Welcome to WH Lab, where we put health-related products through rigorous testing to see which items deserve a place in your wellness arsenal
While the great kettlebell
shortage of 2020 was the least of your concerns that year, it was the catalyst for a transition to hybrid workouts that’s become, to use a phrase as tired as you mid kettlebell swing, the new normal. Today, it’s one of the most versatile pieces of kit you can add to your home gym set-up. ‘It provides the benefits of both resistance and cardio training,’ shares PT Kat Schlee. ‘[Adding a kettlebell to your workouts] can help improve your balance, flexibility, core stability and grip strength.’ If your workout space is more corner of the kitchen than home gym, an adjustable kettlebell offers multiple weights without you having to invest in a rack. Whether you’re after a budget ’bell or a next-gen model, our testers reveal which ones are worth their weight in gold.
01
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell, £179.99, global.bowflex.com
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If you don’t have time to add and remove plates mid-session, this is the kettlebell for you. Changing the resistance couldn’t be simpler – just pop the kettlebell in the tray, twist the dial and go from 3.5kg to 18kg in an instant. Our tester found the ergonomic handle comfy to grip even with sweaty palms and it was a breeze to manoeuvre for most exercises (except goblet squats and high pulls). The Bowflex is large, but our tester still rated it as a top-notch workout companion.
The WH Lab verdict: It’s not cheap, but it’s ideal for supersets and circuits, and looks slick.
Key specifications
Materials: Steel, polypropylene, ABS, thermoplastic rubber
Minimum weight: 3.5kg
Maximum weight: 18kg
02
JaxJox Adjustable KettlebellConnect 2.0, £250, jaxjox.co.uk
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Switch between six settings, from a not-too-shabby 5.5kg to a respectable 19kg. When you’re not lifting, log on to an app, where you can track your progress with weight, reps and sets, as well as metrics, such as power. Admittedly, the design is on the chunkier side. But the plates that aren’t being used remain on the dock, so you can still manage a solid session, even if you’re tight on space.
The WH Lab verdict: This kettlebell is great for swings, high pulls and Romanian deadlifts, but our expert found it a tad unwieldy for snatches, windmills and halos. Oh, and don’t forget to charge it before you start training.
Key specifications
Materials: Synthetic
Minimum weight: 5.5kg
Maximum weight: 19kg
03
HyGym Adjustable Kettlebell, £89, hygym.co.uk
