How to Choose the Right Gada or Mudgar Weight for Your Fitness Level
Beginners should start with a 3–6kg Mudgar or 6–8kg Hanuman Gada, intermediate users typically move to 6–9kg, and advanced practitioners train with Gadas from 10kg up to 20kg. Because these tools generate torque rather than straight-line resistance, always choose lighter than you think you need — control comes before weight.
This is, without a doubt, the single most common question we get before someone buys their first Gada or Mudgar: "What weight should I actually get?" Guess wrong and you either end up under-challenged within two weeks, or — more commonly — you buy too heavy and hurt your shoulder before you've even learned the technique. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Why Gada/Mudgar Weight Doesn't Work Like Dumbbell Weight
This is the part almost everyone misses. A dumbbell's weight acts in a straight line — 5kg feels like 5kg. A Gada or Mudgar's weight sits off-center, so the moment you swing it, you're fighting torque, not just gravity. A 6kg Gada can feel considerably heavier than a 6kg dumbbell because your shoulder and grip are working to control rotation, not just lift a load. Keep this in mind for every weight decision below.
Weight Guide by Experience Level
Complete beginner (no swinging-tool experience):
- Mudgar: 3–5kg
- Hanuman Gada: 6–8kg
- Samtola: 8–10kg
Some fitness background (regular gym-goer, new to swinging tools):
- Mudgar: 5–6kg
- Hanuman Gada: 7–9kg
- Samtola: 8–10kg
Intermediate (3+ months of consistent Gada/Mudgar training):
- Mudgar: 6–7kg
- Hanuman Gada: 9–10kg
- Samtola: 8–9kg
Advanced (6+ months, comfortable with heavier swings):
- Hanuman Gada: 10–20kg (progress gradually, 2–3kg increments)
Three Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Have I ever done any swinging-based training before (kettlebells, clubs, maces)? If no, always start at the low end of your bracket, regardless of your general fitness level.
- Am I buying for shoulder/grip strength, or general conditioning? If shoulder/grip is the priority, a slightly heavier Gada with fewer reps works well once you're past the beginner stage. For general conditioning, stay lighter and focus on higher reps and longer sessions.
- Do I have any existing shoulder issues? If yes, start at the lowest available weight regardless of experience level, and prioritize slow, controlled reps over any weight progression for the first month.
Signs You Should Size Up
- You can complete 3 sets of 12–15 controlled swings per side without your form breaking down.
- The current weight no longer challenges your grip by the end of a set.
- You've been training consistently at the same weight for 4+ weeks.
Signs You Sized Up Too Fast
- Your swing becomes jerky or uncontrolled instead of smooth.
- You feel strain in your shoulder joint rather than muscle fatigue.
- You can't complete more than 5–6 clean reps per side.
If any of these show up, don't push through it — drop back down a size. There's no prize for training with a heavier Gada than your technique can control; there's only a higher chance of injury.
Not Sure? Start With a Kit
If you're still unsure, our Beginner's Kit (5–6kg Mudgar, 7–8kg Hanuman Gada, 8–10kg Samtola) removes the guesswork entirely and gives you room to grow into each tool before you need to size up.
