Why kettlebells ?
A kettlebell is a fantastic tool due to the handle being outside of the mass of the bell. This creates an extra axis for movements like a swing and snatch, meaning the body has to overcome and develop as well as absorb momentum. They are completely versatile and have been described as a hand held gym.
Because of the great versatility of kettlebell training, it allows you to structure your training program to what ever your personal needs are, from weight loss, body toning, muscle gain, increase of power. Mark Stapleton uses kettlebells in his martial arts training program, and he has noted massive results in explosive power, flexibility and functional power. Eddie Sheehan uses kettlebell training extensively in his personal training programs for his clients and has been able to help improve their cardiovascular training, range of motion in joints to injury rehabilitation.
Hollywood Stars such as Vanessa Hudgens use kettlebells to keep their bodies lean and toned. Photo from Shape Magazine UK Read Article
As you will soon see for yourself that a regular training program with kettlebells will increase your physical attributes in everyway. Often called “what the hell effect”, you will find that when you go back to your normal exercise program, whether it is weight lifting to marathon running, kettlebells will have improved your performance. See our Kettlebell Research Page to see the study conducted by the American Council on Exercise ACE on the effectiveness of kettlebell training.
Kettlebell History
A kettlebell or Russian girya is a traditional Russian training tool. They have been used by strongmen for 100’s of years. They first appeared in a Russian dictionary in 1704. Practitioners were called gireviks or kettlebell men. Strongmen from all over Europe trained with them at the turn of the 19 century. This training method was not unique to the Russian strongmen. The shaolin monks used a concrete block with an iron bar to swing and throw similar to kettlebells. The Mongolian army was said to use devices similar to kettlebells that they would bring with them wherever they went so they could keep their army fighting fit. The Scottish also had similar training devices for strength and power training. Throughout the world in times gone by people have used kettlebell training methods to strengthen there bodies.
Today kettlebells are being used by Russian weightlifters, athletes and military personnel. They are currently used by the US military and special forces. Professional athletes are becoming aware of the great benefits to kettlebell training and now even football clubs in the UK premier league and A-list Hollywood stars are using its training methods. People from all walks of life are now using kettlebells.
