We all know that sports are part of the way we can stay healthy. More activity is equal to less fat and less health problems. One of the ways we recommend you to stay healthy is with kettlebell trainings. If you are already looking for kettlebell reviews, we might guess that you’re probably in the market for a new equipment. Well advise you to avoid getting a one that’s unsuitable for your purposes by reviewing this list of its features.
The handle – narrow or wide
Traditional kettlebells have narrow handles. Modern kettlebells have larger handles suitable for holding on with both hands during swings.
If you plan to do a lot of heavy, two-handed swings, you probably want a wide handle. But if your fitness focus more towards overhead work like snatches and presses, a regular kettlebell is somewhat more comfortable.
The handle – thick or thin
Older, traditional kettlebells have thick handles. However, there are some newer models that feature thinner handles. Many adjustable kettlebells have thinner handles, but it’s possible to find fixed-weight bells with thinner, forged handles.
Thinner handles are more comfortable, but if you’re a traditional purist, you probably want the old fashioned thick handle kettlebell. You won’t be able to handle as much weight with a thick handle, and it will cause kettlebell blisters, but it’s less expensive. Your choice.
Iron or steel – does material make a difference?
The standard traditional kettlebells are made from cast iron. But competition kettlebells are made from steel.
The main difference is the shape. All steel competition types are basically the same size and shape. This means you get accustomed to working out with a certain size, no matter how heavy it happens to be. With cast-iron types, the heavier it is, the bigger it is.
Coating
Most kettlebells are painted. This prevents rust, which attacks cast iron much more quickly than it does with the steel.
Good kettlebells are coated with a soft, vinyl coating that is both rust-proof and chip-resistant. It’s probably worth it to spend a few extra dollars to get a vinyl-coated kettlebell because it keeps rust off your clothes and cushions the blow should you drop the bell.
Adjustable or fixed-weight kettlebell
The main problem with traditional fixed weight kettlebells is they’re not adjustable. Furthermore, the gradation between weights often approaches 30%. This massive jump in weight from one size to the next makes it difficult to add a good exercise progression into your workouts.
Of course, experts have developed various schemes to overcome this drawback, but it’s a band-aid rather than a cure.
Fortunately, the cure does exist, in the form of adjustable kettlebells. With an adjustable, it’s quick and simple to choose exactly the right weight for whichever exercise you happen to be performing – heavy for swings, and light for overhead presses (for instance). In the long run, this makes your workouts more productive and saves you money.
There is no wrong kettlebell, it just depends on what you want to achieve with your training. You can use both types according to type of activity you want to perform and the attitude that you have. Kettlebell training is remarkable, therefore whatever you can get your hands on is wonderful.