Is my kettlebell too light? It's a common question and the answer may surprise you.
Using a kettlebell that's too light can be just as bad for your kettlebell form as going too heavy.
Here's how.
If you use a weight that's too light, you tend to overpower the the kettlebell with the wrong muscles. Here are some examples:
Kettlebell Swings
When you go too light with kettlebell swings... you'll tend to use your arms too much. In most cases you won't focus on your hips as the power source.
Kettlebell Snatches
With kettlebell snatches... you'll tend to overpower the kettlebell causing the kettlebell to flop over your hand and smash your wrist.
Kettlebell Cleans
With cleans, it's the same as snatches. If the kettlebell is too light... it will flop over as you try to clean it. Flopping causes the kettlebell to slam into your wrists.
Two Things Happen
1. Your Forearms Bruise More
As you lean kettlebells, your forearms will bruise but with a lighter kettlebell... they'll bruise faster.
2. Your Learn Bad Habits
A ligher kettlebell will reinforce bad habits. These bad habits will be hard to break... especially as you move up to heavier kettlebells.
How Light Is Too Light?
If you need barely any effort to get the kettlebell up from the ground or swing (loaded) position.
If the kettlebell continues to flop over your hand... it's possible your kettlebell is too light. It could be form as well... this is why it's so important to have a coach .
If you find you're barely using your hips to move the kettlebell... your kettlebell is probably too light.
What Is The Right Kettlebell Weight?
Everybody is different, but here are some guidelines you can use...
When you rack the kettlebell... you should feel your core tighten and the kettlebell should be relatively heavy.
I typically start my clients at:
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18lb kettlebell to learn cleans and snatches
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26lb kettlebell for swings
I try to move my clients up to 35lbs for swings as fast as I can.
This changes for exercises like:
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Overhead presses
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Windmills
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Get ups
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And a few others
Don't Go Too Light With Your Kettlebells!
I hope this helps get you moving in the right direction.
Go learn how to workout with kettlebells so you can start mastering the fundamentals of the best way to strength train.
If you want to learn kettlebell training, go learn about Fit Women's Weely LIVE. This is my private online training group where I coach my members LIVE over the Internet three times everyday!
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