Are Adjustable Kettlebells Worth It?

Adjustable kettlebells feature innovative designs that give you multiple weight options on one piece of gym kit. They have a range of versatile uses including strength training, explosive power work, and cardio-based exercises.

If you’re strapped for space, which is usually the case for home gyms, adjustable equipment is a lifesaver because it’s almost like you get more than one piece in one. Kettlebells are versatile as they are, but when you make them adjustable… Whew! That’s a whole other level of versatility.

It’s safe to say that you already know where we stand on the topic of adjustable kettlebells and if they’re worth it or not. But let’s get deeper into this so you’ll see why we like them so much!

What are the Benefits of Adjustable Kettlebells?

Here are just some of the benefits of adding loadable kettlebells to your home gym setup:

✅ Versatile

Whatever your fitness goals, kettlebells can likely help to achieve them. Multi weight kettlebells are some of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can buy for your home gym.

They are loved by functional fitness athletes, weightlifters, and recreational gym goers mainly because they provide an excellent mix of strength training, cardio exercise, and use functional movement patterns.

Adjustable kettlebells provide multiple exercise choices in 1 piece of equipment. With the built-in quick adjust mechanisms, you’re able to switch between different exercises whilst choosing the perfect weight for different fitness goals.

✅ Space Saving

When building a home gym, one of the main things stopping you from going crazy online is the amount of space you have available or the lack of it. With limited space, most of us need to pick and choose cleverly designed gym equipment to get the most out of the space.

Adjustable kettlebells provide excellent space-saving weight options, with the multiple weight options drastically reducing the amount of space that would be needed if you used normal kettlebells or other weights such as dumbbells. Alongside this, adjustable kettlebells can be safely stored upright without the need for weight racks or storage pins. 

✅ Durable

Adjustable kettlebells are designed to last your whole lifting career, with common materials including steel, cast iron, rubber, and neoprene. Most adjustable kettlebells contain a solid steel core with adjustable cast iron weight plates, with both metals proven in the health and fitness industry to be extremely capable of standing up to wear and tear.

Another common adjustable kettlebell is neoprene which has also been shown to be resistant to impact and heavy use, making it another great choice if you’re looking for durable gym equipment.

✅ Value for Money

Compared to purchasing each individual weight or other gym equipment, adjustable kettlebells are significantly less expensive. This means that they offer fantastic value for money, with budget adjustable kettlebell choices also in my top 9 list.

What to Look for in Adjustable Kettlebells?

When choosing the right variable weight kettlebell set, consider the following factors:

1. Weight Range

Whilst most adjustable kettlebells tend to have a decent weight range, it’s still an important factor to consider when purchasing.

Firstly, think about the exercises you’ll be using the kettlebell for. Then, decide on a suitable kettlebell weight and work out how much you can reasonably progress in the near future. Once you’ve done this, you should have a better idea of the weight range that’s best for you.

2. Increments

Increments refer to the different kettlebell weights you can choose that go between the minimum and maximum values. Basically, it’s the different plate weights that add to the kettlebell which determine the amount and weight of them.

Consider the increment options that you feel you can progress on, with smaller increments often better for beginner lifters or those who focus more on higher rep work.

If you prefer a challenge, go for an adjustable kettlebell with much higher weight increments.

3. Comfort

Comfort might not be as important as the factors discussed above, but it still matters and can have an overall impact on training and performance.

Comfort when it comes to adjustable kettlebells mainly concerns the handle dimensions and material. Those with smaller hands should check the handle size before purchasing, with anything under 30 mm being more suitable. People with larger hands may find an adjustable kettlebell with a handle that’s 33+ mm more suitable.

4. Durability

Adjustable kettlebells are made to be swung around, pressed up and down, and moved from one place to the other. Most contain a solid steel core and cast iron weight plates that have a protective rubber coating on them to absorb any impact from hitting the floor.

Check the kettlebell reviews to see previous user experiences in terms of the materials used and think about what you’ll be using yours for. If you think you’ll be dropping your kettlebells, make sure they have a protective rubber coating and a solid attachment mechanism.

5. Price/Quality

When considering the price/quality of the adjustable kettlebells you want to purchase, think about their main characteristics and features and compare them to the functions you want them to perform.

Straight away, one of the stand out features of the Bowflex kettlebell is how quick and easy it is to use the weight adjustment mechanism. By turning the dial at the top, you’re able to switch between 8-40 lbs within seconds. This makes the kettlebell an ideal choice for beginners or those who need to switch between weights quickly during a workout sequence.

Within this weight range, Bowflex has given you four other weight increments to choose from, providing a decent amount of exercise choices and intensities.

In terms of construction, it’s made using a durable Steel core with a Polypropylene and Thermoplastic Rubber outer shell. The shell is finished in a black coating with a red ring around the outside.

Overall, the Bowflex SelectTech 860 Kettlebell features a fantastic adjustment mechanism, with their SelectTech technology already well-tested in the industry. It’s an excellent kettlebell choice that delivers on pretty much everything you want.

Common Exercises with Adjustable Kettlebells

A wide range of compound and accessory exercises can be performed using heavy adjustable kettlebells which include:

1. Strength-Based Exercises
2. Cardio-Based Exercises
3. Functional Movements

• Kettlebell Swings (Shoulder width Stance, bend knees and drive the hips whilst swinging the kettlebell forward)
• Kettlebell Thrusters (Hold kettlebells so they rest on shoulders, bend knees and squat down, drive legs, and straighten the kettlebells)
• Kettlebell Clean + Press (Hold kettlebells by your thighs, bend your knees, jump off the ground and extend your arms above your head)
• Kettlebell Snatches (Holding one kettlebell, squat down, drive through your hips and left the kettlebell to your shoulder, rotate your hand, and extend your arms)
• Kettlebell Goblet Squats (Assume a wide stance with the kettlebell in both hands, bend your knees and lower into a squat, and drive back up)
• Kettlebell Farmers Walks (Hold kettlebells by your side, walk along using quick steps, and keep arms straight)
• One Arm Kettlebell Swings (Feet shoulder width apart, bend knees to grab the kettlebell with one hand, drive hips + swing kettlebell to shoulder height)
• Kettlebell Front Squats (Swing two kettlebells into the rack position, shoulder width stance, push hips back and lower your body whilst keeping a neutral spine)
• Kettlebell Overhead Carries (Carry a pair of kettlebells in the front rack position, press overhead, and walk forward keeping arms straight)
• Kettlebell Rows (Feet shoulder width apart, maintain a neutral spine, head forward, row the kettlebell or bells up towards your chest)
• Kettlebell Renegade Rows (Begin in a plank position with hands on the kettlebell handles, brace core, and row kettlebells towards your hips)

These are just some of the many adjustable kettlebell exercises you can do on your own, as part of a workout sequence, or with a partner. You can use one of two kettlebells for any of the exercises, with the wide range of weight options providing plenty of overload as you progress.

Try some of them and let me know what you think!

FAQs

Are adjustable kettlebells any good?

Adjustable kettlebells are an excellent space-saving piece of gym equipment with a range of versatile uses. They are suitable for a wide range of exercises that allow you to work towards several different goals.

Do I need 1 kettlebell or 2?

Whether you need 1 or 2 kettlebells depends on your exercise goals and the weight range required to achieve them. Most kettlebells provide enough weight range to allow suitable progression on the common kettlebell exercises.

However, some exercisers may purchase two if they need a bigger weight range for most of the exercises they perform.

What is a good size kettlebell to start with?

The correct size of the kettlebell to start with depends on your age, gender, fitness level, and exercise goals. Kettlebells ranging from 10-40 lbs provide a low enough weight range for beginners whilst providing a challenge to progress.

Summary – Are Adjustable Kettlebells Worth It?

Adjustable kettlebells feature clever designs that allow the user to change the weight within seconds whilst using the same piece of equipment. They are well suited to strength training, cardio exercise, and functional training.

If you’d like to save some time and not spend hours or days researching what to buy, we recommend you go with the Bowflex SelectTech 860 Adjustable Kettlebell. You’ll find everything you want in an adjustable kettlebell – versatility, durability, value for money and more.

Have you trained with kettlebells before? Do you think adjustable ones would be useful for your home gym setup? Let’s chat in the comments.

References:

1. Adjustable Kettlebell Vs Standard: Which One Is Right For You? // Garagegymreviews: https://www.garagegymreviews.com /adjustable-kettlebell-vs-standard
2. 7 Easy Home Gym Organization Tips // Garagegymreviews: https://www.garagegymreviews.com/ adjustable-kettlebell-vs-standard
3. Is Neoprene Better Than Vinyl for Dumbbells? // Livestrong: https://www.livestrong.com /article/458384-is-neoprene-better-than-vinyl-for-dumbbells/
4. 7 Best Kettlebell Exercises to Include in Your Workout // Healthline: https://www.healthline.com /health/exercise-fitness/kettlebell-workout
5. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team.