Are you getting started with a new KB program, and wondering what size ‘bell is right for you?
(By the way … if you ARE looking to get started with KBs … this is PERFECT TIMING … because our 28 Day Fall 2018 Transformation Challenge kicks off next week!)
Let me break it down for you with a short personal story.
It was 2006 … I had heard of kettlebells, but had never actually used one … and my training partner at the time brought in his 35 pound kettlebell to use with our workout for the day.
I was fairly strong at the time (and still am!) … I was probably benching around 350, squatting 425 or 450, and deadlifting around 500 … and I thought, what is a little 35 pound weight going to do for me?!?
BOY was I wrong. We got a couple of minutes into the little KB-based finisher he had planned for the end of our workout, and I was SMOKED!
I couldn’t believe how I got a strength and cardio workout at the same time, and how much more efficient it was than anything else I had really done up to that point.
I was hooked right away! – and 12 years later, my love for kettlebells still grows fonder every day ????
And so – as far as weights I would recommend when you start – I would say:
– 35 pound for the average, fairly active, but KB-uninitiated man
– 18 pound for the average, fairly active, but KB-uninitiated woman
Then, as you learn the moves, get your technique down, and get a little stronger, I’d probably have men pick up a 53 pound, and women pick up a 35 pound.
Then you’d have two ‘bells – which would be perfect for doing different exercises (you’re probably going to use a heavier weight for swings that you are Turkish get ups), and challenging you in different ways.
Of course – everyone is different, and starts at different places, and there are a lot of possible variables that come into play – but this is a general good starting point.
If you are getting started with kettlebell training, and have been wondering what weight is right for you, I hope this helps.
To your success! –
– Forest Vance
Master of Science, Human Movement
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
ForestVance.com
PS – The FVT 2018 Fall Transformation Challenge kicks off next week. We are limited to spots, and they are filling fast. Details and submit your application at the link below: