Starting Weight?

[Daniel Myers]

So I'm thinking of finally picking up one of these old-fangled kettlebells I've read so much about. What weight should I start with? From a learning perspective, I know I should get a 16 kg and practice learning the lifts, but I don't want to shell out the bucks for a weight that I may outgrow too quickly.

I can clean, jerk, and snatch a pair of 55 lb. DBs for moderate reps and press one for 3-5 (I'm not very good at pressing). Am I strong enough to jump right into the 24 kg KB?

I'm mainly interested in doing jerks, snatches, and long cycle, and some presses to build overhead strength. I'd like to get one bell that I can rely on, and then start collecting if I like the training.

[Greg Everett]

Why not split the difference and get a 20kg?

[Garrett Smith]

I think a 16kg will always be useful, that's where I started, and I would not want to be without it for myself after big training lapses and for other folks (ie. my brother and if my wife ever gets that strong).

Remember that learning ballistic lifts on too-heavy weights doesn't do you nor your form any favors in the long run.

Greg's advice is also good.

[Derek Simonds]

I agree with Greg and here are my thoughts.

I bought both. I use the 16 KG for rep work and the 24 KG for 4 to 6 reps on swings, snatches, C/J and presses. I can also snatch 55 LB DB's for moderate reps fairly easily so I was surprised by the difference when using the KB's. I find it slightly more difficult with the same weight KB.

If I was to only buy one it would be based on what I was trying to do. If you are looking to build strength endurance I would definitely go with the 16 KG. You can do all the same exercises for reps and get a great workout.

[Catherine Imes]

My 2 Cents...

You will not outgrow the 16kg bells.

Of course, it depends on your goals. Are you trying to work up to high rep numbers with timed sets, i.e. 150+ snatches, 80 Jerks, ect ect? If so, then start light with a 16kg bell.

I always use lighter bells. I may do 15+ minute sets with my 12s. 16s are my working weight for 10 min sets, and I do timed work with 24s. Of course, KB lifting is my primary modality.

The 16kg won't be too light provided you have high rep aspirations...at least not for a long time. If you don't want to do high reps, then go to a 20 or 24kg..or find someone local that will let you try theirs to get an idea.

CI