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GoFit Kettlebells Review
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Don't Forget the Kettlebells
Kettlebell training is a great way to build strength, muscle and endurance. Done properly, kettlebells will build cardiovascular endurance as well. In a study highlighted in an NSCA journal article, researchers found VO2 max. measurements were pumping well over the average for common cardio activities like running and biking.
Kettlebell marketing has pushed the idea that these are ‘old school’ weight training tools that make the body work harder because of the offset weight and ballistic style of movement. Going with that logic, dumbbells and barbells are old school too, and what about rocks? Sure these are effective if you know how to use them, but remember the greatest determining factor in successful training sessions is the individual.
That said, this is another great tool to have in your workout room. There are exercises a person can do with this ‘cannonball with a handle’ which are difficult or impractical with other equipment. The kettlebell double swing is a tough one to duplicate, as are halos and ribbons, to name a few. Some exercises are just more fun with kettlebells, like the Turkish get-up or bent press and windmill.
So where do you get a decent kettlebell without spending a fortune on the product and the shipping? Big box superstores have these for sale from about 5 to 20 pounds. These have their place for any fitness level, but eventually you’ll need to have access to something beefier. This is where GoFit comes in. Available at a discount through Amazon online, the shipping doesn’t sting as much as it normally would if you were purchasing through Dragon Door or another manufacturer.
The other option is to head to a Dick’s Sporting Goods or Sport Chalet and pay full retail, which may be about the same as buying at a discount online and paying $30 bucks in shipping. The GoFit bells are available in more traditional sizes, from 7 pounds up to 55. For men, it is recommended to start with a kettlebell between 25 and 35 pounds, and for women, 15 to 20.
The best plan is to buy one or two lighter ‘bells, and a heavy enough kettlebell to challenge your current strength levels. Don’t worry so much about maxing out a weight, form is infinitely more important, especially while you are becoming familiar with the typical kettlebell exercises.
I personally own a pair of 10#’s, 20#’s and a single GoFit 45#. I could use the 55# or higher, but as I said, these are tools in my toolbox, and if I need to go heavier, there are dumbbells and barbells in my garage. Eventually I will have several more-once you master these weights they are a lot of fun to own, I would never get rid of them.
So how does the quality stack up to a Dragon Door kettlebell or other similar brand? They are both solid, and handle thicknesses are similar (I think the GoFit is a little thicker at 25# and up.) Are the Dragon Door ‘bells justified in their cost? For me, only if they have a weight range you can’t find anywhere else. Otherwise, the GoFit is as solid as I will ever need.
Unless the rubber coated base is a problem for you, these seem just as indestructible as the Dragon Door kettlebell. The DD’s don’t advertise their name on the base either, it’s just marked with the weight. For nearly half the cost, I don’t care if my kettlebell say GoFit on one side!
If you can foot the cost for only one kettlebell, get a moderate weight. For instance, if 35# dumbbells are moderate, consider buying a 25/26# kettlebell, or up to 35/36#.
This is a great way to change up the workout routine and have more fun training, so whether you order online or go to a store, this is a highly recommended piece of equipment. I’ve listed the GoFit links and prices for convenience.