differences between DB and KB swing

[Blair Lowe]

Methinks DB swings do not equal KB swings. I do DB swings often enough at home but the the technique of KB swings is very foreign to me, especially in something like Helen. It was better yesterday than it had been before, but I'm thinking there is a definite difference.

I'm thinking because in a DB swing, you hold the DB in the middle of the POB of the weight. This is with one end down and one end up. It probably changes if you hold them with each end being parallel to your body, but you can only swing one this way or you have to swing them funny.

Because you're holding it in the middle of the POB, there is less load involved due to the design of the KB and leverage. When swinging, that load is 3-6 inches away from your hand, especially from the freefall where it becomes " heavier " from gravity. This means more load on my back.

Ideally, I can bounce this load from up to down at the bottom or top; but that's another technique thing.

Comments? Can anybody confirm this? I'm sure the KB ppl will be all over this like bees on honey but swinging a KB could actually create a significant more force or load than a DB if this is all true.

[Garrett Smith]

Blair, you're pretty much right on.

The KBs center of mass being further away makes it "heavier" to swing than a DB of the same weight.

It feels so much better with a KB.

[Craig Brown]

You are right on. The main difference other than what you mentioned is that KB swings don't annoy me.

[Craig Loizides]

For 2 handed swings I grab the DB by the plates on one end.

[Gavin Harrison]

The shape of the handle makes KB swings sooooo much nicer. DB swings, when holding onto the handle, hurt my hands... not enough space for two hands in there.

[Blair Lowe]

My DB are 25lbs a piece so I generally hold one in each hand and swing them by my sides or do 1 handed swings in between my crotch.

I could try on the ends but swinging just a 25 is pretty lame. With my small hands and a violent swing, it could easily slip and go flying into a wall or the glass door to the outside. A heavier DB would probably just be more of a danger.

Feels better? Tell that to my lower back and hamstrings and groin. Some of that was the 400's but the KB kill my back and hit the hammies a bit. Big straddles weren't gonna happen today.

KB swings annoy me...a lot.

[Allen Yeh]

I also prefer KB swings over DB swings, especially 2 handed.

[Emily Mattes]

Yeah, DB swings are definitely more awkward. And when I get to heavier dumbbells (like 60#) I'm not able to get as far into a proper swing position--end up folding over more than I would with a kettlebell just to get the dumbbell in between my legs. Plus I end up with bruises on my wrists and in between my fingers afterwards.

[Dave Van Skike]

solution:

fits in a gym bag.



http://www.davedraper.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php?n=PmWiki.T-Handle

[George Mounce]

Once I got kettlebells, I haven't used a dumbbell since for anything. KB are much, much better tools.

[Aaron Gainer]

I would agree. I prefer kettlebells to dumbbells after working with them directly for the last 4 weeks. While more expensive, the thicker grip and weight distribution makes it a great tool to have in addition to barbell training!!!!

[Gary Ohm]

I am the same way. I was REALLY skeptical at first, but now if I have a choice of going with either KB or DB I will choose the KB's most of the time. I agree that you can do most of the same exercises with DB's as you can with KB's. But that's like making the statement that you can do the same thing on a Wal Mart rigid frame mountain bike that you can on a Specialized S-works FSR. Sure you can, but there IS a difference...