Which is better for building muscle, and strength; kettlebells, or barbells/Dumbbells? This is a question that seems to keep coming up in gyms across the country, and throughout the world. Why in the hell do people always limit themselves by this type of thinking?
The answer of course, is they are completely different devices, with vastly different purpose. You think not? Well, look at the bodies of people who use both, and see if there is a difference. Of course, barbells will allow one to lift a great deal more weight, but even weightlifters do not have the muscular appearance of a bodybuilder. What is better, cross country skis, or down hill skis? It depends on what a person intends to do. If you like skis, though, why not get both? Along the same lines, if a person works out primarily with kettlebells, they may want to consider some barbell work as well. Vice versa.
On several occasions I have seen people at the gym, trying curl kettlebells like a dumbbell. Although this can be done, and feels slightly awkward, this is not the most effective use of these wonderful little handle clad cannonballs. Rather, these devices are meant to activate many muscle groups, in each activity. Look at the kettlebell swing for example, and list the muscles involved. It will soon become apparent that this is not an isolated exercise, like most other forms of weight training provide.
When I first learned how to use a kettlebell, it seemed more like a cardio workout, than weight training. I remember a lady arriving to take the class, and in the end being very disappointed. She mentioned to the instructor, that she thought she was taking a weight lifting class. The instructor sarcastically replied that they were weights, and looked at the lady like she was a complete numb skull. She never came back. Maybe the instructor should have told her that not only were kettlebells weights, but that they predate barbells, and dumbbells, by a few thousand years. Maybe he should have told her that they originated in ancient Greece, and were used to develop strength, power, and speed. That they were used to test a person's strength, and that they are one of the oldest devices known, that humans have used to get stronger. Although, an impressive culture in it's own right, Russia is not the place where kettlebells first appeared. We must remember that the Russians were closely aligned with the Byzantine Empire, and even use the cyrillic alphabet, to this day. The instructor could not convey any of this information, however, as they had no clue, and were more interested in texting on their cell phone, than conducting the class.
Yes, kettlebells are weights, and when used properly, will benefit the body in ways that are too many to list. I have found them to be an absolutely remarkable accessory to work with barbells, and dumbbells. This is my experience at least. This experience began with a 45 minute kettlebell workout, the day after an exceptionally difficult workout, with heavy barbells. I went into the kettlebell workout, sore as heck from the barbells, and came away loosened up, stretched, and with blood in the muscle. After cooling down, I felt as if I had half way recovered from the earlier barbell workout.
These things have become an integral tool in my fitness program, and weight training will never be the same. I do not feel that I would want to do to one without the other. Funny thing is that since using kettlebells as a supplement to barbells, I have made significant increases in size and strength. When you have been working out with weights for over thirty years, you tend to see things like this.
So, my own answer to the question above is that neither is better or worse, but simply related to what a person wishes to achieve. For me, these two devices work together, and are mutually beneficial. The first time I ever saw a kettlebell, I knew instictively that it was a weight, for physical development, but really had no understanding of how it should be used. I ended up buying one, and literally used it as a paper weight, for about four years. I wish that I would have better understood the benefits, years ago.
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