No products in the cart.
Choosing the Right Kettlebell
conditioning | October 25, 2021
Kettlebells... Cast Iron, PU, Steel. What is the difference?
Every gym you go to is bound to offer a selection of kettlebells varying in weight, material, shape and style. Kettlebells are also particularly popular for home use; most homes can’t accommodate a large gym station however kettlebells are a space friendly option for strength trainers. Kettlebells can be used for a range of upper and lower body exercises such as lunges, squats, push presses, kettlebell swings and more.
Many people love kettlebells for their versatility, they can be integrated into many cardio or strength workouts and used to target just about every muscle group. Others, enjoy using kettlebells for the various physical benefits they offer like improving strength, endurance, flexibility and balance.
With lots of kettlebells on the market it can be difficult to understand the differences and benefits from one kettlebell to the next. At Lifespan Fitness we offer Standard EnduraShell Kettlebells, Cast Iron Kettlebells, Steel Kettlebells, PU Kettlebells and Adjustable Kettlebells to meet the needs of every kettlebell user.
Standard EnduraShell Kettlebells
If you’re looking to introduce kettlebells into your training routine or you’re after a cost friendly kettlebell to use for simple lifts, then the standard kettlebell may be perfect for you. Standard kettlebells are cement filled and encased with smooth plastic for a comfortable grip. The plastic encasing works to minimise damage to flooring and walls, making it suitable for home or studio use. Standard kettlebells typically have a large domed handle and the overall size of the kettlebell increases with weight. The larger sizes can be more awkward to hold and may restrict some exercises in comparison to steel kettlebells.
Cast Iron/ Vinyl Kettlebells
Cast iron kettlebells are perfect for home use, the vinyl surface protects both the kettlebell and your living space from damage as well as minimise loud noise from the kettlebell hitting the floor. The vinyl dipped kettlebells are colour coded for easier weight identification, so you can easily switch between weights. Made with strong cast iron, vinyl kettlebells are basically indestructible making them more durable than standard kettlebells. Vinyl kettlebells are ergonomically designed with a smooth, wide and easy to grip handle providing a secure hold during high repetition workouts. One downside to cast iron kettlebells is that the vinyl can peel and show signs of wear if they're not taken care of properly. This can be particularly noticeable in a gym environment where everyone shares the equipment, rather than a home environment.
Steel Kettlebells
Many serious lifters will gravitate towards steel kettlebells for their indestructible steel and commercial grade design. The smooth handle and flat base allow the kettlebell to be picked up and moved around with ease. The steel kettlebells powdercoat finish gives this kettlebell a premium look and feel. Steel kettlebells maintain their physical size and shape regardless of the weight as they are frequently used in competition lifting and one-handed lifts, the consistency in the dimensions allow the lifter to maintain the same form and technique no matter the weight. Since steel kettlebells are built to competition standards, they tend to be more expensive than their cast iron counter option.
PU Kettlebells
Also designed to commercial standards, the polyurethane kettlebell, or PU kettlebell, has a heavy-duty polyurethane outer shell giving it a softer texture in comparison to steel kettlebells. The PU shell is scratch resistant and protects your flooring and walls from damage. The smooth stainless-steel handle offers a secure grip so your kettlebell stays firmly in your hand as you preform swings and lifts. Similar to steel kettlebells, PU kettlebells maintain their physical size despite their weight, making it easier for weight lifters to maintain form as they move up weight grades.
Adjustable Kettlebells
Adjustable kettlebells are an innovative and compact option that eliminate the need to purchase a set of kettlebells or a heavier weight each time you go up a weight grade. The ability to take-off weight or add on weight bags offers more versatility within your workouts, especially if you need different weight for different exercises. The even weight distribution and rope handle is ergonomically designed to offer the same results as your standard kettlebell. Adjustable kettlebells are perfect for progression and variety; however, the shape tends to feel more bulky or awkward for some. Adjustable kettlebell weights typically don’t offer a high max weight (approximately 10kg max), making them more suitable for light workouts or for users that don’t need heavier weights.
Conclusion
What kettlebell will work best for you will depend on your desired workout and features you prioritise when shopping for a kettlebell. If you are planning on doing high-repetition sets in your workout then a commercial grade competition kettlebell will work best to give you the durability you need. Otherwise, if you are looking to take on some light cardio at home or introduce a kettlebell into your weight training then a standard or cast-iron kettlebell will deliver good results.
Shop our full range of kettlebells here
Latest Posts
Cardio | June 22, 2026
EOFY Home Gym Upgrade Guide: Where to Invest in Treadmills, Bikes & Strength EquipmentThe end of financial year is coming up, which we believe is one of the best times to evaluate your long-term fitness...
Read more
Cardio | June 09, 2026
Low-Impact Cardio Machines for Home: Best Options for Joint-Friendly WorkoutsAre you someone who's avoided running because you're worried about your knees? Maybe you've taken a break from cardi...
Read more
gift | May 05, 2026
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2026This year, get your Mum a gift that's functional and life-enhancing. If you've got a Mum who likes early morning jog...
Read more
Training | May 01, 2026
Lifespan Fitness Customer Transformations: Bec ChristensenFor most people, a fitness journey starts with a simple goal. For Bec Christensen, her initial drive to get her fitn...
Read more
Exercise | April 24, 2026
How to Stay Consistent with Home Workouts Over Long Weekends & HolidaysMost people will say that they lose motivation over long weekends, but that's rarely the real issue. What actually d...
Read more
Cardio | April 15, 2026
Treadmill vs Exercise Bike vs Cross Trainer: Which Is Best for Your Home?Treadmills. Exercise Bikes. Cross Trainers. These are the big 3 when it comes to home cardio equipment. While most o...
Read more
Treadmill | April 02, 2026
Scott Clark’s 24-Hour Marathon JourneyOn the morning of 15th March, a battered Scotty Clark was lowered into an ice bath, feeling the cool sting calm his ...
Read more
Training | March 10, 2026
Meet the Man Who’s Running for 24-Hours StraightThis former AFL sports trainer is taking ultra-marathons to another level with his 24-hour treadmill challenge.
Read more
Ice baths | February 20, 2026
A Cold Plunge to HealthIn 2002, British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe won the 10,000m gold medal at the European Athletics Champions...
Read more
Cardio | February 06, 2026
Effects of Exercise on Mental HealthDid you know that regular physical exercise can actually increase the volume of parts of your brain? Namely, the par...
Read more
Cardio | January 12, 2026
Belt Slipping: Cause and CureBelt slipping is what happens when the belt moves out of sync with the treadmill motor and rollers. This can happen ...
Read more
gift | December 19, 2025
Christmas Gifts for Gym Lovers: The Ultimate Holiday Fitness Gift GuideDo you have someone in your life who's a meal-prepping, gym-obsessed, endorphin-chasing fitness junkie? Then you hav...
Read more
Cardio | December 08, 2025
12 Days of Christmas Fitness: Unwrap Your Best Self with These Holiday WorkoutsThe 12 Days of Christmas Fitness is a simple, engaging way to stay motivated during the holidays. Each day introduce...
Read more
November 06, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Our Most Common Service & Product QueriesEvery day, we hear so many interesting and unexpected questions from customers in-store, online and over the phone. ...
Read more
November 05, 2025
Kettlebells vs Dumbbells - Which is Best for You?They may look the same (and have very similar names), but dumbbells and kettlebells can create very different workou...
Read more
October 20, 2025
The Different Types of Weight Plate (and How to Tell them Apart)If you're at all serious about building a solid home fitness setup, you can't skip on weight plates. They have a spe...
Read more
Exercise | October 02, 2025
Gym Rubber Flooring: How Good Is It for Home GymsTo build the home gym of your dreams, you've got to start from the ground up. Gym flooring often gets overlooked, as...
Read more
Treadmill | September 22, 2025
Lifespan Fitness WalkingPad M2 Featured on SunriseOur WalkingPad M2 treadmill was recently featured on Sunrise, where wellness expert Lizzie Williamson showed just h...
Read more
pilates | September 12, 2025
Lifespan Fitness Contour Pilates Reformers Featured on The BlockWeek 6 of The Block saw police-officer duo Britt & Taz take a bold leap: transforming their rumpus room into a P...
Read more
pilates | September 05, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Reformer PilatesYou’ve probably heard all the buzz around Reformer Pilates. Post-COVID has seen a huge surge in interest in this near...
Read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Join our subscribers list to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly in your inbox.
Connect with us
