That was a thought 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 individual asking the question.
How strong are you?
How’s your work capacity ?
What other kettlebells do you have RANDOM ?
In the context of building muscle, a 40 kg kettlebell can be used for the following:
1. Explosive 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. Metabolic 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 capable 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. Alternate sets of #1 and #2 in the exact training session/ exercise .
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. Execute 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. Carry out complexes or chains.
As you can see , there are plenty of options.
The best options for you are based on your strength, work capacity, and technical skill with your kettlebell or kettlebells.
Knowing how to program yourself can be tricky and demanding .
And if you’re prepared for that challenge, it’s a great one to conquer. (Although truth be told, most guys have told me that it’s really a lesson in frustration .)
And if you’re not, and would rather have a professional handle the guesswork for you, I’ll include links to my most popular programs suited for 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 Kettlebells ambitions
YOUR context
YOUR capacities
YOUR restrictions
Once you clearly define those, then the sky is truly the limit when it comes to [re-]building a resilient , effective body that supports you rather than hinders you .
Stay Strong.