Strength & Muscle

I've had quite a few emails lately from individuals asking me about this issue.

So, in case you weren’t aware , there is a discipline called Kettlebell Sport (GS - where the “G” stands for “Girya,” or Kettlebell) which sprung out of Russia and reached the US in the mid-2000s.

Up until that time, the only types of kettlebells you could get were the cast iron “Strength & conditioning” type.

This is likely the standard shape kettlebell you’ve likely used or witnessed .

Here’s what the Competition Bells appear like :

And here's what they look like compared to each other:

(Image courtesy: Zack Henderson)

Now, honestly, I’ve only used Comp Bells a couple of occasions .

And I enjoy them.

But I’ve always used the cast iron kind and stick with them .

Thicker Handles → Stronger Grip

Ever increasing bell size as weight gets heavier → More here stability demand → More work → More variety

Cheaper (usually) → More bells

Bigger bells → Over 48kg if you want to go really heavy

Now that doesn’t mean Comp Bells are bad . Not at all.

Here are some benefits:

Same size, different weights → Consistent feel, probably more (higher) reps

Consistent size → Less stability demand → Easier to lift

Smaller handle diameter → Easier on the grip → Less forearm fatigue

Less forearm fatigue → Higher reps per set

… This is likely why these are tailored for the repeated kettlebell lifting found in Kettlebell Sport.

And, finally , depending on the producer, you can get Adjustable Comp Bells, which are an “all-in-one” solution from 16kg - 32kg → Space-saving design

(Image courtesy: Bells of Steel)

However, the reality is this: Whichever type of kettlebell you choose is just that - a choice - and it’s up to you.

I recommend testing both and seeing which you like better .

Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s not the model of kettlebell you pick, it’s how you use your kettlebell that influences the results you get.

Without structure, results can be unpredictable.

Professionally designed programming = Clear, reliable improvements in strength & muscle growth plus fat loss.

Stay Strong,

Geoff Neupert.