What's better, kettlebells or free weights?

Answer 1

Kettlebells are free weights. They just aren't centered like regular dumbells are.

"Better" is a matter of opinion. For kettlebell users who really know what they are doing, the kettlebells are "better". If you don't know what you are doing with them then you will give up on them quickly and they won't be "better".

There is a heavy learning curve with kettlebells. The act of swinging them up and over your head while not heavily bruising your wrist isn't as intuitively obvious as the act of lifting with regular weights. This is what causes many to give up on them.

Your body does distinguish between to two types to some degree based on the different style in which you use the kettlebells. You get a better fullbody workout when doing kettlebells, there is more activation of your core muscles, etc. Due to the offset of the weight, you will also be using somewhat less weight than you might expect to using kettlebells versus dumbells.

But you can't just buy a set and go right into using them. (At least not easily). It is best to sign up with a kettlebell certified personal trainer (and there are not many of them) and have him get you started for the first 10 sessions at least. Otherwise, you are likely to injure your back (not setting your center of gravity properly), your rotator cuff, your wrists, etc.

Certification:
http://www.kettlebellinstructor.com/page9.html

Answer 2

Your body doesn't distinguish all it knows it's weight,lift safe have fun.

Answer 3

i prefer free weights