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Save $27.01: The Bowflex 840 Home Gym Series Adjustable Kettlebell is only $151.99 at Amazon as of March 22 — a 15% discount from the original price seen on Bowflex’s website.
A humble set of dumbbells is often the first step in the process of building a home gym. It makes sense: They’re highly versatile and easy to work with.
But for those looking to activate different muscle groups with more challenging weight training, it’s wise to have a kettlebell in the arsenal. Trade the gym’s grimy rack community kettlebells for Bowflex’s single adjustable kettlebell — which is currently 15% lower than its usual $179 at Amazon or the Bowflex website. Between six settings, it can be as light as eight pounds or as heavy as 40 (depending on the workout or who’s using it), but unlike a traditional set, the variety of weight doesn’t require a bigger storage footprint. Just turn a dial to change the weight. It’s like having many kettlebells in one.
Generally, kettlebells are ideal for more intense weight training or ballistics training to harness more explosive power. While the weight of a dumbbell is distributed between the two ends, a kettlebell’s mass completely lies below the handle. Naturally, the handle could make for a comfier (less awkward) weighted squat or lunge. But that extra space in between can make things easier or harder on the lifter’s end, depending on its position in the air.
At some point in, say, an arm swing, the kettlebell feels almost weightless. Because these exercises often incorporate switching hands or positions during the floating period, kettlebells are great tools for coordination. The goal is to use your legs and hips (not just sheer arm strength) to ensure that you’re swinging the kettlebell — not letting the kettlebell swing you.