For kettlebell exercises, can't I just use dumbbells?

JessicaLSpindler
JessicaLSpindler Posts: 29
in Health and Weight Loss
If I don't want to keep buying equipment, but I want to do the kettlebell exercises. Can I just use regular dumbbells?

Replies

  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    Yes, you can for the most part, if you are doing light weight. I wouldn't recommend swinging a 30 pound dumbbell around or anything like that though ;)
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Sure! Some kettlebell workouts will even show a variation with someone using a dumbbell instead of a kettlebell - like Jillian's Shred it with Weights. For some moves, it can be harder, for some it can be easier. Just remember regardless of which you use, be careful about keeping a good grip so you don't put a hole in your TV or the wall! :)
  • just__ducky
    just__ducky Posts: 6
    You can find kettle bells at TJ Max for under $10
  • Thorbjornn
    Thorbjornn Posts: 329 Member
    Pound for pound kettlebells feel heavier than dumbells because the way the mass is distributed. Also k'bells require a degree more control than d'bells, so you are working harder lb for lb. One of the best exercises that can be done is k'bell swings. Learn to do them properly and they work virtually everything, and are one of the best cardio workouts.

    Edit in: Google search 'kettlebell workouts for beginners'.
  • Just_Jon
    Just_Jon Posts: 108 Member
    Pound for pound kettlebells feel heavier than dumbells because the way the mass is distributed.


    Pound for pound, kettlebells weight *exactly* the same as dumbells. :)

    But also, kettlebells look cooler and are easier to hold onto. And at Wal-Mart, they are like $10. Buy some for weight lifting fun and enjoyment.
  • Thorbjornn
    Thorbjornn Posts: 329 Member
    I said they FEEL heavier because of the uneven mass distribution. You have to work harder to control them.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    And at Wal-Mart, they are like $10. Buy some for weight lifting fun and enjoyment.

    Just for the record, up to a 10 pound kettlebell will be about $10 or so. They, just like most weights, come in around $1 per pound. So they're not any more affordable than dumbbells. I am pretty sure the OP is indicating she has dumbbells of a suitable weight for her abilities and wanted to know if she could use them instead of buying kettlebells.
  • jconnon
    jconnon Posts: 427 Member
    I guess it would depend on the workout your trying to do but I would think it most cases you would have to modify the moves to much. I personally would say no.
  • Tffanie4712
    Tffanie4712 Posts: 115
    Yes, you can for the most part, if you are doing light weight. I wouldn't recommend swinging a 30 pound dumbbell around or anything like that though ;)
    Exactly what she said but I love the kettle ball it's good for cardio the swing it gets your heart rate up
  • JessicaLSpindler
    JessicaLSpindler Posts: 29
    Yes, you can for the most part, if you are doing light weight. I wouldn't recommend swinging a 30 pound dumbbell around or anything like that though ;)
    Exactly what she said but I love the kettle ball it's good for cardio the swing it gets your heart rate up

    My weights actually have a handle on them like a kettlebell. I could just use those for when I do kettlebell workouts.
  • Alpha12
    Alpha12 Posts: 251 Member
    You can use dumbbells for most kettlebell exercises, but there are some moves where dumbbells would not quite work. Kbells used to be expensive, but now you can get them fairly cheap especially in lower poundage, like 10lb or under.

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