Turkish Get-up Dumbbell vs. the Kettlebell

The Turkish get-up is a incredibly effective exercise for developing functional strength, stability and mobility. It is a complex motion that begins with you lying on the ground with one arm extended vertically, holding a weight. This progresses into a standing position, then returns to the initial position without bending the arm at any point. The Turkish get-up can be done with both dumbbells and kettlebells, each with pros and cons.

  1. The Benefits of Using Kettlebells

    • Utilizing a kettlebell for Turkish get-ups is effective and has several positives. First, the kettlebell puts less stress on the wrist and provides a more convenient grip. Second, it alleviates pressure on the shoulder with a more centralized load than a dumbbell. Finally, a kettlebell often has a smoother surface and is easier to grip than a dumbbell, which reduces chafing and callouses when performing the movement.

    Why Kettlebells May Not Be The Best Choice

    • The biggest con of a kettlebell get-up is the position of the weight against the forearm. The weight of the kettlebell rests against the forearm and can be uncomfortable, especially when using heavier weights. Another negative is that in traditional gyms there will be less variety in kettlebells, and you may have to use a weight that is not ideal for your strength level.

    Why Dumbbells Can Be Better

    • Benefits from dumbbell get-ups are less stress on the forearm and greater variability and accessibility. A dumbbell has its weight distributed on the ends and does not rest on the forearm, which can be more comfortable to lift at heavier weights. In addition, traditional gyms often have dumbbells readily available in a variety of weights, which allows you to select and use the ideal resistance.

    Why Dumbbells May Be Worse

    • The major negative of a dumbbell get-up is the stress placed on the shoulder and wrist in stabilizing the weight. With the weight distributed to the ends on dumbbells, more stability is required to maintain the position and not drift sideways. When working with heavier weights, this can be especially challenging and potentially dangerous to the shoulder and wrist joints.