Kettlebell History
“Since starting kettlebell training 6 months ago I have slimmed down, my strength has increased and I have so much energy. Bring it on!”
Kettlebell History
Yes, kettlebells did start out as a cast iron kettle. This kettle was filled with sand, or what ever else was at hand, and then used as a strength training tool in Scotland over 2000 years ago. Many believe that this tool was also incorporated into games testing strength, similar to those used in the highland games today. Over time the kettles due to their sharp edges and spout were replaced by other similar looking weights, cannon balls were probably used and thus evolved and developed into the training tool that we see today.
Russian Kettlebells
Kettlebells later became very popular in Russia where they were used for training the military. The Russian military gauged the strength of their troops on how many kettlebell snatches they could complete in a certain amount of time. A very tough test indeed!
In Russia all kettlebells are measured in poods. A pood is 16kgs, that is approx. 35lbs. There is also a 1.5 pood (53lbs) and a 2 pood (70lbs).
Kettlebells Today
Kettlebells are widely available today and come in many shapes and sizes. The smallest kettlebell tends to be the 8kg, used by women beginners and then moves up to the 12kg (intermediate women) and then the 16kg (men). Kettlebells are also available in 24kg, 32kg, 40kg and even heavier for the very conditioned.
One common variation you tend to find between kettlebells is the handle. Good quality kettlebells should sit neatly on the wrist and have very little room for the hand to slide from side to side. Competition kettlebells do this very well and tend to have a square handle.
Kettlebell Classes - GB Personal Training currently runs kettlebell classes in London, find out where.
Kettlebells for Women - Believe it or not we train more women with kettlebells than men, find out why.
Free Kettlebell Workouts - Get all the basic and advanced workouts sent straight to your inbox.