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For most men over 50 starting out, the best adjustable kettlebell for home is the Bowflex SelectTech 840, because it starts at 8 lb and tops out at 40 lb for $149 on the maker’s site. If you already lift in that range and want something heavier, the PowerBlock 35 to 62 lb model is the one to look at. Neither is built for everybody, and the details below show who each one fits.
I am not a doctor or a certified trainer, and this is not medical advice. Every spec and price here comes from the manufacturer pages named in the text, and anything that is our own reasoning is labelled as inference. If you have heart disease, a joint problem or a recent injury, check with your doctor before you start. This guide is part of our series on at-home workouts for men over 50.
Which adjustable kettlebell is best for a beginner over 50?
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is the best fit for a beginner because it has the lowest starting weight of the kettlebells we checked. According to the Bowflex product page, it adjusts from 8 to 40 lb and replaces six kettlebells. The six settings are 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 lb.
The page lists it at $149, with a sale price of $127.50 at the time of writing. Prices change, so check the current number. The listed size is 8.8 inches long, 7 inches wide and 12.5 inches high, and the parts warranty is 2 years. Bowflex also notes that individual plates may vary slightly from their stated weight.
The page does not list the materials, and it gives no usage or safety instructions. That matters for the section on swings below.
See the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell here.
How heavy do adjustable kettlebells go?
Of the kettlebells we checked, the top setting runs from 40 lb to 62 lb, and the Ironmaster handle goes higher with add-on parts. The Bowflex 840 stops at 40 lb. In the models we checked, PowerBlock lists two kettlebells, each with four settings picked with a magnetic steel pin.
- PowerBlock 18 to 35 lb: settings of 18, 22, 26 and 35 lb, a 32 mm steel handle, and a price of $199.
- PowerBlock 35 to 62 lb: settings of 35, 44, 53 and 62 lb, and a price of $349. The PowerBlock product page says it suits lifters who consistently train at 35 lb and are ready for heavier work. It cannot be expanded past 62 lb.
- Ironmaster Quick-Lock handle: the handle alone is $89 on Ironmaster’s US page and weighs 22.5 lb empty. With plates and standard locking screws it runs from 22.5 to 57.5 lb in 2.5 lb steps. The plates and screws are sold separately, and the page showed the item in stock when we checked.
Both PowerBlock pages list a five year warranty that excludes commercial use. The 18 to 35 lb page describes solid steel construction with three steel plates inside a steel shell.
How do adjustable kettlebell prices compare?
The Bowflex is the cheapest way in, and the PowerBlock pair costs the most. Using only the listed prices above, the Bowflex 840 is $149 for 8 to 40 lb. A PowerBlock 18 to 35 lb kettlebell is $199 for four settings. A PowerBlock 35 to 62 lb kettlebell is $349 for four settings.
Our math, not a manufacturer claim: buying both PowerBlock kettlebells would cover 18 to 62 lb for $548 at the listed prices. That is a lot more than the Bowflex, so it only makes sense if you know you will use the heavier weights.
Another inference: the Bowflex steps between settings are uneven, with gaps of 4, 8, 5, 10 and 5 lb going from 8 to 40. If you progress in small jumps, the 10 lb gap between 25 and 35 lb is where you may notice it.
What is the quick comparison of the best adjustable kettlebells for home use?
Here is the short version, drawn from the manufacturer pages named above.
- Bowflex SelectTech 840: 8 to 40 lb, six settings, $149 listed, 2 year parts warranty. Our pick: best for beginners and lighter work.
- PowerBlock 18 to 35 lb: four settings, $199, 5 year warranty, steel construction. Our pick: best if 18 lb is already your starting point.
- PowerBlock 35 to 62 lb: four settings, $349, 5 year warranty. Our pick: best for men who already train at 35 lb or more.
- Ironmaster Quick-Lock handle: 22.5 to 57.5 lb with standard screws, 2.5 lb steps, $89 for the handle only. Our pick: best for people who already own compatible plates or want fine steps.
If you want a broader look at gear, our best adjustable dumbbells for home workouts guide covers the dumbbell side of the same question.
Are adjustable kettlebells safe for swings and other fast lifts?
Only if the maker says the kettlebell is built for it, and the makers differ. PowerBlock states that its pin is designed to hold securely through dynamic movements like swings and presses, not just static lifts. The Bowflex page we checked gives no statement either way about swings, cleans or dropping the kettlebell.
Inference: when a maker does not say a kettlebell is designed for ballistic moves, treat it as built for controlled lifts such as goblet squats, rows and presses until you read the owner manual. Do not drop any adjustable kettlebell, because the weight selector is the part most likely to be damaged. That is our reasoning, not a claim from the pages above.
For a first routine, our guide to the top 5 kettlebell exercises shows which moves to learn first.
How should a man over 50 start training with a kettlebell?
Start light, aim for at least 2 days a week, and learn the movements before adding weight. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans on health.gov say adults need muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, at least 2 days each week. Our reading, not the guideline’s wording: a kettlebell counts as lifting weights.
There is some direct research. A randomized controlled trial of 33 women aged 65 to 75 with sarcopenia, published in Experimental Gerontology, used kettlebell training in 60 minute sessions twice a week for 8 weeks. The kettlebell group improved on the sarcopenia index, grip strength, back strength and peak expiratory flow compared with a control group. The participants were women with a muscle loss condition, so it does not prove the same result for healthy men. It does show that kettlebell work has been studied in this age range.
Our advice, not a study finding: begin with the lowest setting on the kettlebell for the first few sessions, keep your back flat on any hinge, and have a coach or physical therapist check your form once early on. For warm ups and what to watch for, read our guide to injury prevention for men over 50.
Who should skip an adjustable kettlebell?
Skip it if you need a single heavy weight, a competition style handle or a kettlebell you can drop without thinking about it. The Bowflex stops at 40 lb, and the PowerBlock 35 to 62 lb model cannot go past 62 lb. If you plan to outgrow those weights, a fixed iron kettlebell or the Ironmaster handle with extra plates may suit you better.
Also skip it for now if a doctor has told you to avoid lifting, or if you have unresolved shoulder, back or heart problems. Ask your doctor or a physical therapist first. You can also start with lighter equipment, such as resistance bands, and add a kettlebell later.
Is an adjustable kettlebell better than fixed kettlebells for a home gym?
An adjustable kettlebell wins on space and variety, and a fixed kettlebell wins on simplicity. Bowflex says its 840 replaces six kettlebells, and PowerBlock says its kettlebells replace four. One handle in a corner takes less room than a row of fixed kettlebells.
Inference: a fixed kettlebell has no moving parts, so it has nothing to loosen or adjust, and many people prefer that feel. We did not test any of these kettlebells and have no hands-on comparison to offer.
Adjustable kettlebells suit home gym workouts because compact kettlebells take less room than a full set of fixed weights, and many home gyms are short on space. When you compare adjustable kettlebells, check the weight capacity, how easily you can change weight and whether the handle is comfortable for home workouts. The best kettlebells for a small home gym are the ones you will actually use, so pick adjustable kettlebells that match the weights you lift now and leave room to grow.
How do you choose an adjustable kettlebell weight range for home gyms and home workouts?
Start with the weight range. An adjustable kettlebell should cover the weight you use for swings, presses and squats, with room above it for progress. Check the weight range on the maker’s page, and check that the steps in the weight range are small enough for your training. A kettlebell that jumps 10 pounds at a time may suit a swing but be too heavy for an overhead press.
Next, look at how the weight changes. Some adjustable kettlebells use a pin or a dial and others use a selector, and every option takes a few seconds. Choose the option you find easy to use, because a kettlebell that is hard to adjust tends to sit unused. Then check the grip. The handle should feel secure in your hand, and a handle that is too thick or too thin can wear on your wrist. If you can, hold the kettlebell before you buy, and if you cannot, read the return policy before you buy.
Finally, think about your home gym. A single adjustable kettlebell takes less room than a row of fixed kettlebells, while a fixed kettlebell is simple and has no moving parts. Dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells cover many of the same weights, and a kettlebell adds swings and carries. An ideal home gym training plan mixes kettlebell, dumbbell and bodyweight work. Whichever kettlebell you pick, start with a lighter weight than you think you need and add weight slowly.
Once you buy, build a simple training plan around a few kettlebell exercises. Begin with a light weight and learn the hinge, the goblet squat and the press before you add swings. A kettlebell swing and a kettlebell carry both train your grip, and grip is often the first limit on a heavy kettlebell. Increase the weight only when the last rep of each set still feels controlled, and add weight in small steps so your training stays safe. Keep each kettlebell workout short at first, because two or three short kettlebell training sessions a week are easier to repeat than one long session.
Keep your adjustable kettlebells where you can see them. A kettlebell in sight is a kettlebell you will use, and a home gym that stays simple gets used more. Make sure the weight is locked in and check the weight setting before every set, so the kettlebell cannot change weight mid swing. When you buy a second kettlebell, decide whether a heavier adjustable kettlebell, a fixed kettlebell or a pair of adjustable dumbbells fits your training better. A competition style handle suits lifters who train with a fixed kettlebell, but most home users do well with a standard handle. For many men over 50 the ideal setup is one adjustable kettlebell, a lighter weight for warm ups and a heavier weight for presses and squats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40 lb enough for an adjustable kettlebell?
It depends on your starting strength and your exercises. The Bowflex 840 tops out at 40 lb, and PowerBlock describes its 35 to 62 lb kettlebell as a step up for people who already train consistently at 35 lb. If you are new, 40 lb gives room to grow for a while. If you already train at that level, look at the heavier models.
What is the lowest weight on an adjustable kettlebell?
Of the kettlebells we checked, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 starts lowest at 8 lb. The PowerBlock 18 to 35 lb model starts at 18 lb, and the Ironmaster handle starts at 22.5 lb empty. Beginners who want a very light first setting should start with the Bowflex.
How much does a good adjustable kettlebell cost?
At the listed prices we saw, the Bowflex 840 is $149, the PowerBlock 18 to 35 lb is $199 and the PowerBlock 35 to 62 lb is $349. The Ironmaster handle is $89 before plates. Prices change, so check the manufacturer page.
How often should I use a kettlebell after 50?
Federal guidelines call for muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week for adults. The kettlebell study we cited used two 60 minute sessions a week for 8 weeks. Start with two sessions and add more only if you recover well.
Are adjustable kettlebells as good as regular kettlebells?
For controlled lifts such as squats, rows and presses, an adjustable kettlebell can do the job, based on how the makers describe their products. We have no test data comparing feel or durability, so check each maker’s warranty and the owner manual before buying.
