What Makes Kettlebells the Ideal Piece of Home Gym Equipment

If you're planning on starting to work out at home, then you might wonder what the most valuable piece of gym equipment that can cover most of your muscles is. Some would argue that it's the barbell, while others will say it's kettlebells. While personal preference plays a big part in the decision-making process, I still give the edge over to kettlebells for numerous reasons.


First and foremost, kettlebell exercises require the use of multiple joints, which means they engage all the large muscle groups of the body. Additionally, you can burn a lot of calories using compound kettlebell moves, and they effectively target every aspect of fitness, including power, endurance, and strength.


However, as simple as kettlebells are, there are a few things you need to consider when buying them, such as the type. The most commonly used types of kettlebells include adjustable kettlebells, cast iron kettlebells and vinyl coated kettlebells. You can find all of the different types of kettlebells online relatively easy, and have them shipped straight to your door.

But regardless of what type of kettlebells you end up choosing, there are a few things you should look out for and actively try to avoid. For instance, thick kettlebell handles are inconvenient and might not allow you to properly grip your fingers all the way around the handle. Similarly, avoid kettlebells with narrow handle width, as that would prevent you from performing two-handed exercises.

As aforementioned, kettlebells are very versatile pieces of gym equipment, and you can perform many exercises with them. Here are three beginner-friendly exercises that are easy to master, yet very efficient and building muscle and increasing strength.


Kettlebell Deadlifts

Have the kettlebell in front of you on the floor, and stand with your feet separated about shoulder width. Squat down and grab the kettlebell, then stand up while keeping your back straight and chest up, driving through your heels. When you reach the top, squeeze your butt and return the kettlebell on the ground with your back still straight and chest up. This exercise is ideal for your working out back, glutes and hamstrings.

One-Arm High Pulls

Have your feet separated at shoulder width, grab the kettlebell with either hand and let it hang in front of you with your arms straight. Bend your knees slightly and use power from your biceps and legs to jerk the kettlebell quickly up leading with your elbow until it reaches the middle of your body, until your hand is at eye level. This exercise is ideal for working out your biceps, glutes and lats.

Kettlebell Swings

Have your feet separated at shoulder width, grab the kettlebells and keep your arms loose as you push your hips back and drive to a standing position. Slightly bend your knees and using your hips and lower back swing the kettlebell forward, then push it backward through your legs. Swing forward again until your arms are parallel with the floor. This exercise is great for your lower back and hips.