Kettlebells vs dumbbells - which training equipment is superior? This is a question which has caused divided opinions in many gyms over the years but today you will discover the definitive answer based on the latest scientific research on the subject.
If there is one thing which many people mistakenly do in gyms around the world, it is buying in to the false belief that one way of training is the best over any other method. This is particularly true with the two mentioned above. Many people are either on one side of the fence or the other. Optimal results can be achieved by combining these methods with lesser known techniques, such as yoga, suspension trainers and body weight exercises.
However, a recent study pitted the kettlebell against free weights in a study to determine which method would return the greatest strength gains overall. The results were quite profound.
The study followed a protocol where Group A would be using a 16 kilogram weight to perform a six week program of swings, accelerated swings and goblet squats in an attempt to boost vertical leap, power clean and squat strength levels.
Group B, on the other hand, were made to follow a six week program using roughly 80% of their one repetition maximum on squat, power clean and high pulls using a barbell.
After the six week course was over, the results were overwhelmingly in favor of free weight training. Barbell squats improved one rep max on squats by a huge 15%, whereas goblet squats only resulted in a 5% increase. Then the free weight group also enjoyed a 10% strength boost to their power clean and 4% vertical leap.
The kettlebell group lagged behind with only a 4% power clean boost and 1% vertical leap improvement. Given that this piece of kit is well known for it's explosiveness, a mere 1% boost to vertical leap strength was surprisingly low in comparison to what could be achieved through free weights.
So if the results of this study from California State University, Fullerton are to be used as evidence in ending this popular argument then free weights certainly won the war hands down.
However, the optimal method for building a better body through effective fat loss and lean muscle building should include a variety of techniques. Although this particular study from California State University, Fullerton returned results heavily in favor of resistance training, this does not mean you should eliminate every other type of exercise from your program.
The best way to develop a well rounded training program is to use aspects of different training methods until you find something which works for you. It is not uncommon to see bodybuilders, who are primarily known to use free weights and machines, adopt exercises like swings into their routine from time to time.
If you merely wanted a straight answer to the kettlebells vs dumbbells question then you certainly have that now, but the best approach to building a well-rounded training program comes from combining aspects of both.
If there is one thing which many people mistakenly do in gyms around the world, it is buying in to the false belief that one way of training is the best over any other method. This is particularly true with the two mentioned above. Many people are either on one side of the fence or the other. Optimal results can be achieved by combining these methods with lesser known techniques, such as yoga, suspension trainers and body weight exercises.
However, a recent study pitted the kettlebell against free weights in a study to determine which method would return the greatest strength gains overall. The results were quite profound.
The study followed a protocol where Group A would be using a 16 kilogram weight to perform a six week program of swings, accelerated swings and goblet squats in an attempt to boost vertical leap, power clean and squat strength levels.
Group B, on the other hand, were made to follow a six week program using roughly 80% of their one repetition maximum on squat, power clean and high pulls using a barbell.
After the six week course was over, the results were overwhelmingly in favor of free weight training. Barbell squats improved one rep max on squats by a huge 15%, whereas goblet squats only resulted in a 5% increase. Then the free weight group also enjoyed a 10% strength boost to their power clean and 4% vertical leap.
The kettlebell group lagged behind with only a 4% power clean boost and 1% vertical leap improvement. Given that this piece of kit is well known for it's explosiveness, a mere 1% boost to vertical leap strength was surprisingly low in comparison to what could be achieved through free weights.
So if the results of this study from California State University, Fullerton are to be used as evidence in ending this popular argument then free weights certainly won the war hands down.
However, the optimal method for building a better body through effective fat loss and lean muscle building should include a variety of techniques. Although this particular study from California State University, Fullerton returned results heavily in favor of resistance training, this does not mean you should eliminate every other type of exercise from your program.
The best way to develop a well rounded training program is to use aspects of different training methods until you find something which works for you. It is not uncommon to see bodybuilders, who are primarily known to use free weights and machines, adopt exercises like swings into their routine from time to time.
If you merely wanted a straight answer to the kettlebells vs dumbbells question then you certainly have that now, but the best approach to building a well-rounded training program comes from combining aspects of both.
About the Author:
About the author: Russ Howe PTI is a nationally followed south shields personal trainer who trains people via the internet. His advice on the topic of kettlebells vs dumbbells will help you further.
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