A kettlebell (girya) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight
that looks like a cannonball with a handle. First used to
train Olympians and Eastern European strongmen, its
history can be traced as far back as the 1800s. Kettlebells
have proven to be a powerful training tool when used for
ballistic multi-joint movements requiring full body integration
and core stabilization. Kettlebell methods were designed to
increase strength, stamina, and coordination by challenging
our muscular, cardiovascular and central nervous systems
simultaneously.
that looks like a cannonball with a handle. First used to
train Olympians and Eastern European strongmen, its
history can be traced as far back as the 1800s. Kettlebells
have proven to be a powerful training tool when used for
ballistic multi-joint movements requiring full body integration
and core stabilization. Kettlebell methods were designed to
increase strength, stamina, and coordination by challenging
our muscular, cardiovascular and central nervous systems
simultaneously.
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Until recently however, popularized forms of kettlebell lifting in the United States began to closely resemble a combination of
bodybuilding and weight training. Much of the methodologies unique to kettlebell lifting were lost as American coaches were taught
to use a stylized version of kettlebells within the context of traditional strength training. Many people in the US are surprised to learn
that the popular two-handed swing is not even utilized in the sport of kettlebell lifting.
bodybuilding and weight training. Much of the methodologies unique to kettlebell lifting were lost as American coaches were taught
to use a stylized version of kettlebells within the context of traditional strength training. Many people in the US are surprised to learn
that the popular two-handed swing is not even utilized in the sport of kettlebell lifting.
Girevoy Sport emerged in Europe over 60 years ago out of
the original ideas intended for kettlebell lifting. This specialized
form of training expands our strength-endurance capacity
under a submaximal load over time. It requires athletes to
work under tremendous stress while remaining calm and even
quiet in order to focus on technical precision, breath control,
and energy conservation. Spectators marvel at the sense of
relaxation elite kettlebell lifters display while accomplishing
seemingly supernatural feats of strength. It’s no wonder
kettlebell competitions are quickly gaining steam in the
American sports world.
the original ideas intended for kettlebell lifting. This specialized
form of training expands our strength-endurance capacity
under a submaximal load over time. It requires athletes to
work under tremendous stress while remaining calm and even
quiet in order to focus on technical precision, breath control,
and energy conservation. Spectators marvel at the sense of
relaxation elite kettlebell lifters display while accomplishing
seemingly supernatural feats of strength. It’s no wonder
kettlebell competitions are quickly gaining steam in the
American sports world.
Various organizations like the American Kettlebell Club
and the International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation host
events for athletes to compete in regional and national
meets all over the United States and Canada. The World
Kettlebell Club is also working in conjunction with
European federations from Greece, Russia, Latvia, Italy
and Germany towards adding the sport to the Olympic
Games someday.
and the International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation host
events for athletes to compete in regional and national
meets all over the United States and Canada. The World
Kettlebell Club is also working in conjunction with
European federations from Greece, Russia, Latvia, Italy
and Germany towards adding the sport to the Olympic
Games someday.
| Kettlebells: A Brief Explanation of the Sport |
1) Jerk & Snatch Biathlon
2) Long Cycle Clean & Jerk
2) Long Cycle Clean & Jerk
For women, regulations mandate holding a kettlebell weighing between 12 - 20 kgs. with one hand, switching to either the right or
left side a single time without setting the bell down. Winners are determined by the highest number of repetitions achieved on each
side within ten or sometimes twenty minute time limits. Men must carry two kettlebellls weighing between 24kg - 32kgs with the
exception of the Snatch event, in which case only one kettlebell is used.
The two main competitions for the professional divisions are:
left side a single time without setting the bell down. Winners are determined by the highest number of repetitions achieved on each
side within ten or sometimes twenty minute time limits. Men must carry two kettlebellls weighing between 24kg - 32kgs with the
exception of the Snatch event, in which case only one kettlebell is used.
The two main competitions for the professional divisions are:
