Looking after your training equipment
Kettlebells require little maintenance but still require some reasonable degree of care.

Getting to grips
The most important and used part of your kettlebell is the handle. When you get your kettlebell inspect the handle for uniformity and smoothness. The smoother the handle the less chance callouses will develop on your palms.

Due to the manufacturing process, however, slight imperfections sometimes occur. These may include excess paint, extrusions or slight indentations or divets in many forms and shapes like grooves. The imperfections are usually unseen by the naked eye but you can feel where they are by simply grabbing the handle and loosely feeling for imperfections and variations.

Sandpaper, epoxy clay and spray cans
If you feel that the handle on your kettlebell is not as desired, you can follow this suggestion:

• Using a 80-100 grit sandpaper, remove any excess paint on the handle. I like to use a piece of sandpaper which has been sized to fit the handle then wrap that with a rag to sand the handle down evenly. Apply consistent, even pressure during sanding. Ensure you are in a well ventilated area and don't breathe in the paint dust.
• Use the rag to dust off any paint dust. Be sure to give a visual and tactile inspection. If you feel an indentation you will need this:

• Mold the epoxy to completely fill up the divet on the handle. Use a little as you can press in the epoxy clay to mold to the missing bit. Allow it to completely dry then using the sandpaper, sand down the excess clay untl the handle is smooth. If you like you can spray the handle with black laquer spray paint to match the rest of your kettlebell.

Some people prefer to sand off all the paint from the handle of the kettlebell leaving only the raw iron.

Ensure that the kettlebell is wiped down with a dry cloth after each use to remove excess sweat and oils to prevent rusting and subsequent damage to the kettlebell and the floor.

Avoid juggling kettlebells indoors as iron handles are brittle and can shatter on impact with concrete or marble floors (and will also cause damage to your floor).

Use a yoga mat when training indoors.

Be sure to train in a safe environment and allow plenty of space when you perform ballistic movements to avoid damaging furniture.