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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Kettlebell vs. Dumbbell: Which do you prefer?

Do you have an opinion?  
Out of the various clients; male an female that I posed the question, the answer relayed was interesting.  Some noted the various fatigue differences between the Kettlebell and Dumbbell, while others formed their opinions based on the variances in difficulty. 

Facts:
-> The kettlebell does in fact work your core muscles more and the exercises are designed to get your heart rate and breathing elevated. 
-> Barbells are more suited to targeting one specific muscle group.  The kettlebell, by design, changes its center of gravity as you move, causing you to adjust and adapt more than you would using the barbell. 
-> Stronger grip because of the design of the kettlebell. The handle on the kettlebell is on the top rather than in the center of the weight. This means that your hands gain strength as you work with them.
-> The kettlebell workout style is often at a faster pace; styled based on aerobic exercises. This style burns more fat than a regular barbell workout.  You can incorporate quick barbell movements, but you will not get quite the workout (heart rate and breathing elevation) that you would using the kettlebell.
-> The dumbbell is more stationary and much easier to control.
-> The dumbbell is very good for targeting specific muscle groups
-> The dumbbell is not designed to be aerobic. I am not stating they cannot be used during aerobic exercise, I am stating that the nature of the barbell is not aerobic. 

In conclusion, the decision on whether to use a dumbbell or a kettlebell in the next workout could be a summation of your goals.  What are you trying to achieve?  Balance and control? Dumbbells.  Core requirement 100% of the time and grip/wrist strength? Kettlebells.

My clients can be of any age and level.  I have to take an account of their goals, their concerns and limitations such as balance. Concerns with the wrist? Osteoporosis?  The accomplishments will still come, injuries can be worked around; that is where a great trainer and client accountability coexist.  The workout can always be adapted to the clients ability while maintaining safety as the #1 priority. 
Whether you choose a dumbbell or kettlebell, Enjoy Your Next Workout !!

Zeke Samples, IFA, CSN, CPR, IDEA
Surreal Body Solutions, LLC
803.322.7649
& contributing health and exercise author
Personal Training Nutrition | Supplements | Motivation

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