Kettlebell vs dumbbell vs barbell is the three types of excellent free weights used for strength training and muscle building. These three weights come in different designs that make them suitable for specific exercise and practitioners.
Therefore, a common question we often see is “kettlebell vs dumbbell vs barbell: which one is better for my training goal?” To answer this question, first, point out the differences between them with vic.
·The weight is evenly distributed on both sides (dumbbell & barbell) / the weight is distributed below the handle (kettlebell).
·Use only 1 hand or 2 hands (dumbbell) / Can use for both 1 or 2 hands (kettlebell) / Use both hands only (barbell).
·The weights and handles are on a short straight line (dumbbell) / There is a wide gap between the handle and the bell (kettlebell) / The weights and handles are on a long straight line (barbell).
·When you lift the weight, the force is applied to your hands and wrists (dumbbell) / When you lift the weight, the force is evenly distributed to both the arms and hands (kettlebell) / When lifting weights, the force is distributed to the hands and wrists, evenly distributed across the arms (barbell).
·Narrow range of motion (dumbbell & barbell) / Wide range of motion (kettlebell).
·Suitable for beginners (dumbbell & barbell) / Not suit for beginners (kettlebell).
Dumbbell is the most popular type of weights today, whether at the gym or at home. The reason dumbbell is so popular is due to the following advantages: easy to practice, can practice free - weight bilateral exercises, and easily perform movements with weights. The cost of buying dumbbell is cheaper than that of barbell and kettlebell.
However, dumbbell also has many disadvantages: gravity spreads to the sides, so if your weak wrists do not control the rotation and shake well, you could be injured. It is easy to get calluses if not wearing training gloves. The range of motion of the dumbbell is not wide so the movements are limited. With dumbbell, once you get used to the current weight, you will need to either use a heavier one or increase the number of reps. It is unlike kettlebells with wide handles, you just need to change the gripping position then the difficulty of the exercise will be increased.
Kettlebell is a type of weight that has many advantages over other types, often preferred when performing dynamic and high - speed movements. The advantages of kettlebell include: more suitable for cardio exercises than dumbbell and barbell because kettlebell movements are wider and more flexible. With kettlebells, it is possible to practice dumbbells exercises but not in reverse. The free weight of kettlebell is the highest of all. Because of the characteristics of kettlebell shapes, which can be held both with two hands or one hand, the amount of kettlebell exercises is a lot. It can improve practical strength, applicable in everyday life such as holding, pulling, transporting, etc. And you don't have to be afraid of getting callused because the handle fits well.
Although kettlebell has many advantages, it is still not as popular as dumbbell for the following reasons: the cost is more expensive, not suitable for beginners because it can cause injury easily, and muscle building is not as effective as dumbbell because kettlebell movements are not static enough.
Barbell is popular in fitness gyms. It is a bar with two sides mounted with weights. Barbell exercises have the highest static level. Its advantages include: barbell bar is very long, requiring use with both hands, so the exercises are very safe for all subjects. Because the weight is evenly distributed on both sides, barbell is best suitable for bilateral exercises. The practitioner will not worry about deviated muscles. Weight adjustment can be removed easily.
However, barbell is the type of weight with the most disadvantages: impossible or difficult to practice with one hand, the free weight is very low, so the movements are limited, the number of barbell exercises is less, and the price is not cheap due to the need to buy extra weights.
Choosing which type of weights to workout of these three types depends on your own needs. If you are a gym room owner, then you will have to buy all 3 of these weights. If you want to do a home gym, you will have to consider choosing a reasonable option. Before choosing what kind of weights to train, you must answer the following questions yourself: what is the scope of movement in your exercise? What is your training goal? Is it building muscle, improving strength or stability? What is your level of expertise? Are you an experienced practitioner or a beginner? Which weight to choose for your workout. Budget issue is not that important unless you are an investor in a fitness center. For individual trainers, the price will not vary too much, it is important that your training goals are met.
Dumbbell is very easy to use so if you are a novice this will be a great choice. Even if you are an experienced practitioner, some dumbbell exercises are more stable. Examples include pulling and pressing. You can also use dumbbell to do some kettlebell exercises like dumbbell swings, single - arm dumbbell swing. The level of flexibility and safety will not be equal to kettlebell, however. If your goal is to build muscle then you should use dumbbells because dumbbell exercises are more static and focused on muscles. With dumbbells, only the active muscles get tired, not the whole body like when exercising with kettlebells. Kettlebell exercises are highly flexible, using your entire body for wide range of motion. Therefore, kettlebell is for those who want to improve strength and endurance.
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