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 the adjustable kettlebell and if it is 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.

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.

Conclusion

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.