What Weight Kettlebell Should You Start With
Most men start with a 12 to 16 kg kettlebell (26 to 35 lb), and most women with 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 lb). Go a size heavier for swings and a size lighter for presses and getups. Pick your profile below for a specific first bell.
Find your starting weight
The starting-weight chart
| Profile | Swings | Presses and getups | A mix to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most untrained women, smaller or newer lifter | 8 to 12 kg (18 to 26 lb) | 6 to 8 kg (13 to 18 lb) | 6 to 8 kg (13 to 18 lb) |
| Most untrained men, or an active woman | 16 kg (35 lb) | 10 to 12 kg (22 to 26 lb) | 12 kg (26 lb) |
| Larger or strength trained | 20 to 24 kg (44 to 53 lb) | 16 kg (35 lb) | 16 to 20 kg (35 to 44 lb) |
These are common starting points, not rules. The swing is a hip-driven lift that handles more load, so it wants a heavier bell than a strict press. When in doubt, size up for swings and down for overhead work.
Why you start with one bell
A single kettlebell covers swings, goblet squats, rows, cleans, presses, and getups, which is most of what a beginner needs. Buy one bell in your swing weight, because swings are the lift you will do most and the one that drives progress. It will feel heavy for presses at first, and that is fine, you grow into it. Add a second, lighter bell for pressing and a heavier one for swings once you have a few months of practice, not before.
One honest note on weight accuracy: budget kettlebells are often a pound or two off their stamp, which matters more on a bell than a bar because you feel every ounce single-arm. Weigh yours when it arrives. Any bell we list will be weighed first, and the real number will go in the Basalt Ledger. Our 44 lb (20 kg) kettlebell, which lists after it is weighed, suits a stronger beginner working swings and mixed training. It is heavier than most first bells, and we do not carry lighter sizes, so if you land in the 6 to 16 kg range on the chart, buy that size from any reputable brand.
Common kettlebell starting-weight questions
What weight kettlebell should a beginner buy
Most men start with 12 to 16 kg (26 to 35 lb) and most women with 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 lb). Size up for swings and down for presses and getups.
Is a 20 kg kettlebell too heavy to start
For most new lifters, yes, for pressing and getups. A 20 kg (44 lb) bell can suit a larger or already-strong beginner for swings, but it is heavy for overhead work at first.
Should my first kettlebell match my swing or my press
Match your swing weight. Swings are hip-driven and handle more load, and they are the lift you will do most. Presses will feel heavy at first, and you grow into them.
How many kettlebells do I need to start
One. A single bell in your swing weight covers swings, squats, rows, cleans, presses, and getups. Add a second only after a few months of practice.
Related: the apartment home gym guide (kettlebells are the quietest option), and dumbbells vs kettlebells. Our kettlebell lists after it is weighed. See what is coming in the store.