Homemade kettlebells

Have you ever priced kettlebells? Holy, schmoly!! Everybody says you should use them, but I can't swing that! (badump bump). 

So, I made one (two, actually). Not only can it be done for around $15 (instead of $150), but they're adjustable too! Of course, this is assuming you already have some weights laying around your house. (Big h/t to Tim Ferriss)

I made the first one using all 3/4" black pipe. one piece @ 8", two pieces @5", a flange for the bottom, and a 3/4x3/4x3/4 Tee. I also used black tape on the "handle" to keep my hands from getting grimy, and also for a little added cushion/grip.

That one works fine (I use it), but I decided to make a second one that was a little smaller for Jane. I also switched to galvanized pipe because it's cleaner and looks better. 

For the smaller one - which is what I would recommend - I bought one 3/4" piece @ 6", two 1/2" pieces @ 4", a 3/4" flange, and a 1/2x1/2x3/4 Tee. The 4" pipe is long enough at least for our smallish hands, and if you need to add more weight you can also switch out the 6" pipe for 8". I had a couple barbell end pieces laying around to use to keep the weights from sliding. 

The great thing about this is: 1) you can change the weight as you like, 2) you can take it apart if you're traveling or get tired of it and want to store it, and 3) if you decide you need longer grips or a longer middle piece - it's only a couple bucks to change it!

So far we've been using these to do 75 swings, twice a week. The one on the left has 30 lbs on it; the right has 15. Let me tell you, it just about killed us at first (using 20 & 10 lbs.), but it's amazing how quickly you can catch on.