16/12/2025
Kettlebell Styles💡Some kettlebell coaches will tell you that their way is the *only* way. If you’re not doing hardstyle, you’re weak. If you’re not doing kettlebell sport, you’re inefficient. If you’re doing flow, you’re just showing off.
I don’t agree with any of that.
Kettlebells are one of the most versatile tools in fitness, yet the community is full of gatekeeping. 👎
Hardstyle, kettlebell sport, juggling, flow, using them for martial arts, each camp thinks their method is superior, and instead of encouraging people to explore, they mock other styles. Worse, they shame beginners for using a Lidl plastic kettlebells and not starting with the ‘right’ equipment.
Yes, a well-made pro-grade kettlebell is ideal if you can get one.
🤔But if someone picks up a plastic or neoprone handle kettlebell from their local shop to start moving, why would we discourage that?
Movement is movement, and kettlebells should be about building strength, skill, and confidence, not ego and exclusivity.
This kind of elitism does nothing but confuse and discourage beginners.
It makes people feel like they’re doing something *wrong* when they’re just trying to start.
I’ve seen too many people walk away from kettlebell training, not because they didn’t enjoy it, but because they felt like they didn’t belong.
Instead, I teach my clients to explore and embrace all styles of kettlebell training.
Whether it’s hardstyle for power, sport for endurance, flow for creativity, juggling for coordination, or using kettlebells for sport or martial arts, it all has value.
The *best* style is the one that keeps you engaged, progressing, and injury-free.
And if you’re just getting started? Start with whatever kettlebell you have access to. The tool matters, but your consistency matters more.
What’s your go-to kettlebell style? Or do you mix it up? Drop a comment, I’d love to hear how you train.