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.
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
towards adding the sport to the Olympic Games
someday.
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
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 - 24 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:
