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Adjustable kettlebells are strength training tools that people can use during their home workout. They allow individuals to add or remove weights to reach their fitness goals without needing much indoor space.
A quick look at 5 of the best adjustable kettlebells
- Best for smaller spaces: Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
- Best for heavier weights: Apex Adjustable Heavy Duty Kettlebell
- Best for versatile training: Ludus Imperium Adjustable Kettlebell Sandbag
- Best for lighter weight: Kamagon Water Filled Adjustable Weight Kettlebell
- Best for secure weight selection: Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell
Kettlebells are a type of home workout equipment that people may use for strength training exercises. They are typically dome-shaped and have a handle attached to the top.
The following table provides an at-a-glance comparison between standard and adjustable kettlebells.
| Standard | Adjustable | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | • fixed • come in various sizes | can add or remove weight as necessary |
| Cost | generally more expensive to purchase several weights | generally more cost-effective as people can add or remove weights |
| Space | may require more space as people may need a set of kettlebells for different weights | may require less space as it is just one piece of equipment |
People can perform the same exercises with standard and adjustable kettlebells. Some of these include:
- kettlebell swings
- goblet squats
- sumo upright rows
- Russian twists
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for smaller spaces:
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
- Weight range: 8–40 pounds (lb)
- Weight increments: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lb
- Material: Steel, polypropylene, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and thermoplastic rubber
- List price: $149
This adjustable kettlebell may suit those with limited home exercise space. According to Bowflex, this product can do the job of six kettlebells.
Using the dial to add or remove weights, a person can adjust the kettlebell with six settings to make it weigh between 8 and 40 lb.
People may wish to view the kettlebell exercise videos on Bowflex’s website to learn more about the type of routines they can perform.
Best for heavier weights:
Apex Adjustable Heavy Duty Kettlebell
- Weight range: 20–40 lb
- Weight increments: 2.5, 5, and 10 lb
- Material: powder-coated cast iron
- List price: $53.88
The Apex Adjustable Heavy Duty Kettlebell comes with a 15 lb weighted handle, four nonweighted removable spacer disks, a 5 lb base, and a U-bar handle for better grip and larger movements.
A person can replace the removable spacer disks with 2.5, 5, or 10 lb weights, meaning they can adjust the weight of the kettlebell between 20 and 50 lb.
Best for versatile training:
Ludus Imperium Adjustable Kettlebell Sandbag
- Weight range: up to 45 lb
- Weight increments: not applicable
- Material: fabric
- List price: around $39
This kettlebell comes with an inner bag that holds up to 45 lb of sand. The sandbag includes a built-in filler bag, additional zipper, and hook-and-loop closure to ensure the sand stays fully contained and does not leak during workouts.
Some of the exercises that people may perform with this kettlebell sandbag include throws, lunges, deadlifts, and squats.
In addition, people can throw and slam this product.
Best for lighter weights:
Kamagon Water Filled Adjustable Weight Kettlebell
- Weight range: 2–13 lb
- Weight increments: not applicable
- Material: polyvinyl chloride
- List price: around $30
Kamagon’s adjustable kettlebell comes with two soft handles offering multiple grip options. People using this equipment may be able to perform different exercises such as Russian twists and overhead presses.
People can add or remove water to adjust the weight from 2 to 13 lb.
Additionally, these kettlebells have a polyvinyl chloride construction, which helps minimize potential damage to flooring, unlike heavier iron weights.
Best for secure weight selection:
Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell
- Weight range: 18–35 lb and 35–62 lb
- Weight increments: 18, 22, 26, 35, 44, 53, and 62 lb
- Material: steel
- List price: $169–299
This Powerblock kettlebell features a 32-millimeter diameter handle and four settings that allow a person to adjust its weight range to between 18 and 35 lb.
It also features a steel selection pin with a magnetic lock, which individuals use to select their desired weight.
This kettlebell is available in two options: regular and heavy. The regular kettlebell has weight increments of 18–35 lb, whereas the heavy kettlebell has weight increments of 35–62 lb. People who would like the full range of weight will need to purchase both kettlebells.
The following table compares the features that the five adjustable kettlebells come with.
| Weight range | Weight increments | Material | List price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex | 8–40 lbs | • 8 lb • 12 lb • 20 lb • 25 lb • 35 lb • 40 lb | • steel • polypropylene • ABS • thermoplastic rubber | $149 |
| Apex | 20–40 lb | •2.5 lb • 5 lb • 10 lb | powder-coated cast iron | around $54 |
| Ludus | up to 45 lb | not applicable | fabric | around $39 |
| Kamagon | 2–13 lb | not applicable | polyvinyl chloride | around $30 |
| Powerblock | • 18–25 lb • 35–62 lb | • 18 lb • 22 lb • 26 lb • 35 lb • 44 lb • 53 lb • 62 lb | steel | $169–299 |
Individuals may wish to consider the following kettlebell features before making a purchase:
- Handle: Kettlebells with a wide handle may suit taller individuals or those with larger hands. They may also suit people who wish to perform exercises involving holding a kettlebell with both hands.
- Size: Adjustable kettlebells, especially those that require sand or water to add weight, are larger than traditional variants. With this in mind, a person may prefer more space-saving exercise products.
- Weight: Beginners may buy kettlebells that come with weights ranging between 5 and 10 pounds (lb). Those who exercise regularly may prefer a kettlebell with 30–40 lb of weight.
People who wish to start exercising with adjustable kettlebells need to consider the following safety tips:
Do:
- Start slowly with very light weights and increase them gradually: This may help prevent muscle strain, pain, and soreness.
- Breathe normally: Breathing normally during strength training exercises may prevent hernias.
- Stop if there is sudden pain: People who feel sudden or sharp pain during exercise should stop immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
- Consult with a fitness trainer: People may wish to consult a fitness trainer on weights and techniques.
Avoid:
- Starting with very heavy weights: People who do not exercise regularly, or those who do not have as much strength, should start with lighter weights.
- Sudden and twisting movements: People may wish to train with a knowledgeable person, such as a personal trainer, to avoid movements that can cause injury.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that people who do not partake in regular exercise may have a
The
Additionally, BreastCancer.org claims strength exercises may have the following benefits:
- strengthening the bones
- improving balance and posture
- fixing muscle imbalance or weakness after breast cancer surgery
Additionally, a 2020 study found that over 80% of adults do not engage in muscle-strengthening activities. According to the researchers, these exercises may help prevent sarcopenia, a health condition that causes a decline in muscle mass or function.
According to health experts, there are several adjustable kettlebell alternatives for muscle-strengthening exercises. These include:
- weightlifting
- exercises using resistance bands
- bodyweight exercises such as pullups and pushups
Here we answer some common questions about these products.
Are adjustable kettlebells worth it?
Adjustable kettlebells can be worth the price for persons who wish to exercise but do not have enough space for different weights.
People can choose kettlebells that they can adjust by adding sand or water. They can also opt for others that require replacing discs.
Is a 15 lb kettlebell too light?
The kettlebell weight depends on a person’s strength level and fitness experience.
People who are newer to exercise or do not have as much strength may find a 15 lb kettlebell offers enough resistance.
Are adjustable kettlebells safe?
Adjustable kettlebells can be safe so long as a person uses them appropriately. However, general tips on safety include warming up before exercising, stopping if the exercise causes pain, and letting the muscles rest between sessions.
How heavy of a kettlebell should I get?
People should choose a kettlebell that has a weight that allows them to exercise without injury. People may wish to consider getting a lower-weight product and gradually increasing it until they find the right weight for their needs.
Fitness professionals, such as personal trainers, can also offer advice on which product may be most suitable.
Adjustable kettlebells may be the best option for people who wish to work out at home with limited space. Additionally, strength exercises can improve muscle flexibility, reduce the chance of specific health conditions, and help strengthen bones.
Before making a purchase, a person may wish to explore different manufacturers and choose a kettlebell that best suits their needs.
However, people should speak with a doctor before practicing muscle-strengthening exercises if they have an underlying health condition.