kettlebell, the best option for you is trying out the ones form this brand. Yes4All kettlebells are made using high quality and solid cast iron. They’re incredibly affordable, so if you need a new set to complete your home workout weights, look no further. The fact is, you can get a full set for a very affordable price.
These kettlebells won’t look as beautiful as the others, but for the price and the durability, there’s nothing better! You can get these kettlebells at weights from 5 pounds all the way to 80 pounds. These weights are practically indestructible, but they’re covered in a black paint. This will provide a sleek appearance while simultaneously preventing scratches. To give you a better grip when you work out, these weights have pretty textured and solid grips.
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Incredibly durable
Cons
- Not as beautifully designed as others but in terms of functionality this is unbeatable at its price
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Your Buying Guide
Naturally, when you are beginning your journey with kettlebell fitness, it can be difficult to figure out which one to get. The simple fact is there are plenty of options out there on the market today. But truthfully, in the end, they are all ultimately the same. Indeed, one weight is the same as the other, with the only differences being the design and the costs of each. After all, every kettlebell performs the same function in the end. But still, it’s good to know what you should be looking for when you’re shopping for your next purchase.
Cost
For most people, the only thing they really care about in this case is the cost of the kettlebells. The fact is, each of these weights will have to be bought individually, unless in the case of the adjustable weights. But in the end, if all you want or need is a kettlebell to do your exercises done, then you can simply get the cheapest option possible. So in this case, just look for one that is durable, has a good grip, and buy the cheapest one you can get!
Design
The design of a kettlebell, or the way that it looks, is something for you to possibly consider. But in the end, that is all down to a matter of preference. If you’re all about function over form, then by all means, purchase the cheapest set of bells! The design, in most cases, is simply a bonus to the way in which the weight functions in your workouts.
Of course, there are other aspects of a kettlebell’s design that you should be looking at too. For example, you should certainly check out the ‘bell’s grip and handle. Is it solid, and will you be able to hold onto it while you’re swinging the weight around? Is it comfortable to hold, or do you feel as though your hands will start hurting after some time?
Another thing to consider: is the bottom of the bell flat? Will it be stable once set down and stored away? If your kettlebell isn’t stable then you may end up getting some clumsy accidents happening while you store them. Or even worse – when you’re working out! Can you imagine a hefty kettlebell rolling from a height and right onto your foot? Yikes!
Single Weights or Adjustable?
Probably the last thing to consider when shopping for these is whether you want your kettlebells as single weights, or if you’d rather have them as an adjustable set. You see, adjustable sets have their advantages – they are compact, easy to store, and convenient in their own way. However, adjusting the weight can be a hassle and a bother when you are trying to do exercises with multiple weight sizes and/or variations.
Single weights, on the other hand, will generally cost more money to purchase individually. Plus, you’ll also have to consider something: it will simply be harder to store these as they will take up more space. But hey, if you want things to be easy as you swap in between weights during your workout sessions, single weights will absolutely be the best choice.
Final Thoughts
A kettlebell can truly be a valuable tool in your weight loss arsenal. It’s also fantastic if you are trying to get toned and burn fat while you build up muscle. Shopping for a kettlebell is, thankfully, quite easy. In the end, you only really need to look for the best deal on kettlebells in terms of price to value ratio. Look for a bell that has a good grip and is stable when set down, and you are pretty much truly all set and good to go. Good luck with your fitness journey.