This is a question most people ask themselves when considering buying a kettlebell. The answer can be made fairly simple. Most men should start with a 16kg (35 lb) kettlebell. If you’re exceptionally strong, you might consider starting with a 24 kg (53 lb) kettlebell. However, they feel heavier than you would think, and even a strong man can get an excellent workout with the 35-pounder. I encourage men to start with this one, and it’s also the most recommended starter size by most other kettlebell sites I’ve seen. You can get one from Muscle Driver (less expensive), Dragon Door (the “Gold Standard”), or Dragon Door’s Russian Reds (same, but different finish).
For ladies, it’s a bit tougher. The 18 lb kettlebell is a good choice for most women. As mentioned above, kettlebells feel heavier than you would think because of the leverage factor (unbalanced center-of-gravity). However, I think that the 26 lb kettlebell is a better choice if you’re only going to be able to get one – and especially if your main focus will be fat loss. I say this because if your goal is fat loss, you’ll be doing a lot of swings, and you’ll likely outgrow an 18 lb kettlebell quickly on swings. If possible, you may want to get both. Some of the drills will be harder to do with a heavier kettlebell, but you will likely progress to the 26 lb for swings and some other full-body drills.
The 18 lb kettlebell from Dragon Door has a steel handle that is slightly thinner than the authentic one-piece cast kettlebells. The 26 lb bell is the lightest one-piece cast kettlebell. It has a thicker handle. You can see the difference at Russian Kettlebells.
If you want to get an idea of what you’re in for, pick up an appropriately-sized dumbbell and swing it between your legs a few times. Keep your back straight (not upright, just straight) and watch your knees! Don’t do many if you don’t know what you’re doing. The kettlebell will swing between your legs easier, because it’s not as wide, but this test will let you know if you’re choosing an appropriate kettlebell. Keep in mind that you will become stronger. Also keep in mind that exercises like presses, curls (if you do them), and others will be harder with a kettlebell than with a dumbbell because of the leverage.
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