Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Sarah Finley

Best kettlebells for a swinging good workout

A kettlebell is a great way to add more resistance to your bodyweight workout.

The cannonball-shaped weight is complete with a handle that is usually made with cast iron and provides an alternative way to take exercises like weighted split squats or goblet squats to the next level.

What should you look for in a kettlebell and why use one?

PT and wellness entrepreneur, Rachael Sacerdoti explains that kettlebells are beneficial for everyone: “Along with cardiovascular fitness and improving core strength and stability, using a kettlebell also offers full-body power and strength conditioning.

“They are also known to build muscle, improve your posture and flexibility, boost your balance, aid with weight loss and provide a full-body workout,”

How are kettlebells different to using other weights?

“The kettlebell is a versatile piece of equipment that everyone should have - I find the weight distribution is better and they’re easier on your hands. Their unique shape helps centre the weight, meaning you have to work harder to keep them under control – this adds to their overall impact when exercising.”

Here’s our pick of the best kettlebells.

Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell

Bowflex is known for its space-saving gym kit where the range includes adjustable dumbbells and barbells. The kettlebell is just as convenient with an all-in-one design that can replace up to six kettlebells.

Ranging from 3.5 to 18kg, you change the dial for your desired weight - making it easy to swap between different weights for a varied workout schedule. Its ergonomic handle, designed in a square share has rounded edges to make it comfortable to work out with - even when you’re on the 10th rep.

Buy now £228.99, Very

TRX Rubber coated kettlebells

Available in a range of different sizes, from 4 - 24kg, the weights are sold individually and are more expensive the heavier they get. Made from gravity-cast moulding and a durable rubber coating, they’re easy to grip, allowing you to perform presses and snatches with ease.

The flat base is convenient for storage, while the different weights are colour-coded, so you don’t have to worry about picking up a heavier weight by mistake. The kettlebells also come with a six-year warranty.

Buy now £59.95, TRX

Kettleboobs Classic boob kettlebell

We love these hand-designed kettlebells. They will definitely make you smile during your next workout and you likely won’t mind them decorating your home. The weights are painted with quirky pictures including breasts, a moustache and red lips.

Started by mum-of-two Jolene, she wanted to create fitness equipment which wouldn’t look out of place in her living room and next to her plants (or a glass of wine) - and we think she’s accomplished it.

Made with cast iron, they come in sizes ranging from 2kg to 20kg, and no two kettlebells are made the same. Other pieces from their collection include boobyBands and boobyBags.

Buy now £18.00, Kettleboobs

Mirafit 3 piece kettlebell set with stand

Looking for a set of kettlebells, rather than just one? This rack of three different weights, designed for a combination of exercises, will look good in your home gym.

From 5lbs to 15lbs, the three weights fit in a standing rack, allowing the weights to be stored away or shown off - depending on who you’re trying to impress. The sturdy handles make them easy to grip and keep hold of - especially if you love a kettlebell swing. The weights also have a very reasonable price point for the amount you get.

Buy now £34.99, Mirafit

Core Balance Neoprene Kettlebell

Brighten up your workout with these multi-coloured kettlebells - with every colour identifying a different weight. From 4kg for newbies, the weights go up in 2kg increments - with the 20kg version perfect for more experienced weight lifters.

As they’re made with cast iron, the kettlebells are easier to grip as you make your way through swings or squats and their flat bases mean they store and sit well.

The coloured Neoprene coatings will keep your floors damage-free and as a bonus, will look attractive in your home gym.

Buy now £24.99, Amazon

Fithut Kettlebell in pink

If you love working out, but also want to match your gym equipment to your pink decor then this brightly coloured weight will do the trick. The 4kg kettlebell, which also comes in black, is just the perfect weight for adding some extra resistance to squats or lunges.

The weight also has an ergonomic handle and is coated with soft-touch Neoprene, which gives the weight a more secure and comfortable grip. The brand also has dumbbells and other gym equipment available. However, we’d love to see other kettlebell sizes available.

Buy now £10.25, eBay

Decathalon Corength kettlebells

Decathalon’s design is cleverly made with a rubber base - which helps to absorb the weight and means no nasty dents on your flooring. The handle is wider than most kettlebells, which gives you room to hold it with two hands, depending on the exercise.

The 6kg weight is heavy enough to get you sweaty after a few squats and lunges, while it’s compact enough for storing away after your session. Similar weights can also be double the price so this is great value for money.

Buy now £17.99, Decathlon

Amazon Basics Vinyl Coated Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight

If you’re bored of dull colours in your gym, Amazon is offering bright hues from orange to green, which indicate different weight sizes and liven up your equipment. Choose from three different-sized weights varying between 10 to 60 pounds.

These basic kettlebells, made with cast iron, also have a textured handle to make sure your grip is sturdy - because nobody wants it flying out of their hands, mid-swing. If you’re worried about damaging your flooring, the vinyl coating is designed to protect them, reduce noise, and prevent corrosion.

Buy now £64.40, Amazon

Freeletics Premium iron Kettlebells

Whether it’s legs or arms day, adding a kettlebell to one of Freeletics workouts (they have 12 on-demand weights classes) will increase the resistance to your moves. This solid cast iron weight is electro-painted to stop it from corroding over time, while it will also help with sweat resistance - so no slipping, even at the end of your workout.

From 4 - 20kg, you can pick a heavier weight for a more intense session or two smaller kettlebells for moves like a double clean, squat and press. Made with a flat bottom, the weight is simple to store and can be used with one of the resistance bands for alternative exercises.

Buy now £27.00, Wolverson Fitness

FiiT Bison Kettlebell

Need a kettlebell for one of FiiT’s strength classes? The on-demand fitness app has a selection of weights to buy, including this flat-based kettlebell. From 8kg to 24kg they’re designed for everyone - from newbie weightlifters to real hardcore trainers.

They are colour-coded to help you differentiate between them during your workouts (who wants an injury before they’ve even lifted a weight?). There are also pro-grip handles, which makes them easier to hold for longer periods of time - so no excuses now.

Buy now £32.95, FiiT

YAHNZI Adjustable Kettlebell

This punchy pink kettlebell can be easily adjusted from 5lbs to 8lbs, 9lbs or 12lbs to fulfil different workout needs. It boasts an ergonomic design which allows for control over the equipment when using either one or two hands, plus a weight adjustment system that promotes mid-workout weight changes for a varied experience.

Use the kettlebell during serious squatting sessions or take advantage of the flat base and incorporate it into your push-up routines. Legs, bums and tums are easily targeted with the versatile item, which can be used at home or in the gym.

Buy now £32.99, Amazon

Verdict

Buying gym equipment can be expensive - so if you’re looking to extensively increase the weights in your gym, buying the Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell really is a no-brainer. We love how you can easily switch between heavy and lighter weight - especially as the burn kicks in. If you’re looking for something a little more unique Kettleboobs is a fun brand which will have you smiling as you swing.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.