Indian clubs vs Persian meels vs Bulgarian bags - which training tool is right for you?
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at Indian clubs, Persian meels, and Bulgarian bags thinking
“They all swing… but what’s the actual difference?” — you’re not alone. If you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about, you see the words but they don’t make sense…check out my ABOUT page. There’s a section on each. If you have a bit of an idea, READ ON :)
All three tools are brilliant.
All three build strength, mobility, and coordination.
And all three feel very different in your body.
This guide will help you choose the right tool for your goals, body, and nervous system, without the macho nonsense or one-size-fits-all answers.
Indian Clubs: Precision, Control & Shoulder Love
What they’re best for:
Indian clubs are light, elegant, and surprisingly challenging. They’re all about control, not brute force. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
They shine when your goal is:
Shoulder mobility
Joint health
Coordination
Fascia-friendly movement
Nervous system regulation
They’re particularly good if:
You’re rehabbing or prehabbing shoulders
You’re new to swinging tools
You want precision and flow
You sit a lot or feel “stuck” in your upper body
How they feel:
Smooth, technical, and rhythmic.
They demand attention — but not aggression.
They’re more chill, well at least the smaller ones. You can get massive Indian clubs with spikes on! But that’s a different story altogether. In general, Indian clubs are your rehab friend, good for learning new skills and lower stress on the body.
Persian Meels: Strength, Rhythm & Grounded Power
What they’re best for:
Meels are heavier, slower, and more grounding than Indian clubs. They build serious shoulder strength while still allowing flow. They’re the big brother or bodyguard of of Indian clubs. They’re all the same shape - big body, small handle - but they vary in size from a couple of kilos up to 30+ per mil! Once you get into training with meels, you are getting away from mobility and rehab and very much into strength.
They’re ideal if you want:
Shoulder strength and mobility
Grip development
Rotational control
A meditative, rhythmic training feel
Traditional strength with depth
They work beautifully for:
Strength athletes wanting healthier shoulders
People bored of linear gym training
Those who like feeling rooted and calm while working hard
How they feel:
Heavier. Slower. More intentional.
You’ll be punished if you make incorrect movements.
They make you breathe.
Meels don’t rush you — and if you try to rush them, they’ll humble you.
Bulgarian Bags: Athletic Power & Controlled Chaos
What they’re best for:
Bulgarian bags are dynamic, athletic, and unapologetically spicy.
They excel at:
Rotational power
Conditioning
Grip strength
Full-body coordination
Strongman-style endurance
They’re perfect if:
You like feeling athletic
You want conditioning without pounding your joints
You train strongman, grappling, climbing, or field sports
You enjoy movement that feels playful but demanding
How they feel:
Messy (in a good way).
Explosive.
Like your whole body is involved — because it is.
Bulgarian bags don’t care about symmetry. They care about movement. For all round full body conditioning, I’d definitely go for Bulgarian bags.
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choose Indian Clubs if:
Your shoulders feel stiff or cranky
You’re rebuilding movement quality
You want calm, precise training
You enjoy skill-based flow
Choose Persian Meels if:
You want strength and mobility
You like slow, rhythmic training
You want to feel grounded and powerful
You already enjoy clubs and want to progress
Choose Bulgarian Bags if:
You want to feel athletic
You love rotational power
You want conditioning without boredom
You train strongman, grappling, or functional fitness
The Secret Answer (Coach Truth Time)
You don’t need to pick just one.
In fact, they work best together:
Clubs for precision and joint health
Meels for strength and rhythm
Bags for power and conditioning
Different tools access different lines of fascia, different movement qualities, and different nervous system states.
That’s not overcomplication — that’s intelligent training.
Final Thoughts
If your training feels stale, sore, or disconnected, it’s probably not because you need more weight — it’s because you need better movement variety.
Indian clubs, Persian meels, and Bulgarian bags aren’t gimmicks.
They’re time-tested tools that teach your body how to move well, not just lift heavy.
And honestly?
They’re also just more fun.
