Dumbells vs kettlebell

bigbeff
bigbeff Posts: 83 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,

I am new to weight training, I do a fair bit of cardio but would like to improve my strength. I want something I can use at home but can only afford to get one of the above to start with. So do a get a set of dumbells or a kettlebell? What is advantages of each? What do you prefer?

Thanks in advance :)

Replies

  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    A pair of dumbbells will give you more options of things to do, since there are two of them. Lots of exercises use two, and lots use only one. Also, it doesn't cost that much to get a pair of adjustable dumbbells that will take you further than just a static pair. For instance, Wal-Mart has a set that has interchangeable plates for $20. It's not a great set, the plates are not in 2 1/2 pound increments, but it's still not a bad set for the price, and you'll have several options in the amount of weight you're lifting.
  • GradatimFerociter
    GradatimFerociter Posts: 296 Member
    For most things they are interchangeable.

    If you are just starting out, have limited funds, and consider price an important factor then you should buy an adjustable set of dumbbells which can be picked up very cheaply. The advantages of kettlebells over dumbbells do not really walk in tandem with your stated aim aside from perhaps a greater recruitment of stabilizers etc.

    I personally own both (and am in a few days hoping to buy myself a nice new heavy dumbbell) but I prefer kettlebells. I like the ballistic movements and the dual-functionality but if I were a beginner - and thus likely to make swift initial progress - hoping to gain strength I would preference dumbells/barbells.
  • spicegeek
    spicegeek Posts: 325 Member
    As much as I LOVE kettle bells - to be honest a single bell is unlikely to meet your needs -

    If I am working single arm -

    turkish get ups with 12 - 16 kg
    snatches with 16 - 22 kg
    clean and press - 16 - 22 kg
    farmer carry 22 kg
    swings 22 - 40 kg
    goblet squats - 20kg
    sumo squats 45kg +

    On saying that a single set of dumbbells are not gong to cover much either
  • bigbeff
    bigbeff Posts: 83 Member
    Thanks very much for the advice, I think I'll get dumbells to start and maybe move onto kettlebell once I've increased strength :)

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