Choosing the Right Kettlebell

What kind of kettlebell should you purchase or own?

As a kettlebell instructor and coach, I only have two pieces of criteria for you when it comes to selecting a kettlebell.

First, the kettlebell (or bell for short), should be safe to use. Welded, or modular construction bells (the ones with removable plates) may be cheaper or more convenient, but they don't compare to solid cast bells when it comes to confidence in overhead lift, swing or snatch movements.

Secondly, it should be something that you WANT to use and look forward to using. If the handle is too uneven or rough and causes you to tear your hands, chances are you will not want to use the bell. It should be FUN to use.

So my criteria for selecting a kettlebell is this:

1. Safe
2. Fun

Once the bell meets passes the first level of inspection, the next is to look at the weight.  Choosing the right weight of bell becomes the primary concern once you've selected the manufacturer.

Here's a recommended guide for those starting out:
For men:

• 26 to 35lbs for swings
• 18 to 26lbs for get-ups

For women:

• 18 to 26lbs for swings
• 9 to 18lbs for get-ups

Once you've settled into a groove with the technique and you've applied the work consistently for a couple of weeks, you can move into a heavier bell.  The important thing here is that your technique is solid.  This will make a heavy bell feel light.  If your technique is not where it needs to be, get it there.

I will stay fairly agnostic about what bell you should use, I do however have a favorite.  Once I began training with a local Russian Kettlebell Instructor(Jordan Vezina) who used Dragon Door bells exclusively, I realized there was a significant difference in quality in the bells which I used at home (Apollo bells) and the Dragon Door(DD) variety.  I own both now and I can say with confidence, I look forward to swinging my DD bells.