Kettlebells are the best

The History

Kettlebells, known as "girya" in Russian, have roots in 18th-century Russia, initially used as counterweights for measuring goods, but later adopted for strength training and competitions. The term "girya" (meaning kettlebell) first appeared in a Russian dictionary in 1704. Russian farmers and workers started swinging and lifting them, recognising the benefits for strength and endurance. 

Rise of Kettlebell Training:

In the late 19th century, kettlebell training began to be used for recreational and competitive strength athletics in Russia and Europe. The "Circle for Amateur Athletics" was founded in 1885, marking the birth of competitive kettlebell lifting, or "girevoy sport" (гиревой спорт). In 1948, kettlebell lifting became the national sport of the Soviet Union, with competitions held in Moscow. 

Kettlebells in the West:

Kettlebells were relatively unknown in North America and the UK until the late 20th century. In 1998, Pavel Tsatouline, considered the "modern king of kettlebells," wrote an article about them in a popular American magazine for strength athletes. This sparked interest and led to the first kettlebell certification program and the subsequent worldwide popularity of kettlebell training. 

Modern Usage:

Today, kettlebells are a staple in many fitness programs and disciplines, from military fitness tests, CrossFit competitions and functional fitness to traditional strength training and rehabilitation. They are recognised as versatile and effective tools for improving physical performance, strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

The Facts

  • Kettlebells are a simple way to get your hips working properly, which means less stress on your back and knees

  • Kettlebells focus on your posterior chain, so the back of the body. Back of the shoulders, extensors of the back, glutes and hamstrings. which we know is generally weak through lifestyle. Improve your posture and reduce your risk of injury.

  • Kettlebells bring together strength and cardio training to create effective whole body training.

  • Studies found the average calorie burn for the 20 minutes was 404 calories… that’s similar to running at a 6 minute mile pace! Weight manage and fat loss become much easier when you train with kettlebells.

  • Studies show the best ways to increase testosterone and HGH levels are with rapid muscle contractions, using exercise programming that minimises rest time. Kettlebells are an ideal tool to deliver this type of training. This makes Kettlebells ideal for both men and women as they age.

  • Hamstrings can be targeted to reduce the risk of knee injuries. The kettlebell swing has been identified as a very effective tool for therapists to use when needing to activate semitendinosus over biceps femoris.

  • Heart rate and VO2 responses during kettlebell routines suggest it provides a much higher-intensity workout than standard weight training routines.

  • Improving VO2 max is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your risk of serious illness and early death. Kettlebells will improve your VO2 max without impact.

  • Kettlebells can help you increase lean muscle mass across your entire body. Building lean muscle is one of the best ways to slow down aging, reduce risk of injury and illness, fight off metabolic disease, improved health through perimenopause and menopause, make it easier to manage your blood sugar levels. Lean muscle is the organ of longevity.