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What are Kettlebells?

Kettlebells traditionally come from Russia; they are originally made from cast iron & resemble a cannon ball. Kettlebells are also known as a Russian dumbbell.
The kettle bell consists of 3 parts, the bell (the weight), the horns (which connect into the bell), & the handle.
The modern gymnasiums are fancy in look & have drawn away from its traditional open plan heavy weight, ropes, metallic minimalist like look.
Russian forces personnel owe their strength gains, explosive agility and strong stamina to kettlebells.

History behind Kettlebell training

Most people, both trainers & the general public believe that kettlebells come from America, as many celebrities have now started to use this form of exercise, however kettlebells originate from Russia.

The word kettlebell appeared for the first time in a Russian dictionary in 1704 AD. Mainly from the 1900’s Russian circus performers have used kettlebells to aid their training & conditioning. In the 1960’s the kettle bell competition rules had started & in 1985 the very first kettlebell national championship of USSR was held in Lipetsk.

Who can do Kettlebell training?

Everyone can use kettlebells within their training regime,
As long as you’re in good health, people from the ages of 16 to elderly can use kettlebell training, however the weight & intensity depends on your natural and physical ability.

 

Kettlebell exercise can help to develop & improve;

• Strength & power
• Hypertrophy
• Muscular endurance
• Functional abilities
• Core function
• Sports performance
• Flexibility
• Body composition
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Hand grip strength
• Postural musculature

How much weight should I use?

The kettlebell weight should depend on the following factors;

• Your strength ability
• The type of exercise you’re about to perform
• Whether strength or endurance training is your goal.

To find out a suitable weight for you, you should work with a personal trainer who is both qualified & experienced with kettlebell training.  

Special considerations for Kettlebell training

Here are a few health considerations;

• If you suffer from back pain you should consult a doctor or physician before taking part in any form of exercise.
• If you currently have / or have had high blood pressure, any heart issues or any diagnosed illness again you must consult your doctor before taking part in any form of exercise.

Thank you for reading

Gavin Townsend

www.GTPT.co.uk

If you have any questions on the above topic or any other, please don’t hesitate to contact us; enquiries@gtpt.co.uk