Dumb bells vs Kettle bells

[TinyTink 268]

Is there any reason I would want one over the other? I'm mainly planning on using these for upper arm exercises.

[HopeandAgony 566]

Great question! I've wondered too. I have hand weights that I use. I use them when I am sitting on an exercise ball and it really works my core. I have been eyeing up kettle balls though. I've heard they are also great for the core. Following.

[TinyTink 268]

I think (at least in my little head) that hand weights and dumb bells are the same. Just to be clear though, I'm talking about the colorful neoprene covered weights you can do curls, etc. with.

Thanks!

[HopeandAgony 566]

I think (at least in my little head) that hand weights and dumb bells are the same. Just to be clear though, I'm talking about the colorful neoprene covered weights you can do curls, etc. with.

Thanks!

Yes! Same thing. I have used 2 lbs and am at 5 lbs now. Those little suckers get heavy after a few reps.

[Dub 9,922]

Dumbbells have always been more versatile for me.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I have both, but use them differently. Dumbbells I will do while sitting. We also use them in my silver sneakers class. Kettlballs I do while standing. Especially for the swing through your legs moves. I bought a set that came with 3 & 5 lb kettleballs. It also had a workout DVD and I do those workouts at home. I find dumbbells easier to grasp, whereas with kettleballs I have to think more about my grasp. I don't want to grip them awkwardly and put stress on my wrist. Benefit wise I think because of the workouts I do with the them the kettleballs help more with my core, but dumbbells help with upper body strengthening.

[jane13 2,256]

I agree with Blerdgirl for the use of both the kettle vs dumbbells.

[M!@ 320]

I use my dumbbells for push up or plank rows as they are flat on one side. I use the kettle bell for kettle bell swings and Turkish get-ups. Other than that, they are pretty versatile or can be used for the same exercises.

[TinyTink 268]

I've got a lot to learn! LOL.

[swimbikerun 1,038]

I've used both in the past.

[Smye 694]

@@TinyTink, I will say, from a financial perspective, that kettle bells are far easier to make and customize if you're going to be having lots of different sizes to save some cash.

Instructions here

[TinyTink 268]

@@TinyTink, I will say, from a financial perspective, that kettle bells are far easier to make and customize if you're going to be having lots of different sizes to save some cash.

Instructions here

Thank you.

[SleeveSoon 191]

I have been working with trainers for the past several months and we have used both dumb bells and kettle bells. Both can be used for weighted squats focused on your legs. Kettle bell swings focus mainly on your core, but can work your arms if you extend your swing to lift the kettle bell over your head. Most of the exercises involving dumb bells focus on the arms and chest.

If you are just starting out and interested in working your upper arms, I would buy the dumb bells first.

[Daisee68 2,493]

I would agree that they do different things. The Kettlebells are good for all over strengthening. The dumbbells for more targeted strengthening. You can find "adjustable" ones at some of the sports equipment stores so those would be a good investment so you don't have to invest in and store a lot of a equipment. If you get kettlebells, be sure to get a DVD or watch some good videos so that you know the proper use. There is a lot of "squatting" involved (which is one way you get more all over body exercises) and I was putting a lot of stress on my knees not doing it correctly.

Most important is to find something you enjoy! Have fun!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,553]

First, I want to say AWESOME on your move to tone up! I love lifting weights and I love what they have done to my figure. Give it time, be consistent, and make it a way of life and you will see the wonders it will do for you! Personally, even though I use both, I love dumbbells. Kettle bells are great with compound movements and utilizing you core. However, dumbbells are just more versatile--again, in my opinion. You can work your entire upper body and lower body with dumbbells.

Some of the more common isolated exercises for each muscle group include:

Chest:

· Flat bench dumbbell press

· Flat bench dumbbell flies

· Inclined dumbbell press

· Inclined dumbbell flies

Biceps:

· Alternating bicep curls

· Hammer curls

· Seated inclined bicep curls

· 21’s (with your palms facing up, simultaneously curl the dumbbells half way up 7 times; at the completion of the 7^th rep, continue by completing another 7 reps from the half way point to the top of a curl; finish off the exercise by doing 7 reps of full curls—7 x 3 = 21)

Triceps:

· Overhead triceps extensions (one arm at a time or both—depending on weight)

· Triceps kickbacks

· Skull crushers

Shoulders:

· Shoulder Press

· Front Lateral Raise (thumbs up)

· Front Lateral Raise (palms down)

· Side Lateral Raise (thumbs up)

· Side Lateral Raise (palms down)

· Shrugs (targets traps)

· Bent over flies with elbows tucked into your sides (targets posterior deltoids)

· I do not know the name of this exercise, but you hold the dumbbells in like you are about to go into a shoulder press (your arms look like a football goal post), but instead of pressing up, you rotate your forearms towards the ground. Your upper arms will remain in line with your body and parallel to the ground, but your forearms will move from their “goal post” position to a flat position, also parallel to the ground. Rotate them back up and repeat.

Back:

· Bent over rows

· Bent over flies

· One arm rows

· Dead lift

Legs:

· Squat

· Plie squats

· Jumping squats

· Lunges

· Side lunges

· Reverse lunges

· Curtsey lunges

· Stiff Legged Dead Lift

There are ton more that you can look up online!