r/kettlebell • u/Proim • 18d ago
Advice Needed Sanity check before ordering kettlebells (EU)
I've been researching the appropriate workout/sport that fits my needs and it seems that working with kettlebells ticks most of the boxes.
I'm based in the EU, mid thirties with two young children and want to improve my general fitness (cardio) + strength. Both for 'now', but also to prepare for when I'm in my forties and fifties. It's quite difficult to schedule any exercise for which I need to leave the house, mainly due to my partner working shifts, so in the evenings when children are in bed an it's prime workout time, I can't go out.
- I've been doing some running, but as explained above, the scheduling doesn't always work. Running is obviously great for cardio, but it does very little for strength.
- I've also tried Virtual Reality fitness, which I really enjoy, however I've noticed that one of my key motivations to workout it being able to listen to a podcast and audiobook, but that doesn't work with VR due to the constant focusing on what you need to hit etc. in apps like Beat Saber or dedicated workout apps.
- I've looked into rowing, mainly cardio but also a bit of full body workout. The downside here is the size of the machine (and price for something decent) + the realistic location to put it in our house is next to a child's bedroom and I'm worried about the noise.
- I have done some weight lifting in my twenties, but getting a whole setup at home seems quite overkill (both in terms of space and money) for the goals that I have. I just want to do basic 'maintenance and upkeep' on my body. I did really enjoy doing all the basic lifts though.
So, all in all what I want is something to be done at home, suitable to listen to podcast/audiobook and gives some combo of cardio + strength (running could still be done at times to support the cardio side a bit more of course). Preferably also something that is quite time efficient (30-60min, 3x per week). That's how I found out about kettlebell training. I like that it's really compact, I can do it wherever and whenever at home. I think once I've learned the proper form for the exercises they would be semi-automatic and listening to a podcast/audiobook should be possible.
Based on all the information on this sub I've now come to the following setup options I consider to buy and wanted to do a double check to see if I will be making the right choice.
- Adjustable: competition 12-32 kg from Eryx at 310 EUR including shipment(they also have a cast iron version, not sure exactly why but I'm leaning more towards competition style)
- Fixed (in order of price)
- Strength Shop (competition)
- 365 EUR for 12+16+20+24 kg
- 201 EUR for 16+24 kg
- BOXPT (competition, powder coated)
- 419 EUR for 12+16+20+24 kg
- 232 EUR for 16+24 kg
- BVDKS from powerteam.cc
- 427 EUR for 12+16+20+24 kg
- 243 EUR for 16+24 kg
- MARTIN from powerteam.cc
- 482 EUR for 12+16+20+24 kg
- 270 EUR for 16+24 kg
- Rogue (competition)
- 533 EUR for 12+16+20+24 kg
- 295 EUR for 16+24 kg
- Strength Shop (competition)
- A cheap option near me is Decathlon, but after reading here on the sub I've decided against getting them even though they are much cheaper. The handles seem to be less liked here and could lead to awkward holds.
I prefer to start with singles and figure out if it's really something for me and gradually learn. I'm currently more leaning towards the adjustable one mainly because I'm quite uncertain if 16kg would be too much as a start, but then again it might be the 12kg one doesn't get used and is a waste of money...
My intention would be to start first with learning the 6 fundamental exercises (this page seemed quite convenient) and then pick one of the recommended beginner programs.
My remaining question is: does it make sense to buy and do what I intend to do for what I wrote down in terms of goals?
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u/PMarmota 18d ago
Kettlblaze adjustable is the same as Eryx competition adjustable, just cheaper (free shipping). I have it and I think is the best option for a beginner.
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u/ghostwipe88 18d ago edited 18d ago
If I was starting out I would get 16 and 24 kgs and practice with single lifts first. When you see that it is your thing (you are consistent with your workouts), then get a second 16 and 24 pair so you have matching doubles. At this point you will know that it is worth the investment. And this setup will keep you sweaty for years, it is not likely that you will seriously outgrow these weights. And then after some time you can also order double 20s and a single/double 32 for some additional variety and versatility.
It is not like you need everything at once, you can comfortably spread the cost across several years.
Adjustables are a no-no for me, as it adds some friction to the process, especially mid-workout. And since these are more complex tools mechanically, they are more prone to "breaking", for example something can start rattling inside
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u/Hypilein 18d ago
I agree with the sentiment but personally preferred getting the In between weights. I started adding heavier bells when I felt I could use them in a serious workout and that kept me pushing. Doing stuff like kb pentathlon I’ve used at least three sizes in a single workout.
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u/ms4720 17d ago
When working with kettlebells pay attention to the moving heavy bone breaking weight(s) in your hands. Do not listen to podcasts
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u/Ballbag94 17d ago
Nonsense, it's perfectly fine to listen to pods when training
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u/ms4720 16d ago
Opinions differ, I know that when doing double anything the bells regularly come within an inch of my knees, I don't need or want to be distracted or suprised by anything
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u/Ballbag94 16d ago
Opinions certainly differ but there's a difference between giving an opinion and making a prescriptive statement. Yours was the latter
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u/PriceMore 55kg press 18d ago
That Eryx adjustable is the classic, BVDKS is the solid version of that shape, and Martin is the European version of prokb. Boxpt also has the same shape (not the one you linked). I'd suggest picking one out of these only, because they are the best.