That was a query left on one of my recent videos on “The Best Exercises For Building Muscle With Kettlebells.”
And of course there always needs to be context to any particular question or comment.
So the answer to “what’s better” really is, “it depends.”
What’s it depend on?
The athlete asking the question.
How capable are you?
How’s your work capacity ?
What other kettlebells do you have available to you ?
In the context of building muscle, a 40 kg kettlebell can be used for the following:
1. Anaerobic power repeats using the Push Press or Snatch, or even Clean and Jerk.
2. Low rep sets of Single Kettlebell Presses.
3. Medium to high rep sets of Goblet Squats.
4. Medium to high rep sets of Single Kettlebell Front Squats.
5. Medium to high rep sets of Single Arm Rows.
6. RANDOM power repeats with the Snatch, Push Press, Clean and Push Press, or Clean and Jerk.
Now, with a pair of 20 kg kettlebells, you can do several different things to build muscle, depending on how powerful you are:1. Use low to medium rep sets of the Double Kettlebell Clean and Press.
2. Use low to medium sets of the Double Kettlebell Front Squat.
3. Switch sets of #1 and #2 in the identical training session/ routine.
4. Employ low to medium rep sets with the Double Kettlebell Clean and Push Press.
5. Perform alactic power repeats with the Double Kettlebell Clean and Push Press, the dual Push Press, the Double Jerk, or the Double Kettlebell Clean and Jerk.
6. Carry out glycolytic power repeats with the Double Kettlebell Clean, the Double Kettlebell Snatch, the Double Kettlebell Push Press, the Double Kettlebell Jerk, the Double Kettlebell Clean and Push Press, the Double Kettlebell Clean and Jerk.
7. Perform complexes or chains.
As you can see , there are many options.
The best options for you are determined by your strength, work capacity, and technical skill with your kettlebell or kettlebells.
Knowing how to program yourself can be tricky and time-consuming .
And if you’re ready for that challenge, it’s a excellent one to conquer. (Although truth be told, most guys have told me that it’s really a lesson in persistence.)
And if you’re not, and would rather have a professional handle the guesswork for you, I’ll share links to my most here popular programs based on your current circumstances, and skill levels in the video description below.
Remember, at the end of the day, kettlebell training is all about YOU -YOUR aims
YOUR situation
YOUR skills
YOUR limitations
Once you clearly identify those, then the sky is truly the limit when it comes to [re-]building a robust, practical body that supports you rather than hinders you .
Stay Strong.