Kettlebells and barbells have several uses in strength training and muscle-building workouts. As one steps into a gym, one will see Kettlebell and barbell along with other exercise equipment. They have different designs, merits, and devotees. So, it gives rise to the question; which one is better? Let us compare kettlebell versus barbell features to find an answer.
Kettlebell Versus Barbell
Kettlebell
It resembles a cannonball in shape and is made of cast iron or cast steel. It also has a handle fixed to the top. Kettlebells are ideal for ballistic exercises and are also used in weightlifting sports. Because of its unique design, a kettlebell is good for hip exercises. It further targets the hamstrings and glutes.
It has a wide gap between the handle and the bell and the weight of the kettlebell is distributed below the handle. One can use it with one or both hands. The wide handle allows change of grip and, when lifted, the force distributes evenly in the hands and arms. It is suitable for a wide range of motions.
Barbell
A barbell is ideal for bodybuilding, weight training, weightlifting, and powerlifting. It has a long bar with weights at both ends. One can do compound exercises involving many muscles or isolation exercises that work on an individual muscle. A barbell can improve your strength from the head to the toe.
The weights and the handle of a barbell stay in a long straight line and the weight distribution is even on both sides. One can use it with two hands only and can also change the width of the handle before lifting. When lifted, it results in an even distribution of the weight through wrists, hands, and arms. It has a narrow range of motions.
Kettlebell features
Kettlebells are popular for doing workouts at home. It consists of weight with a handle on the top. One cannot go wrong with a kettlebell for fitness and exercise.
Kettlebell comes with solid cast iron designs
The flat bottom ensures stability and balance
Because of its long range of motion and wider movements, Kettlebells are more suitable for cardio exercises.
One can do high-speed swings with a Kettlebell
As the weight of the bell is below the handle, one can hold it in one or both hands and do more exercises
It is perfect to improve holding and pulling strength.
Barbell features
Barbells are a popular option in fitness gyms. It contains a bar loaded with weights on two sides.
As the bar is long, a barbell requires both hands for handling it.
The length of the bare ranges from 4 to 8 feet. Bar of length 7’2” is most common. They are used in the Olympics.
The diameter of the bar ranges from 25 to 32 mm.
The bur has knurling or a crosshatch pattern. It ensures a firm grip.
The weight distribution is even on both sides.
It is ideal for bilateral exercises and causes no muscle deviation
Weight adjustments are easy and safe
Allows narrow range of motion
Ideal for powerlifting exercises
Benefits of kettlebell
Kettlebells have turned into a staple workout gear. It has the following advantages.
It is a tool for total body condition
It improves core strength and stability
Improves balance and coordination
Helps fast fat-burning
Unique cardio alternative
Enhances mobility and flexibility
Entails stronger posterior
It builds lean muscles
Improves joint health
It is a low-risk and high-rewards option
Kettlebells are compact and portable
Benefits of barbell
Although a barbell looks simple learning to use it is not that easy. It has the following advantages.
Saves time: One can work multiple muscles when doing squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press. As a result, it builds muscles and strength throughout the body.
Builds athletic performance: Exercising with a barbell improves the upper and lower body muscles. Thus it helps to improve athletic performance.
Also ideal for cardio: Barbells are ideal for HIIT workouts and help cardio workouts.
Is kettlebell the right option for you?
Kettlebells are perfect strength training. They come in the shape of a heavy ball with a handle on the top. Due to this unique configuration, kettlebells are ideal for swinging exercises. The easy-to-grip handle makes a kettlebell a safe and superior choice. One can start with a slow and controlled movement for building strength. It helps to do ballistic exercises, including swings and snatches, easily at a later stage. It is also a better option for doing deadlifts. Kettlebell workouts have more flexibility and are ideal for those aspiring to improve strength and endurance. It also works well when one aims to lose weight fast. Persons interested in taking part in a competition can also practice with kettlebells.
Is barbell the right option for you?
A barbell is ideally meant for doing advanced training after one builds up strength with a kettlebell. Some barbells come with a weight attached to them. Others have separate weight plates for mounting at both ends of the bar. The greatest benefit of using a barbell is, one can increase the weight in small increments. One may get microplates to take a one-pound jump at a time. A barbell is also great for stable and extensive training like powerlifting. It is provided with safety rails that make it safe. It is perfect for serious athletes. Being cumbersome a barbell is not fit for at-home workouts until you have a separate space for that. Moreover, one has to get exercise benches for exercising with a barbell. It is perfect for gym-goers.
Summing up
Both kettlebell and barbell are great workout gears. As you have passed through the kettlebell versus barbell comparisons, you must have seen that both of them deliver distinct benefits. They also have specific purposes. However, kettlebell seems to be a better option if you do not aspire to be a hardcore bodybuilder.