The kettlebell has been making its way into sports clubs until it's become normal to see them in our gym, just like dumbbells. We also want to get them to set up our home gym. However, there are different characteristics that make us hesitate about which one to choose. In this article, we'll cover how to choose your kettlebell or Russian weight.
Factors to consider when choosing our kettlebell or Russian weight
The weight of the kettlebell
Ideally, you'd have a range of different weights to train with, but if due to budget or space we can't get many kettlebells, we must consider that there are different weights depending on the exercise we're going to do.
For ballistic exercises such as swings, the weight moved can be greater than for basic movements like an overhead press. Very generally speaking, we can move between 16kg and 24kg for men in ballistic exercises and between 8kg and 20kg for men in basic exercises.
For women, always speaking generally, the average weight is usually between 8kg and 16kg for ballistic exercises, and between 6kg and 12kg for basic exercises.
Of course, training level directly influences this, but if we are people who are just starting out or have little experience, those weight ranges can be good to get started.
Quality of the Russian weight
There is a wide range of qualities ranging from plastic in the most economical ones to competition kettlebells, which are usually the most expensive and of the best quality. In this sense, what matters for beginners is the weight, more than the material, although as we'll see in a later section, the grip won't be the same in plastic as in steel.
Kettlebells consist of a weight block in the center and a handle. This training tool can be coated with plastic or another material. On the other hand, it can be made of cast iron or steel without any coating.
Grip space, size of the Russian weight, and handle diameter
The grip can be closer or further from the body of the Russian weight, however, there shouldn't be a problem in that sense when doing exercises. It is true that lighter kettlebells, if they aren't competition ones, have less space the less weight the Russian weight has.
Competition kettlebells all have the same dimensions, regardless of their weight. This is one of their advantages since the rest of the Russian weights vary in size according to their weight. That causes the center of mass to also vary between each weight.
The center of mass is the midpoint where all the weight of the set falls. That is the main difference between kettlebells and a dumbbell, since the dumbbell has that center in the same grip, while the Russian weight has it outside that grip. That's what makes them special.
Therefore, that center of mass will be different if the size of the kettlebell is also different. It's not an influential aspect if we aren't intermediate or advanced individuals, but it can be decisive in certain exercises, for example.
When we talk about size, we should also pay attention to the grip diameter, as it can be very small or very large. If it's small, we'll feel uncomfortable, and if it's excessively large, we won't be able to grip the Russian weight well, so our strength will decrease.
Some interesting options for Russian weights or kettlebells
POWRX Cast Iron Kettlebell 2-26 kg
This Russian weight is made of cast iron and coated with neoprene. Highly recommended for home workouts since this coating prevents harsh impacts of the iron against the floor. We can find weights from two kilos up to 26 kilos. With your purchase, you also receive a PDF for workouts. The 12 kg option has a price of 59.90 euros 50.90 euros.
POWRX Cast Iron Kettlebell 12 kg - Russian Weight with Neoprene Coating + PDF Workout (Light Green)
Amazon Basics - Cast iron Russian weight 6kg - 20kg
One of Amazon's basics since it's a basic cast iron kettlebell. It's high quality with a painted surface for greater durability. It features a wide handle to ensure a comfortable and secure grip. The 10 kg option has a price of 31.39 euros, although other weight options are available.
Amazon Basics - Cast iron Russian weight, 10 kg
Bowflex SelectTech - Adjustable Kettlebell
What if we had all the weights in one single Russian weight? The Bowflex brand designs adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells to maximize space. With a simple turn, we configure the weight from 3.5 kg up to 18kg in jumps of about two or three kilos. It has a price of 269 euros .
Bowflex SelectTech 3.5-18 kg Kettlebell, Unisex-Adult, Black/Red, One Size
Sveltus Kettlebells Fit
This Russian weight option is ideal both for the training of more demanding individuals and beginners. We find different kettlebells with weights from two kilos up to 12 kg, ideal for training at home thanks to their protective pads or their material, vinyl, which prevents scuffs on the floor. It has a price of 24.95 euros 22.93 euros.
Sveltus - Russian Weight for Fitness, Orange Color (8 kg)
BOXPT Competition Kettlebell in Chrome Iron
BOXPT has different quality equipment for sports like CrossFit, including competition kettlebells. They are available in different weights and models. This chrome iron model, used in competitions, is 20 kg and has a price of 80.32 euros.
BOXPT equipment Competition Kettlebell in Chrome Iron Violet (20kg)
PROIRON Cast Iron Kettlebell 4KG/8KG/12KG
A Russian weight with a different design that we can buy in three weights: 4 kg, 8 kg, and 12 kg. It has a non-slip handle and a shock-proof base, especially important for home training. Although the design is different from what we're used
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