Working out with the best kettlebell is a great way to change up your boring workout routine. They provide an element of strength training, and offer many benefits that basic cardio cannot.

For example, adding the weight of a kettlebell can help you build muscle, tone your arms and legs, and shed those extra pounds you cannot seem to lose.

Not to mention, working out with kettlebells can be fun and will add a new dimension to your regular routines.

That’s where we are going to help you in this guide, let’s get started!

Best Kettlebells & DVD

Quick Answer: The 8 Best Kettlebells & Workout DVDs

Kettlebell Sets

1. GoFit Premium Vinyl Kettle Bell with Training DVD
2. Yes4all Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Set
3. GYMENIST Iron Weights with Vinyl Coating

Adjustable Kettlebells

1. Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights
2. shanchar Adjustable Kettlebell Weight Set

Kettlebell Workout DVDs

1. Kathy Smith: Kettlebell Solution Workout (2 DVD Set)
2. Lauren Brooks: The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning
3. Kettlebell Kickboxing: The Body Series

First, we’ll take a look at the kettlebells and kettlebell workout DVDs, then we’ll talk about how to choose one for you, plus some kettlebell workout routines you can use to get started.

Best Kettlebell Sets

#1 Yes4all Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Set

The basic set comes with two kettlebells and includes both a 10- pound and a 15-pound kettlebell. You can also choose to purchase larger sets ranging from 5 pounds to 30 pounds.

This is a great set for those who work out with partners, or those who train multiple people and might need different weights. It is also great for those who use different weights for different exercises and want to save money by purchasing a package deal.

The Yes4All kettlebells have a wide grip, so they are ideal for women who have larger hands.

The cast iron kettle bells are dipped in vinyl so you will not have to worry about damaged floors or mats.

There are no hard ridges in the grip or on the bell part and they have a very sleek and professional look to them.

Overall, they are much cheaper than buying individual kettlebells and the best kettlebell set for the money. They match the quality of anything else you will find online or in stores. Highly recommended!

#2 GoFit Premium Vinyl Kettle Bell with Training DVD

The GoFit kettlebell has a non-slip grip handle which allows you to stay in control of the kettlebell the entire time. The vinyl coating makes it comfortable to pick up and move around and you won’t have to worry about floor damage of any kind.

The GoFit is very high quality and comes with a training DVD to help you get started with your new workouts. If you have been wanting to incorporate kettlebell strength training into your workouts, but you have no idea where to start, this is a great bundle deal for you.

It is also color-coded by weight, so you can stay organized in your workout area and comes in a wide range; from 7 pounds to 45 pounds.

Video: Overview of the GoFit kettlebell and training DVD.

For a bargain price you will be prepared to upgrade your workouts with a high-quality kettlebell and an easy-to-follow introductory workout DVD program.

Including kettlebell movements in your workouts is a great way to reach your goals faster, and to vary things up if you find yourself bored with completing the same routines over and over. If your looking for the best kettlebells for women, the GoFit shuld be at the top of your list.

#3 GYMENIST Iron Weights with Vinyl Coating

This kettlebell is great for anybody new to working out or anybody who has been working out for years. Adding kettlebells to your workout is a great way to add weight to your regular cardio workouts, or focus more on strength and conditioning.

This kettlebell has an easy-grip and a classic-style handle. There is nothing complicated about this kettlebell, so if you are looking for something simple to add to your workouts right away, this is a great product for you!

It also has a vinyl coating which covers its bottom to help protect your flooring.

Bare metal/iron kettlebells without this coating can damage wood floors very easily, and can even leave indents and marks on rubber mats.

The coating is thick too, so you won’t have to worry about it chipping or getting worn down.

The grip itself is not coating, so you will not have to worry about slipping during an intense workout.

This kettlebell comes in various weights and bright colors, so you can personalize it to your needs and your home/gym design. Some of the colors include lavender, burgundy, dark yellow, dark orange, red, and more.

You can also purchase one as light as 5 pounds and one as heavy as 50 pounds. With this product, you have plenty of options! In my opinion these are the best value kettlebells and a great way to diversify your workouts.

Best Adjustable Kettlebells

#1 Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell

This is the best adjustable kettlebell for those looking for everything in one. You can adjust the weight of this kettlebell to fit your needs at any given time. Its a good choice for women who frequently complete many different types of workouts with many different exercises.

It has a click and twist design, so adjusting it is very simple. You can set it to either 8, 12, 20, 25, 35  or 40 pounds. It also has a very comfortable grip that allows you to stay in control, and that is very easy on your palms and nails.

Regular hand weights and dumbbells can strain the wrists unnecessarily, but the handle on this kettlebell allows for a very comfortable workout.

Video: Overview of the Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell.

This product is also one of the very few that do not include warnings about toxic chemicals.

Not to mention, with this kettlebell you won’t have to worry about storing multiple kettlebells. Everything about this adjustable kettlebell is compact, and it satisfies many different workouts.

When you are finished using it, you can easily store it in your closet or a corner out of sight!

Even better, this kettlebell comes a variety of instructor lead classes for calorie-burning workouts you may follow if you do not know where to begin otherwise. Overall, this is the best adjustable kettlebell for the money.

#2 shanchar Adjustable Kettlebell Weight Set

This adjustable kettlebell is the perfect addition to any advanced Women’s workout regimen. The weights of this kettlebell can quickly adjust from 6 pounds to 40 pounds, giving you a great range for many different exercises and workouts.

It is also very easy to use. All you have to do is pull the lock, twist to remove, and add or remove weights as you wish. The handle itself is very comfortable and grip-friendly.

It weighs 6 pounds by itself, so if you are looking to incorporate a 6-pound weight, you simply strip the kettlebell down and work with it alone. Even when completely stripped, the handle still takes the shape of a kettlebell, so you can use it just as you normally would.

This adjustable kettlebell is worth the investment and the best adjustable kettlebell under $200.

You would spend many hundreds of dollars of multiple kettlebells otherwise, which will take up much more storage space

However, with this kettlebell everything you need for your routine is in one place, and easily adjustable. It is incredibly easy to set up and learn too. Within minutes, you will be ready to use it to maximize your workouts.

You will never need to spend money on a kettlebell again after this purchase.

Kettlebell Comparison Table

Best Kettlebell Workout DVDs

#1 Kathy Smith: Kettlebell Solution Workout (2 DVD Set)

This DVD set comes with 4 short workouts you can do on the go, or whenever you find time to fit them in. They are focused on full-body fat burning, and you can expect to see flatter abs, more toning and a sculpted upper body.

Using a kettlebell in your workouts is a great way mix up your routine and try something new and Kathy Smith provides you the tools to do just that in these workouts.

These workouts are ideal for middle-aged women looking to stay active and improve their fitness. The set includes instructions, workouts, and great music to keep you motivated. Plus, each workout is just 15 minutes!

You can throw these workouts in the middle of your day, during lunch, before a yoga session, first thing in the morning, or right before bed. You can also alternate between the body parts you focus one.

The four segments of workouts are: upper body, glutes and thighs, abs and back, and overall fat-burning and endurance. This gives you the ability to customize your workout routines to align with how you are feeling and recovering.

You’ll have energy for hours after you complete your workouts. All you will need is a kettlebell of an appropriate weight and an open space in which you can move freely. I think Kathy has the best kettlebell exercises for beginners.

#2 The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells DVD with Lauren Brooks

Lauren Brooks provides great, intense workouts involving kettlebells in this DVD set. If you are looking to get in shape fast using just a kettlebell for your workouts, this is the DVD set for you. It is perfect for those without any experience using kettlebells who want to learn and who also want to see fast results.

The workout DVD is designed specifically for beginners. Brooks’ warm-up and cool-down sessions are perfect for preparing you for your workout routine, as well as calming your body down afterwards to prevent injury or fatigue. It is best if you have a few kettlebells of varying weights (or an adjustable kettlebell) so you can adjust as you get stronger with this program.

The best part about these workouts is that they not only provide great routines, but watching them is motivating. Lauren is very easy to understand, and she even works out with a woman in her 50s to prove that anybody of any age can still stay active and fit using kettlebells.

It feels like you have a workout partner through the entire routine. These workouts are a great way to focus on one part of your body, or get a total-body workout in a very short amount of time, and it is like having a personal trainer at your fingertips whenever you need that extra push to get moving. Lauren has the best kettlebell workouts for women I have seen.

#3 Kettlebell Kickboxing: The Body Series

This DVD set is specifically geared towards transforming your body in just 60 days.

The workouts are super fun and are perfect for both beginners looking to change their lifestyles in addition to women with more experience using kettlebells in workouts.

The workouts differ from traditional workouts and will keep you motivated and engaged the entire time!

The kettlebell workout DVD set comes with many bonuses too. For example, you will receive a booklet including nutrition tips and diet plans, as well as training schedule templates.

As far as the workouts themselves go, there is a lot of variety, so you can choose exactly what you want to do and you won’t ever get bored. The set comes with 11 DVDs and there are short workouts, long workouts, and more focused workouts where you can work an area you feel needs more attention.

The kettlebell workouts are also great to do with a group, so get your girlfriends together and work towards achieving your goals together. Unlike other workout DVDs, these routines will also take you through how to move with the most correct form.

Many personal trainers and workout DVDs only provide programs, but will not work closely with you to ensure you are performing each exercise properly. This is very important, for the better your form, the better the results. Plus, correct form means less injuries.

How to Choose the Best Kettlebells For Women

Types of Kettlebells

There are two basic types of kettlebells that are a good addition to your home gym: standard kettlebell and the adjustable kettlebell.

Standard kettlebells: are cast iron spheres with wide handles attached to the top.

Adjustable kettlebells: take a similar shape and include a wide handle, but instead of being a fixed weight, they are designed so that you can add or remove weight to it.

Both kettlebells provide the same basic function, and you may use both in the same manner. The only difference is that the standard is a fixed weight, and the adjustable kettlebell may be adjusted.

What Type of Kettlebell Should You Buy?

That is a great question. It depends on what your goals are. For example, if you are looking to work out with a group, or own a gym, it is likely best to purchase a set of standard kettle bells so that multiple people can use them at once.

Standard/Fixed Kettlebells

Standard kettlebells are also great for those who know they will only be working with one weight during their workouts. All the standard kettlebells reviewed here are dipped in a vinyl coating too, which makes them convenient to pick up and carry.

This ensures your floor will be protected when you use them, for you won’t be pounding cast iron up against your wooden floors or rubber mats.

On the other hand, there are many benefits to purchasing an adjustable kettlebell. For instance, if you anticipate frequently needing to adjust the weights you use, these kettlebells are perfect for you.

Adjustable Kettlebells

Perhaps you perform different workout routines that include different exercises which require different weights for each. Or, perhaps you and your partner or friends share the kettlebell and must work at different weights.

Either way, an adjustable kettlebell is a convenient way to save money and space. You won’t need to spend extra ash on multiple different kettlebells, and you won’t have to worry about storing them either.

All the adjustable kettlebells reviewed here are reliable, compact, and offer a great range of weights for both beginners and experienced kettlebell users.

Overall, when deciding which type of kettlebell to purchase, it is important to consider your goals, your budget, and your space.

What are the Qualities of the Best Kettlebells?

If you are going to invest in a kettlebell, you want to make sure it aligns with your goals, but you also want to make sure it is a high-quality product.

The qualities of good kettlebells include:

These are the basic qualities of high-quality kettlebells. Kettlebells dipped in vinyl coating are easier to pick up, and they will not damage flooring of any kind (e.g. wood, carpet, rubber mat, etc.). Also, a wide strong-grip handle will allow multiple individuals to use the kettlebell.

For example, a woman with very small hands or a man with very large hands may both get the most out of their experience with it.

Cast iron is the standard material for kettlebells, and it makes for a durable, robust product.

Finally, most high-quality kettlebells will have the weight clearly printed on it. This allows you to differentiate between your various kettlebells.

You may also immediately see which weight you are picking up, and can organize your equipment in a more orderly fashion.

What Type of Kettlebell Workout Should I Choose?

There are many different types of workouts that involve kettlebells. It is most important to choose a workout that matches your skill level so that you are adequately challenged, but do not risk injuring yourself. Provided in this article are 3 different basic workouts you may choose from.

There is one for beginners, one for individuals with an average comfort for kettlebells, and one for advanced kettlebell users. Regardless of the workout you choose, it is important to make sure you are employing correct technique and listening to your body’s needs.

There are also multiple DVD workouts reviewed in this piece. The benefit of purchasing a DVD workout set is that you will also be provided training tips and schedules, nutritional information, and a virtual personal trainer you may access at any time. Read through the reviews and select one you feel is most appropriate for you.

Video: Example of a short kettlebell workout.

The qualities of a good kettlebell workout include:

The most important quality of a good workout is that it is fun and enjoyable. You do not want to feel like working out is a burden on your life; it should be exciting and engaging. Also, if you choose a workout from a DVD set, the trainer should motivate you and build your confidence.

Overall, you want it to be challenging; you want it to get your heart rate up, but you don’t want it to be so difficult you feel like you cannot complete it or that you will be injured.

Especially when working with a kettlebell, you don’t want to make a mistake and drop the weight on yourself or hurt your wrist. Safety should be the number one priority.

In terms of sticking with a workout, you should ensure it fits into your schedule. If you feel like you are squeezing your kettlebell workout in, it likely will not last. Successful exercise is a matter of lifestyle and habit, not about willpower.

Assuming you stick with it, you should see results within a few months at the most. Of course, you should be eating healthy and sleeping well too to see results.

However, if everything is done properly, you should notice more definition in your body, slightly larger muscles, and better toning after a few weeks of sticking with your kettlebell workouts.

Finally, it is important to feel good and confident in your workout. If you go into each workout doubting your progress, or doubting the workout’s ability to generate results, you won’t be compelled to give it your all.

As most of the workouts are a half hour or less, it is critical that you exert maximum energy to each. After all, if you are going to take the time to complete the workout, you might as well work to get the most out of it.

Kettlebell Workouts For Women

Listed below are three different kettlebell workouts for women. There is one for beginners; one of average difficulty; and one that is advanced. It is recommended that you start with the beginner workout if you are unfamiliar with using kettlebells, and you can always switch to the others if it is too easy. The advanced workout is for those very comfortable with using kettlebells.

Beginner Workout (5- or 10-pound kettlebell):

Strict Press

• 3 sets of 7 reps (each side)

Tricep Extension

• 3 sets of 7 reps

Kettlebell Swing

• 3 sets of 10 reps

V-Up Holding Kettlebell

• 3 sets of 7 reps

Repeat twice. Rest for 30 seconds or 1 minute and drink water between each set.

Average Workout (10- or 20-pound kettlebell):

Strict Press

• 4 sets of 8 reps

Tricep Extension

• 4 sets of 8 reps

Kettlebell Swing

• 4 sets of 15 reps

V-Up Holding Kettlebell

• 4 sets of 10 reps

Russian Twist Holding Kettlebell

• 3 sets of 10 (each side)

Repeat twice. Rest for 20 seconds or 1 minute and drink water between each set.

Advanced Workout (20+ pound kettlebell):

Strict Press

• 4 sets of 10 reps

Tricep Extension

• 4 sets of 10 reps

Kettlebell Swing

• 4 sets of 20 reps

V-Up Holding Kettlebell

• 4 sets of 15 reps

Russian Twist Holding Kettlebell

• 3 sets of 15 (each side)

Squat Holding Kettlebell

• 4 sets of 20 reps

Repeat twice. Rest for 20 seconds or 1 minute and drink water between each set.

These kettlebell workouts will either give beginners a great introduction to using kettlebells in workouts, or give more advanced athletes a strength and endurance boost to their regular routines.

For optimal results, complete one of these workouts three times per week in addition to your regular training. Remember that it is still important to take at least one rest day per week when strength training. Do not neglect your recovery!

Strict Press

To strict press, hold the kettlebell by the handle in one hand and rest it on your deltoid. You want your palm facing outward and your wrist bent backwards a bit. Press up using your shoulder until your elbow is locked in place. Gently lower the weight back to your deltoid and repeat.

Tricep Extension

To perform a tricep extension, hold the kettlebell by the handle using both hands above your head. Your palms should be facing outward and your wrists should bend back slightly (this should not hurt!). Lock your elbows above your head and squeeze your arms into your ears.

Next, keep your arms pressed against your ears, and bend your elbows backwards letting the kettlebell move behind your head. Then, using your triceps, pull the kettlebell back to its fixed position overhead. The key is to not let your arms move away from your ears.

If this is too difficult with the weight, you may practice with a lighter object (e.g. a remote or a water bottle).

Kettlebell Swing

To perform a kettlebell swing, spread your feet slightly past shoulder-width apart. Hold the kettlebell in front of you. Your palms should face inward. Keeping your lower back tight, bend over and let the kettlebell move between your legs.

Then, push your heels into the floor and swing your body upwards to make the kettlebell “swing” out in front of you. Then, let it fall back between your legs, and repeat to keep swinging. You should keep your arms straight, but they should remain relaxed; do not be rigid.

V-Up Holding Kettlebell

To perform a V-Up holding a kettlebell, lay on your back on a mat. Hold the kettlebell to your chest and make sure it is secure in that position. Raise your chest and your legs at the same time to form your body into a “V.” It is most important to keep the kettlebell in place and raise your chest and legs at the same time.

Russian Twist Holding Kettlebell

To perform a Russian twist holding a kettlebell, sit on a mat and lean your torso back slightly. This should cause your lower abs to tense. Hold the kettlebell to your chest and make sure it stays in this position.

Twist your torso to the left and touch your elbow to the mat, and then twist to the right and touch your other elbow to the mat. Make sure you simply touch the mat; do not put any additional weight on your elbow to “push” off it.

Squat Holding Kettlebell

To perform a squat holding a kettlebell, place your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the kettlebell to your chest and make sure it stays in this position. Keep your back and core tight, and lower your hips as if you were sitting in a chair.

Stay on your heels; do not come up onto your toes. Try to get your hips below parallel, and then push up by squeezing your quads to stand up again. If you are not flexible enough to do this, only go as low in the squat as you can before you begin to come up on your toes. The most important thing is to stay on your heels.

FAQs About Kettlebells

Q: What weights of kettlebells do I need to start?

A: It is recommended that beginners start with a two-handed swing, but you may be surprised at what weights you should start with. Women should start with a 15-pound kettlebell and men should start with a 25-pound kettlebell.

The reason these weights may seem a little high is because during two-handed kettlebell exercise, many if not all of your muscles are working together. Even beginners have more strength when using so much of your body’s energy during one movement.

Q: How can I lose weight with kettlebells?

A: Kettlebell exercises help you to lose weight in two ways. First, you are using many muscles and a lot of energy to perform each exercise. With such an intense workout, you burn calories quickly. So quickly, in fact, that your exercise routines don’t need to be very long. The second way kettlebells help you to lose weight is by boosting your metabolism as you condition and tone your muscles.

Q: How often should I use kettlebells and for how long?

A: Because a kettlebell workout is so intense, it doesn’t need to be very long. To start, your exercises shouldn’t last much longer than 3-5 reps of 10 of only one exercise, usually the kettlebell swing. Even as you progress, you will find you don’t need to exercise as long as you would with traditional gym equipment or dumbbells. However, because the exercises are shorter, you will see the most benefit from performing them more often.

Q: Why is the kettlebell swing so popular?

A: During a kettlebell swing, nearly all of your muscles are either in motion or tightened for support. This means that with just one exercise movement, the swing, you are getting the same workout as if you spent 20 minutes each on a half-dozen machines at the gym. However, it should be done properly not just for safety, but to get the best results out of the energy you are using.

Q: Should I use kettlebells or dumbbells?

A: Kettlebells and dumbbells may seem like they have many similarities, but they are very different. Kettlebell workouts allow you to work on cardio as well as full-body conditioning, burning calories and toning muscles all at the same time. When using dumbbells, you target one specific muscle or muscle group in order to strengthen that particular area.

Tips For Using Your Kettlebells

Tip #1: Learn to Breathe Properly

When breathing properly during a kettlebell exercise, your core should stay tightened. During many types of exercise, you tighten your abs while breathing in and doing the hardest part of the workout. Then you breathe out and complete the movement. However, during kettlebell exercises, it is important to keep your core muscles, especially your abs, tight even through the exhale. This is called “abdominal bracing” and will prevent you from injury during your intense workout.

Tip #2: Learn the Correct Form

There are several postures that are common in many kettlebell exercises. If you aren’t positioned correctly during the movements, it may result in an ineffective workout or even injury. In the hinge posture, your hips should be positioned behind you so as to stretch your hamstrings.

When in the lock position, your hips should keep you up straight, fully extended, while your knees are locked and your feet planted firmly. You should be squeezing your glutes tight throughout most movements.

Tip #3: Start Slow and Work Your Way Up

We’ve described several kettlebell exercises, but it is important to remember to start slow and add new exercises into your routine as you feel comfortable doing so.

We recommend starting with swings, overhead presses, and squats. You should add new exercises to vary the workout and what muscles and muscle groups you are exercising, before increasing weight to make those exercises more intense.

Tip #4: Take Kettlebells with You

There’s no reason to keep your kettlebell routine stuck indoors. Whether at home or the gym, it can be tiring to stare at the walls every day while working out. Kettlebells are highly portable and since you only need to have one for many exercises, it makes it easy to take your workout to the park or even the beach. Plus, they don’t roll around in the trunk as dumbbells do.

Tip #5: Use Kettlebells as HIIT Training

If you are already enjoying kettlebell workouts and you want to take it to the next level, try creating a HIIT workout routine using kettlebells. When done right, you can get the best of High-Intensity Interval Training and the best of the whole-body cardio and conditioning of using kettlebells.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a complete beginner, are already active and want to incorporate kettlebells into your fitness routines or are an advanced kettlebell user, it is important you understand the qualities of good kettlebells.

Kettlebells add a new dimension to working out, and can aid in developing muscle, toning, sculpting, and additional fat loss.

There are many unique, fun, and challenging workouts involving kettlebells you may choose from. Regardless of your choice in kettlebell and workout, it is important to have fun, feel confident in yourself and the workout, and prioritize your safety.

How We Researched

To come up with the top kettlebells, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best kettlebells and kettlebell workout DVDs to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend one I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

Have fun and enjoy your workout!