Dumbells vs Kettlebell - Advice please.

[xsquared]

Just for a but of background, I am mainly a runner and have no intention in developing bulk.

However, I keep seeing strength and conditioning on training plans but don't really know where to go from there.

I am not going to do much more than use them as extra weight with split squats, calf raises, goblet squats to give you an idea.

2kg doesn't feel heavy enough to do anything with. Would getting a 6kg kettlebell be more useful than getting a pair of 3kg dumbells for the execises I've mentioned?

There are some on offer at Lidl at the moment but I refrained from buying until I know what to do.

Any advice appreciates, thanks.

I would recommend getting the dumbbells instead of the kettlebell, as it’ll give you more flexibility. Ie you can use just one dumbbell for something you find harder, and then two together doubles the weight. It gives you more options. Without knowing how fit you are but knowing you’re a runner, I think you want to go heavier. I would get a set of 6kg dumbbells, not a set of 3kg. You won’t bulk up from that. You’ll quickly find that the 3kg are way too light. And you can start by using just one of the dumbbells at a time if you don’t have much strength at the moment.

Dumbbells are more versatile , you can hold them together and use like a kettlebell if needs be.

You could also do some experiments at home first if you’re really not sure what weight to go for.So put 3 1kg bags of flour or 3 1 litre bottles of water in a bag and try squatting with it. See how that feels. Sounds a bit silly but really helped my friend when she was new to weights at home!!

I'd echo the above. I'm a runner and have 2.5kg dumbbells and a 6kg kettle bell. Personally prefer the kettle bell. But, all of them are too light for squats and lunges. They are a moderate workout for my feeble arms.
So def get bigger weights! You would have to go really big to bulk up to be honest so don't worry about that.

A 6kg kettlebell is pretty light for the exercises you’ve mentioned. I’d try starting with an 8kg instead.

3kg dumbbells would be more use for upper body exercises for a beginner, too light for legs. I think 5kg would be an absolute minimum but maybe a set of adjustable dumbbells would be more versatile for you. Kettlebells are good for things like swinging and multipart movements but if you're mostly doing squats and lunges I would probably stick with dumbbells. It's difficult for women to develop bulk so not really something you should let sway your choice.

Also consider resistance bands, they'd be good for what you want to do.

Thanks for the replies.

I did a little bit of lifting at the shop, but without the squats and lunges!

One of the reasons why I'm hesitant to use a kettlebell is I'd need to learn how to swing it with proper form first, which I'd need to go to a gym session for.

Think I might go for the 5kg pair if they're still there when I next visit.

5kg won't get you far with squats and lunges. I am a runner and believe me, you won't bulk up. Strength and conditioning training is so important. For example, I use a 16kg single dumbbell for goblet squats, 10kg for calf raises and I'm pretty lithe. I use dumbbells between 6kg and 20kg depending on exercise.

Interesting. I'm short though, 5ft 2", of that makes a difference. I shall bear that in mind amd have another go in the shop, and squat when no one's looking. 😆

I'm 5ft 3" so not too much taller.

Weight training is a key protective factor as we age so it's a good idea that you build it into your schedule. It makes me a much more effective runner and supports my joints too.

I'd get a set of 6, 7 and 8 if you can and you are only planning on doing the exercises you describe but if you fancy adding in some more weight work, a range of 3-10 is probably enough for an effective whole body workout.

You have to really go some to bulk.

Dumbbell swings and kettlebell swings are two popular exercises that target similar muscle groups and involve swinging weights. While both exercises share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.

Second the above recommendation for adjustable dumbbells - best investment ever! As others have said, you will quickly require dumbbells upwards of 8kg for leg exercises, 5kg and less are only useful for arm exercises. A good set of adjustable ones will allow for both

I am also 5 foot 2 with a petite build, and I have dumbells up to 10kg. I use the 10kg ones for lunges etc. I have a 12kg kettlebell that I use for goblet squats, but that is too light really as the muscles that you use for squats mean you can really go heavier weight-wise. I have a 6kg kettlebell but I rarely use it, except for the occasional upper-body move where I'm holding the weight overhead.

All the exercises you've mentioned are for the lower body. Are you planning on doing any upper body as this is really important too, particularly for runners as the upper body sometimes gets neglected?

@biddyboo

I am doing some core exercises and some arm work, but to be honest, I think I've left the weighted strength training a bit too late in terms of training for the marathon in a few weeks.

I have been following some Peleton strength exercises for runners, but sticking with lighter weights for now.

After the marathon, I will look into strength training with weights properly, and maybe even join the gym briefly to learn about correct technique and form.