Equipment
As kettlebells are gaining popularity across the world in the fitness industry, they come in some interesting (if somewhat useless) designs.
Steel: For serious training, the only recommended kettlebells are the modern, steel, competition models. They have the best design and feel. The size remains constant regardless of the weight, meaning they always rest on the same spot on your forearm and travel the same arc. Learning technique is reinforced as one upgrades to heavier kettlebells. Indestructible, they can be dropped and thrown. They have a satble base for exercises such as L-sits and renegade rows.
Cast Iron: The original kettlebells. They were designed as a weighing tool for grain. The origin of the sport started with these. These are a good compromise for fitness purposes. Some models are slightly better than others, beware!
Size increases with weight. Tough but not as resilient as steel.
Rubber coated: Absolutely useless except for some exercises that can be done with a dumbbell. A novelty item to be avoided. Save your money.
Plate loaded adjustable: As for rubber coated.
Adjustable kettlebell: The hollow design allow for filling them up relatively easy and increase their weight up to 40kg. Hard to get.
Kettlebells come in fixed weights: 8, 12, 16, 24, 32kg. They are most often color coded.
Depending on the manufacturers it is possible to find other weights: 4, 20, 28 and up…
THE OTHER STUFF YOU’LL NEED:
Shoes: wrestling/ boxing style shoes, shoes with stiff soles and weightlifting shoes are acceptable footwear. Barefoot is also OK.
Running shoes with soft cushioning soles are to be avoided as they offer poor stabilization when under a load. If you plan to be competing, invest in a pair of weightlifting shoes.
Wristbands to protect your forearms. Even with good technique (not banging the kettlebell on your forearms), the constant resting of the KB against your forearm can lead to a localized calcified bump. The professionals use them, follow their advice. Any pair of tennis sweat bands will do.
Chalk is a good idea to use. By absorbing sweat, it will provide increased traction on the smooth handle and reduce the formation of calluses.
Weightlifting belt. If you are competition orientated, you'll get more out of your jerk training using a belt. Note, this is not a powerlifting belt.
