top of page

Dumbbells vs. Kettlebells: The Ultimate Showdown


So, you’ve decided to get serious about your fitness goals.


You’ve dusted off the yoga mat, and now it’s time to pick your weapon of choice: dumbbells or kettlebells? Let’s be real—both have their perks, but choosing the right one can feel like trying to pick your favourite child. They both have their strengths, but one might suit your needs better depending on your goals, your space, and, let’s face it...your Instagram aesthetic.

Before you fall into the trap of buying everything under the sun (because, hey, they’re on sale, right?), let’s break down the pros, cons, and what to think about when making your decision.


Whether you’re lifting to get strong, support some body composition changes, or just kick butt and be a total badass, we’ve got you covered.

 

Dumbbells: The tried-and-true reliable pal

Photo: John C. Watson
Photo: John C. Watson

Pros:

  • Simple, versatile, & familiar: If you’ve ever seen a gym, you’ve seen dumbbells. They’re classic. It’s like the black coffee of fitness gear—straightforward, reliable, and you can always count on them to get the job done. Whether you’re squatting, pressing, curling, or rowing, dumbbells won’t lead you astray.


  • Accessible for beginners: If you’re new to the whole lifting thing (or just need something that won’t give you a headache to learn), dumbbells are your friend. The movement patterns are relatively simple, and you’re less likely to injure yourself using them in a well-structured workout.


  • Scalability: As you get stronger, you just buy heavier dumbbells (or buy a set with adjustable weight). They’re easy to store, and you won’t need a degree in engineering to figure out how to use them.



Cons:

  • Boring, maybe? Look, there’s nothing inherently wrong with dumbbells, but they can get kind of, well, predictable.


  • Lack of coordination challenge: Compared to kettlebells, dumbbells don’t force you to stabilize and control as much. You might miss out on some of the core challenge that comes with kettlebell exercises.


  • Space issues: If you want a full set of dumbbells, you’ll need a lot of space. While adjustable dumbbells can save you room, they’re not always the easiest to use in a quick, fluid workout if you're in a time crunch.



When to choose dumbbells:

  • If you’re focusing on strength training, especially for isolation exercises like biceps curls, triceps extensions, and chest flyes.

  • If you’re new to lifting or need a no-nonsense tool to help you build foundational strength.

  • If you’re short on space and want something that’s easy to store without an entire weight rack.



Kettlebells: The fun (and slightly unstable) cousin


Damali Fraiser, Kettlebell Coach and Founder: Lift Off Strength and Wellness
Damali Fraiser, Kettlebell Coach and Founder: Lift Off Strength and Wellness

Pros:

  • Total-body engagement: Kettlebells aren’t just for your arms; they engage your core, legs, and even your brain. The dynamic movements (like swings, cleans, and snatches) require coordination, balance, and full-body engagement, which can increase improve functional strength.


  • Time-saving: Want to get a full-body workout in 20 minutes? Pick up a kettlebell. Kettlebell exercises can combine strength and cardio into one, so you don’t have to waste time jumping between machines or exercises.


  • Great for power & conditioning: Want to build explosive strength or improve your endurance? Kettlebells are your best friend. The swing is the quintessential power move that can build a solid foundation for athletes or anyone looking to boost their performance.


Cons:

  • Learning curve: It’s not all fun and games. Kettlebells can be tricky to use at first, especially the hip hinge and swing movement.


  • Size: The design of kettlebells makes them bulkier compared to dumbbells, so they take up more space. They can require a bit more creativity to store for at-home workouts, if you’re tight on space.


  • Not ideal for isolation moves: Want to crush a killer biceps curl? Kettlebells excel at compound movements, but they don’t offer quite the same precision for isolating muscle groups that dumbbells do.



Things to consider when buying dumbbells and kettlebells:


  • Quality over quantity: You don’t need 12 sets of dumbbells or kettlebells. Choose the weights that are appropriate for your level and progress gradually. But also—don’t skimp on quality. A cheap kettlebell might look great, but if the handle feels slippery or uncomfortable, you’ll regret it after a few sets.


  • Handle comfort: Kettlebells in particular can have uncomfortable handles, so check the grip. Make sure it’s smooth (but not too slick) and wide enough to handle the weight without your hands cramping.


  • Weight selection: If you’re new to lifting, start light and work your way up. The beauty of dumbbells and kettlebells is that they offer incremental weight, so you don’t need to start with a whole new set every time you increase resistance.


  • Space considerations: As much as you want to pretend you have an Olympic training centre at home, reality check—do you have space? A set of dumbbells can take up less room than a set of kettlebells, but kettlebells are more compact in weight and shape (i.e., a 30-pound kettlebell is usually smaller than a 30-pound dumbbell). Consider your available space before splurging.


  • What’s your goal? At the end of the day, your fitness goals should drive your decision. If you’re looking to improve strength with a focus on muscle-building, dumbbells are your go-to. If you want more total-body conditioning and power development, kettlebells may be more up your alley.



So there you have it...


Dumbbells and kettlebells are both fantastic tools in your fitness arsenal, but your choice depends on your goals, your space, and your desire to maybe look cool on social media (because let’s face it, kettlebell swings are very Instagram-worthy).


Both dumbbells and kettlebells can be used to build strength, improve conditioning, and give you a workout that actually challenges you. Whether you go with the old classic (dumbbells) or the fun, dynamic option (kettlebells), pick the one that fits your needs, your space, and your style.


And whatever you choose, just make sure you use them. The dust on your weights? Yeah, that's the real enemy.


Still undecided? Remember—don’t overthink it. The best piece of fitness equipment is the one you’ll actually use!


 

Get not one--but two--vegan personal trainers!

Only a few spots available! If you're ready to level-up your fitness and vegan nutrition, our award-winning coaching programs are for you.


Coach K and Coach Zoe will build a customized workout routine around your busy life so you don’t have to reorganize your entire schedule.




We’ll create a nutrition action plan that lets you eat your favourite foods, while supporting both your fitness and your physique goals. Most importantly, we'll provide an in-depth support and coaching system to keep you accountable and moving toward your goals.


bottom of page