© 2008 Kettlebell Training Academy Ltd
About Kettlebells
kettlebells, past and present
Regardless of whether the exact origin of kettlebells was in Scotland, Greece or Russia, the history of kettlebells, as a training tool, dates back over 100 years when they started being used as a form of weight training by strongmen, weightlifters and wrestlers.
Later it became a competitive sport in the late 1940's in Russia and has progressed from there. In recent times, various institutions and top sports-scientists have conducted a wide range of studies. The general conclusion is that the kettlebell is the single most effective tool for developing strength and endurance as well as for functional-based training.
Kettlebells are currently used by Military and Special forces, Police Departments, top Olympic Athletes and Professional Sporting Teams, as the training tool of choice for producing unparalleled results.
Later it became a competitive sport in the late 1940's in Russia and has progressed from there. In recent times, various institutions and top sports-scientists have conducted a wide range of studies. The general conclusion is that the kettlebell is the single most effective tool for developing strength and endurance as well as for functional-based training.
Kettlebells are currently used by Military and Special forces, Police Departments, top Olympic Athletes and Professional Sporting Teams, as the training tool of choice for producing unparalleled results.
how they work
The Kettlebell is a cast iron ball with a handle attached to the top. Unlike a dumbbell, the centre of mass is outside the handle. This means that the kettlebell is constantly pulling away from you. Consequently, your whole body has to compensate and stabilise, recruiting just about every muscle-group to work together.
With certain exercises the body has to develop, overcome and absorb momentum, increasing cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, strength and power.
Explosive Olympic-lift exercises are also performed with the kettlebell. This takes advantage of the positive transfer effect these movement patterns have for athletic and sports-specific training as well as general functional movement patterns that are used in everyday life.
With certain exercises the body has to develop, overcome and absorb momentum, increasing cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, strength and power.
Explosive Olympic-lift exercises are also performed with the kettlebell. This takes advantage of the positive transfer effect these movement patterns have for athletic and sports-specific training as well as general functional movement patterns that are used in everyday life.