Kettlebells Vs. Resistance Bands

Kettlebells are the latest in home fitness equipment. Every once in a while, a new fad will take the country by storm and have everyone singing its praises. Kettlebells is this product, for now. Kettlebells aren’t new however; they have been used for years in athletic training. They come in a variety of designs, though the traditional kettlebells are made from cast iron and resemble a cannonball with a handle. So, what’s the big deal with kettlebells and should you run out to buy them?

The appeal of kettlebells is largely marketing created. In all honesty, they offer little more than dumbbells, being a simple weight used in strength training. They are effective, however, so the purchasing decision is entirely yours. When comparing them with resistance bands, we see several reasons why the bands are preferred.

Simply stated, kettlebells are cumbersome. “Duh” you might say, but hear me out. Although dumbbells and kettlebells are effective for strength training, they are far from convenient and portable. While one pair of kettlebells may be appropriate for bicep curls, you will likely need a different weight for your tricep kickbacks and your lateral raises. In other words, one pair won’t be enough. Add to that the need for heavier bells as your progress and you may end up with a collection big enough to fill a closet. If you have the extra closet space, this may not be an issue. But, why use something inconvenient simply because it’s a “hot” product on the market?

Resistance bands, on the other hand, are highly adjustable and very convenient. You can purchase a complete set of high quality resistance bands for around $100 and stow them all away in a small duffle bag or on a shelf. To increase resistance between exercises you can simply tighten the band, or move up to the next resistance level.

Kettlebells may be the newest hot item in home gym equipment, but advertizing presence and fads aren’t always a good indicator of the best products. For strength training results with convenience and portability, look into some resistance bands options.