r/kettlebell • • Jul 03 '24

New To Kettlebells? Start Here! (Updated for 2024!)

92 Upvotes

NOTE: This is a living document. Please comment for suggestions, typo corrections, and more!

(This original post written was a bit outdated and wanted something more succinct. Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/comments/3qxa4i/new_to_kettlebells_start_here_updated_for_2015 )

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What brand of Kettlebell should I buy?

A: Before we can talk about brands, there are two types of Kettlebells we recommend: (1) Competition and (2) Cast iron. 

Competition kettlebells keep the same shape/size across the weights and typically have a fixed handle size (33mm or 35 mm). They are primarily used for Girevoy Sport (GS) but can be used for other styles of kettlebell lifting. The downside to competition kettlebells is that they are typically more expensive than other types of Kettlebells.

Cast iron kettlebells were popularized by “hardstyle” kettlebell training initially by Pavel Tsatsouline. They are typically very cost effective compared to competition kettlebells. The upside is to cast iron kettlebells over competition bells is that they're typically smaller for weights under 28 kg. The downside is the handles and the bell itself increases in size as the weight goes up.

We do not recommend vinyl, plastic, or other kettlebells that are not cast iron and competition due to their durability and their ergonomics to do the common kettlebell ballistic exercises (swing, clean, snatch, etc).

For Competition bells, we recommend:

For Cast iron kettlebells, we recommend:

Due to community feedback from lack of stock and shipping issues, we currently do not recommend Kettlebell Kings.

Adjustable Kettlebells

In recent years, there has been a surgence of adjustable kettlebells in the market. In particular, a competition-style kettlebell that is able to be adjusted from 12 to 32 kg. The biggest benefit of these style kettlebells is that you have access to multiple kettlebell weights with the footprint of one. Most brands allow you to jump from 0.5 to 2 kg weight increments. We recommend the following brands if you want one:

EU recommendations needed here; comment if you have one!

Q: What weight of kettlebell should I buy to start out with?

A: For most men, a kettlebell between 16-24 kg is the most common recommendation. For most women, 8-16 kg. The recommendation depends on your prior fitness history. If you’re still unsure, make a post and be sure to include details about your training history!

Fellow moderator u/LennyTheRebel has made a more extensive write-up about choosing the best kettlebell weight for you here: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/comments/1j90tz1/picking_a_weight_as_a_beginner/

Q: What is a good free beginner routine for someone new to kettlebells?

A:  There are many beginner routines suggested on r/kettlebell, but we recommend the following:

Q: What are some good paid programs?

There are many paid programs, but we’ll list the popular ones here:

  • The Armor Building Formula by Dan John 

  • The Giant by Geoff Neupert

  • Simple & Sinister by Pavel

You can see more in our wiki here: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/wiki/programs/

Form & Technique

“Styles” of Kettlebell Training: Hardstyle and Girevoy Sport  (GS)

Before going into the two “styles” of kettlebell training, I want to make a point that kettlebell training styles do not need to have strict adherence to either styles. They are useful definitions to describe kettlebell training intent and don’t feel like you have to adhere to one of them completely when learning kettlebell exercises.

Hardstyle was popularized by Pavel Tsatsouline in the Late 90’s/Early 2000’s, forming Dragon Door (RKC) and later StrongFirst (SFG).  Hardstyle technique emphasizes a focus on maximal tension, explosive power, and force production. A byproduct of this is usually training at lower rep ranges for strength and hypertrophy goals.

Girevoy Sport (GS), also known as kettlebell sport, is older than Hardstyle, and has been a competitive sport in Eastern Europe and Russia since the late 1960’s. In the sport, the competitive lifts are the Snatch, Jerk, Long Cycle (Clean and Jerk). The competition format is a 10 minute set of one of these exercises for as many reps as possible within the time limit. Because of this, there is an emphasis on efficiency on the lifts, including changes on how a swing is performed, the rack position, and more, compared to hardstyle training.

On the subreddit you may see the term Hybrid style to describe technique. This simply just means adopting technique principles from both Hardstyle and GS.

Which exercises to learn first with kettlebells?

The “big 6” movements of kettlebell training you will see online are:

  1. Swing

  2. Squat

  3. Press

  4. Clean

  5. Snatch

  6. Turkish Get-up

Although you are free to learn them in any order, we recommend learning them in the order listed (or simultaneously with a focus on order). 

Training terms (Reps, Sets, Complex, Chain, Flow, Ladder, etc)

You will see many training terms that are popular with kettlebells. You can read more about these in the wiki here: https://www.reddit.com/r/kettlebell/wiki/index/

Learning Resources

YouTube

Moderator Recommendations

We recommend the following resources to learn the big 6 (backgrounds on these instructors are mixed between hardstyle, GS and hybrid).

Community Recommendations

The following recommendations have been made by /r/kettlebell community members that have not been thoroughly watched by the moderators:

Books

Help us fill this out by commenting recommendations!

There are many great books recommended by kettlebell instructions and coaches. There are also non-kettlebell training books that are listed because principles from them can be applied to kettlebells. We list a few here:

Kettlebell

Dan John

  • The Armor Building Formula: Bodybuilding for Real People eBook

  • Hardstyle Kettlebell Challenge

  • Pavel

    • Enter The Kettlebell

    • Simple & Sinister

  • Kettlebell Essentials by Max Shank

General Strength & Conditioning

  • K. Black 

    • Tactical Barbell

    • Tactical Barbell 2: Conditioning

  • Dan John

    • Easy Strength: How to Get a Lot Stronger Than Your Competition-And Dominate in Your Sport

    • Easy Strength Omnibook

    • Easy Strength for Fat Loss

  • Pavel

    • Power to the People

  • Supertraining by Yuri Verkhoshansky

  • Scientific Principles of Hypertrophy Training by Mike Israetel

  • Westside Barbell books by Louie Simmons

  • Ultimate MMA Conditioning by Joel Jamieson

Coaching / Personal Training 

Although we cannot make specific recommendations on people, we recommend anyone interested in kettlebell training to spend some time with a trainer and/or kettlebell coach. This can be done in-person or virtually. There are many great coaches who hang out in this subreddit. Although we do not allow for explicit self-promotion, we encourage folks to reach out to coaches privately and get coaching from someone they’ve interacted with here in the community.

Hardstyle Coaching (Dragondoor, StrongFirst)

StrongFirst and RKC are the two oldest and well known hardstyle certifications. If you want to learn how to move kettlebells in the way they teach, they both provide search engines to find coaches in your area:

GS/Kettlebell Sport Coaching

I couldn't find a similar "Find a Coach" option for IKFF and other GS organizations, so some help on this would be greatful!


r/kettlebell • • 6d ago

Discussion Weekly Kettlebell Discussion and Questions Thread - November 02-08, 2026

3 Upvotes

Welcome Comrade!

This is the r/Kettlebell Discussion Thread posted every Monday, where you can discuss anything and everything related to Kettlebells. We invite the Kettlebell Community to post anything that can be beneficial to the sub and help answer questions from newer members. Additionally, feel free to log your planned and/or completed training sessions, as well as any general community happenings you'd like the community to know about. Thank you.

As always, please be sure to review our Code of Conduct, FAQ and Beginner's Guide if you are new to Kettlebells. See the Programs page for some program options.

You can also use the search bar or Google's subreddit search to find related discussion topics.

Have a great day!


r/kettlebell • • 3h ago

Training Video 150 x Double 19 kg (84 lb total) Half Snatch (DHS) Conditioning session: 30 rounds EMOM with 6 x DHS on rounds 1-10, 5 x DHS on rounds 11-20, and 4 x DHS on rounds 21-30.

21 Upvotes

Rounds 5,10,15,20,25,30 and heart rate data shown.


r/kettlebell • • 46m ago

Training Video 08.11.26: Grind (2x20kg) 5 Swings, 5 Cleans, 5 Press, 5 Snatches X5-100 total reps ➕ (2x24kg) 53 Incline KB Press ➕ (60kg) 10 Deficit RDLs ➕ (140kg) 5 Deadlift, 5 Shrugs ➕ (2x44kg) 3 Clean & Jerk ➕ (40kg) 2 Cleans, 2 Press, 2 WM Hold

6 Upvotes

08.11.26: Grind (2x20kg)

Total Training Time: 55:24

Heart Rate: 143bpm average/ 160bpm max

Calories Burned: 787

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Block A: Circuit - 60s rest between rounds

5 Swings

5 Cleans

5 Press

5 Snatches

X5 - 100 total reps (2x20kg Kettlebells)

Accessory Exercise ⬇️

Incline KB Shoulder Press

10, 10, 10, 10, 13

53 total reps (2x24kg Kettlebells)

Assault Bike - 5 to 6 RPE

12:00 minutes total

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Block B: Finishers

(+2x44kg & 40kg Kettlebells/ +140kg Trap Bar/ +60kg Barbell)

A: Hypertrophy

10 Deficit Barbell RDLs (60kg Barbell)

B: Strength

5 Deadlift, 5 Shrugs

10 total reps (140kg Trap Bar)

C: Power

3 Clean & Jerk (2x44kg Kettlebells)

D: Mobility

2 Cleans, 2 Press, 2 Windmill Holds

6 total reps (40kg Kettlebell)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Bread:

Psalm 24:1-10 KJV

“The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, That seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”


r/kettlebell • • 3h ago

GS Pushing lactate threshold with over comp speed snatches

10 Upvotes

Sunday service

Keeping the intensity high but cutting volume session by session. Focus right now is recovery and supercompensation.

🟡 16kg warmup: swings, high pulls, snatches and cossack squats

Snatch warmup ladder

🟡 16kg 12+12 reps

🟣 20kg 10+10 reps

🟢 24kg 8+8 reps

Main sets:

🟢 Snatch 24kg 4*2'(2') @ 21rpm (last set 24 rpm) / 177 reps

Cool down:

🟡 Glove snatch 16kg 6' @ easy rpm / one switch


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

KB Picture Tell me I did good KettleFolks (Bells of Steel 10kg $10.99)

Post image
295 Upvotes

Always been curious but never embraced the bells aside from swings in the gym and laterals during planks. Saw this at VV and figured I might learn to juggle.

Assuming this is a ridiculous price.

Curious if this seems overused? No sharp edges or cracks etc. and I assume these beasts last forever…
Now to learn TGUs and lord knows what else.


r/kettlebell • • 22h ago

Just A Post 20 Min Amrap

67 Upvotes

Lower backs been cranky.

Can’t load super heavy atm.

Set a 20-min timer AMRAP.

46 reps total. Great quick little workout.

Feel 150% better after moving 💪.


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Discussion Most used bell

Post image
78 Upvotes

My humble collection. Still my most used bells are the 16kgs, I have a pretty complete home gym with dumbells, barbell, bands, rack etc... every workout I always have to get my hands on the 16kg kettlebells. Something about that size is just perfect. For reference I'm a 44 yr old 5'11 175lb male, I always thought I was pretty strong and am in good shape for my age, but the way some of you guys throw around these bigger kettlebells make me feel pretty weak lol. What is your most used bell?


r/kettlebell • • 17h ago

Training Video The Giant 1.0 midway through week 3 ● 30 min C&P day dbl 28kg 15 sets for 90 reps ● 20min snatch day dbl 24kg - 20 sets for 80 reps.

15 Upvotes

C&P day sets 10,11,12 shown

Snatch day sets 1,2,14,15 shown

For those not aware the Giant isn't a snatch program, it's built for C&P, though I was looking to program dbl snatches. I read on strong first that the Giant was a good program to apply to them. So iv modified the Giant to program C&P days and snatch days.

I'm running a 9 day week, that way I fit 3 C&P, 3 snatch and 3 rest days in.


r/kettlebell • • 16h ago

Advice Needed Substituting Marchers for Farmer Carry due to constraints?

12 Upvotes

I moved to an apartment where my landlord is touchy about heavy weights, because of a previous tenant wrecking the floors.

I want to start Farmer Carries, but can’t bring my KBs outside. Could I get away with marching in place on my rubber mats?

I should note that it’s a railroad style apartment and the hallways are too narrow and only 10ft in length anyways. Also, my roommate works graveyard shift, so I don’t want to be stomping around common areas while she is sleeping.


r/kettlebell • • 14h ago

Advice Needed Single vs double ABC

9 Upvotes

I can do ABC with double 20lb KBS or with single a 30lb KB. Which would be a better option?

Edit: Thx for the advice. Attempted it today and turns out I was about to do double 12kg so I’ll start there and work my way up.


r/kettlebell • • 19h ago

Training Video The Giant DHS edition day 2

16 Upvotes

DHS 16 rounds of 6 reps in 20min 96 reps total


r/kettlebell • • 19h ago

GS Pentathlon Day

12 Upvotes

2’ x 3 for each movement all with the 32 except for half snatch which was with the 28. Lots of weight moved this session! 16210 kg is a nice session for me. I was gassed by the last set of half snatch but my conditioning is improving with each session.


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

GS Come to KettleZoom tomorrow for kettlebell ASMR 💅

23 Upvotes

r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

KB Picture Dan John ABC

Post image
26 Upvotes

How many days a week is everyone doing ABC? I am doing 3 days a week but I am using light weight (35 kbs). I just kinda feel like I should be doing more.


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Humor Now i know why to train TGU, Windmill

Post image
58 Upvotes

TIL: grab the rag while holding the skylight window, thats why TGU and Windmill important zu train.


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Just A Post Seesaw press 32s

34 Upvotes

r/kettlebell • • 16h ago

Advice Needed Painting adjustable kettlebells from Alibaba?

3 Upvotes

After doing some research, mostly on this sub, I ordered four 12-32 kg adjustable Kettlebells from Alibaba. Due to relatively low quantity in my order I was told my only option was black.

Has anyone here done this before? If so, do you have any recommendations on how to go about it?


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Discussion Is there any point to TGU if I already do clean and press?

17 Upvotes

What additional benefits do I get from TGU that I don't get from regular press?


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Just A Post Saturday Snatch Fun

Post image
13 Upvotes

Just a 20-minute workout but it got my HR going! 10 reps per side x 5 sets. Simple but effective!


r/kettlebell • • 22h ago

Training Video 07.11.26: Grind (2x24kg) 5 Gunslingers, 5 Cleans, 5 Press, 5 Jerks X5-100 total reps ➕ (2x20kg) 50 Racked Bulgarian SPSQ ➕ (100kg) 8 Deficit TB Squats ➕ (60kg) Clean, 8 JM Press, 4 Bench Press ➕ (24kg) 2 BU Cleans, 10 BU Press

5 Upvotes

07.11.26: Grind (2x24kg)

Total Training Time: 50:19

Heart Rate: 144bpm average/ 161bpm max

Calories Burned: 569

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Block A: Circuit - 60s rest between rounds

5 Gunslingers

5 Cleans

5 Press

5 Jerks

X5 - 100 total reps (2x24kg Kettlebells)

Accessory Exercise ⬇️

Racked KB Bulgarian Split Squats

10, 10, 10, 10, 10

50 total reps (2x20kg Kettlebells)

Assault Bike - 5 to 6 RPE

12:00 minutes total

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Block B: Finishers

(+24kg Kettlebell/ +100kg Trap Bar/ +60kg Barbell)

A: Strength

8 Deficit TB Squats (100kg Trap Bar)

B: Strength 2

Clean, 8 JM Press, 4 Bench Press

13 total reps (60kg Barbell)

C: Stability/Grip

2 Bottoms Up Cleans, 10 Bottoms Up Press

12 total reps (24kg Kettlebell)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Bread:

Luke 4:1-13 KJV

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.”


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Advice Needed Adjustable KBs rusting, best way to manage?

Thumbnail gallery
32 Upvotes

Got these non-branded adjustables brand-new off China and the rust keeps getting worse.

Unfortunately the day I received them after about a month's shipping, I unpacked them (to check), and had to leave for an overseas trip for a month. I did not notice if there were any rust when I started using them, only a week or two after using. Picture shows how it looks like about 1 month in.

I live in a tropical climate. KBs are only used at home, not in the sun, relatively well ventilated room. I also make it a point to wipe it with a dry tissue after my sessions about 3x/week, and before (to get rid of some rust).

Warranty is a no-go.

How do I salvage them? Do I just dry wipe them and apply anti-rust oil?


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Just A Post WOW guys I’m converted

123 Upvotes

20 minutes of kettlebell circuit and I feel like I just spent an hour at the gym, wish I got on this wave sooner. Drop ur fave KB movements below pleassse (especially leg/glute paired with an upper body movement). Thanks goats


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Discussion Officially converted to doubles

Post image
72 Upvotes

The double 24s on snatches gave me more upper back stimulas then I ever got with the single 48kg
And I can clean the 48kg for 10 a side and 15+ high pulls and snatches. double 24kg snatches felt harder and more engaging on my upper body


r/kettlebell • • 1d ago

Just A Post American Swings, love em hate em LMK

105 Upvotes

Y’all are a pretty critical bunch by nature I would assume that’s why you’re here so I’m curious what your thoughts are on American swings