“What kettlebell sizes do I need?”
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| | Kettlebells are traditionally measured in poods. One pood, an old Russian unit, equals 16 kilograms, approximately 35 pounds. You need the following bell sizes to get started:
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| | What is “average” and what is “strong”?
In this context, a woman who can do strict pushups with ease and a man who can bench press more than 225 pounds or 100 kilos qualify as “strong.”
Even if you are lot stronger than that—powerlifting strong—do not exceed the above starting weights. Truly free weights, kettlebells feel a lot heavier than advertised.
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| “Why do women need more kettlebells than men?”
Because ladies have a different upper-to-lower-body strength ratio than gents.
“Do I need two kettlebells of the same size?”
No.
A couple of years down the road you might decide to notch up the challenge by doing double kettlebell exercises, but that decision is in the future.
“Why are the weight jumps between kettlebells so large?”
The original reason for limited sizes was probably as mundane as saving money and space. As science caught up with practice, multiple reasons emerged why large weight jumps are also superior to baby steps when it comes to getting results. For explanations, see Pavel’s book Kettlebell Simple & Sinister.
“Will I need to buy more kettlebells in the future?”
Yes—but not many and not for a long time.
The unique nature of kettlebell lifts provides a powerful training effect with relatively light weights. For instance, 1,000-pound squatter Donnie Thompson found a pair of 88-pound kettlebells to be enough for front squats…
Once you have advanced to heavier bells, do not retire the lighter ones. Even champion powerlifters find plenty of things to do with 35- and 53-pounders. |
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To remind you, this is what you need for your quest for strength and self-improvement: |
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