Dumbbells vs. Kettlebells

Dumbbells versus kettlebells. Which do you think is a better workout?  It depends on your fitness goals.  I will say that using Kettlebells is an awesome way to keep your workout routine fresh and burn fat.  Practically anyone can use dumbbells and they’re a great way for body part training.  So which is better…dumbbells vs. kettlebells?

Lately though, there are Kettlebell classes popping up all over in gyms across the US.  It also seems more personal trainers are using kettlebells as part of training with their clients.  Naturally some people think kettlebells are a “new” form of training.  Guess what, kettlebells have been around for more than a hundred years.

Kettlebells came from Russia and are used as a cast iron weight. They look like a cast iron ball which has a handle attached to it. Many of the kettlebell exercises are used to help build an athlete’s endurance and stamina.  That’s why when you incorporate kettlebells into your routine it usually ends up being a strength training and cardio session in one workout. Very efficient!!

Dumbbells too have been around for thousands of years.  Many Greeks and Romans have trained with a weighted version of dumbbells. Like kettlebells, dumbbells are very versatile. Dumbbells can come in a variety of sizes and weights, can be used by a variety of individuals and also can be used for most body parts. Depending on their size they are portable and pretty inexpensive.

I like to call kettlebell exercises mostly “lifestyle” exercises or workouts. Exercises that simulate picking up boxes, putting them on a truck, or a stack of tied newspapers.  These kind of exercises are used mainly for functional muscular development.  With the kettlebell workout it tends to work the smaller supportive muscles that you don’t see but are still important. The kettlbell routine builds strength and cardiovascular improvement at the same time.  Kettlebells are excellent and an unusual manner of  cross training.  The workouts use multiple muscle groups simultaneously which dumbbell training does not provide.  Kettlebell workouts can also provide you with more flexibility and you won’t get “muscle bound.”

So which do I think is better dumbbells vs. kettlebells…neither.  They both have excellent advantages and some disadvantages.  There are some beliefs that the kettlebell workout is for serious athletes.  I say it’s for both.  Personal trainers are now realizing the full potential and benefits of kettlebells.  You’ll see them around for awhile.  Use them, get trained on them and benefit from them.  Use proper form and technique so as not to injure yourself.

Using dumbbells and kettlebells have variety, provide good strength training and cardio workouts and can be done by most people at any fitness levels.  Give them both a try and have success achieving your fitness goals.  So, now what is it…Dumbbells vs. Kettlebells??