Weight and Strength Training Guide and our Top Picks! Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Medicine balls, and how to use them.

The Lowdown

When you enjoy working out at home, weight and strength training are great choices. Let’s take a look at how you can easily make weight and strength training part of your routine.

What Are Dumbbells and How Do I Use Them?

Guide to using dumbbells the right way

Dumbbells are often called free weights which describes their function well. You pick them up in your hands. They can be used for a variety of training methods and are a great way of challenging yourself. Dumbbells come in different weights. If you have not used them before, it is best to start with a lower weight and do more repetitions.

One of the main benefits of dumbbells is that you can easily target specific areas. For instance, if you would like to work on the back of your arms, pick up a dumbbell and bend at the elbow. Move the dumbbell back until your arm is straight. You are now exercising the muscles at the back of your upper arm.

You can also use dumbbells to work on your waistline. Stand straight facing front with a dumbbell in each hand. Slowly let the arm drop down by your waist, bend at the waist, and then raise up again. This is a great way of getting extra waist definition.

What Are Kettlebells and How Do I Use Them?

three kettlebells in diferent colours ready for a gym workout

A kettlebell is best described as a large cast steel or a metal ball with a handle on it. Just like dumbbells, kettlebells come in different weights. It would be fair to say that working with a kettlebell is more challenging.

Primarily you use kettlebells to target the upper body. But also, if you use them in the right way, they also help you work on the lower part of your body. Your core also engages when you use a kettlebell. When you work out with a kettlebell, you use a swinging action but you can also use a lifting action. It is best to hold the kettlebell in both hands to avoid injury.
You can bend down with your kettlebell and swing it forward. Another way to use it is to lift it up and slowly swing it from side to side at the same time you move your body from side to side.

Squatting with a kettlebell is another exercise you want to try. Place the kettlebell in front of you on the floor. In a wide-legged squatting position, raise up with the kettlebell in your hands. Once the kettlebell reaches the belly button, go into a low squat again.

What Are Medicine Balls and How Do I Use Them?

Man using medicine ball for a weights workout

Medicine balls are made from a wide range of materials and come in different weights. Most medicine balls are made from vinyl, nylon, leather, and a solid centre. They have long been popular exercise tools for boxers. If you are new to medicine balls, it is best to take them slow. When you get more advanced, you can use them in stability exercises.

Medicine balls can give you an overall body workout. If you decide to include them in stability exercises, you will exercise your legs as well as your arms. Make sure you grip your medicine ball tight with both hands as you use it.
The best way to get used to the “feel” of a medicine ball is to use it for floor exercises. Sit with your legs wide on the floor with the medicine ball level with your knees. Bend forward and raise the ball to shoulder height. It would be best if you never raise a medicine ball above your head.

When you become more experienced, you can incorporate them in squats or move them from side to side as you stand up. If you want to challenge yourself a bit more, you can place your medicine ball on your shoulder and do lunges or dips.

The Best Dumbbell Set For Starters:

JTX Fitness 2KG Dumbbell Review

jtx fitness 2kg dumbbell review and best price

When you are new to dumbbells, starting with a lower weight is best. This pair of 2kg dumbbells are well-made. The contoured grip is made out of chrome offering a form hold. The casing is covered with rubber helps to reduce any noise should the dumbbells hit the floor or when you put them away for storage. It also helps to protect the dumbbells against damage.

The weight of the dumbbells is embossed on the rubber ends making them easy to identify when you need them. Suitable for both commercial and home use. The total weight of the two dumbbells is 4kg. The dumbbells look sleek and modern. Super easy to store away or add to your kit bag.

JTX Fitness 2KG Dumbbell Best Price
ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Pro FitnessGTR price checkingFROM £10CLICK HERE
Read more customer reviews here – Review stars 5 out of 5 (36)

The Best Dumbbells for A Challenge:

JTX 10KG Dumbbell Review

When you have made progress, you probably want to step up your training. These 10kg dumbbells can be used together. Alternatively, as the countered grip offers plenty of space, you can use one dumbbell holding it with both hands. The casing of the dumbbells is covered in rubber. This means that if you drop one, you should not damage the floor or the interior of the dumbbell. The grip feels solid but with a 10kg weight, you may want to consider using gloves for extra comfort.

Keep the box so that you can easily store the weights away when not in use. On delivery, you get two 10kg dumbbells with a combined weight of 20kg. The weight is indicated on the rubber ends when you want to change between weights.

JTX Fitness 10KG Dumbbell Best Price
ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Pro FitnessGTR price checkingFROM £48CLICK HERE
Read more customer reviews here – Review stars 5 out of 5 (36)

The Perfect Kettlebell for Beginners:

JTX Fitness 8KG Kettlebell Review

jtx kettlebell in purple ready for workout

If you want to get a feel for working out with a kettlebell, a good starting weight is 8kg. This neoprene-covered kettlebell. The handle has a solid feel but remains comfortable for a longer workout section. It is also worth mentioning that the handle has a slightly textured feel which makes it easy for holding onto. The design of the bell is modern.

When not in use, you can easily put the bell away for storage in a wardrobe or under a bed. A solid bell with a weight perfect for a beginner level. The weight of the bell is clearly printed on the front which means you can’t get confused if you have a collection of kettlebells in your home.

JTX Fitness 8KG Kettlebell Best Price
ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Pro FitnessGTR price checkingFROM £24CLICK HERE
Read more customer reviews here – Review stars 5 out of 5 (18)

A Kettlebell for Serious Exercise:

JTX 12KG Kettlebell Review

Stepping up your kettlebell workout with this red neoprene-covered kettlebell is easy. It offers you everything you need when you want to challenge yourself. The finish of the bell is very good. The slightly textured handle makes it easy for you to exercise for a longer period of time while holding the handle. After use, you can wipe the handle clean with a soft cloth to make sure it stays in good condition.

Keep the box it was delivered in and the bell becomes easy to store away. As it is a bit on the heavy side, this is probably not the bell you may want to transport. High-quality bell with the weight embossed on the front. Perfect for home use or professional use in the gym.

JTX 12KG Kettlebell Best Price
ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Pro FitnessGTR price checkingFROM £32CLICK HERE
Read more customer reviews here – Review stars 5 out of 5 (86)

The Only Medicine Ball You Need:

10KG Medicine Ball

jtx medicine ball reaview cheapest price

This is a good quality medicine ball for home use. It is made from non-slip material which makes it easy for you to hold it solidly. The rubber used to manufacture the medicine ball is gym grade. This means it is easy to wipe clean. The handles are ergonomic making it comfortable for you to use the ball.

When you hold it, you will find you get a sold grip thanks to the slightly textured feel of the surface. There are heavier balls, but finding a better medicine ball for home would be challenging. Easy to store away once you have finished your exercise routine.

10KG Medicine Ball Best Price
ProductPrice CheckOriginal PriceDiscounted Price
Pro FitnessGTR price checkingFROM £54CLICK HERE
Read more customer reviews here – Review stars 5 out of 5 (86)

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The LowdownWhen you enjoy working out at home, weight and strength training are great choices. Let's take a look at how you can easily make weight and strength training part of your routine.What Are Dumbbells and How Do I Use Them?Dumbbells are often called...Weight and Strength Training Guide and our Top Picks! Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Medicine balls, and how to use them.