A kettlebell is a cast-iron weight that is shaped like a cannon ball with a thick, rounded handle. The unique benefit of a kettlebell is that it develops strength, endurance and flexibility at the same time.

  A kettlebell delivers a challenging total body (muscular and cardiovascularar) workout and has low impact on the joints. Unlike other weightlifting approaches that focus on isolating specific muscles during workouts, kettlebell training recruits and fires muscles throughout the entire body. This increases the ease and efficiency of a lift, using the principle of “linkage over leakage.” For example, when doing an over head press, a kettlebell practitioner or (or girvik) doesn't focus solely on his shoulder to press the weight up. Rather, he or she also relies on the the pressure and tension created in the lats and entire torso to maximize the power of the lift. This is one of the Principles of Hardstyle Russian kettlebell training. This way of training creates a well-functioning, well-defined and lean body.

  The term kettlebell first appeared in Russian dictionaries during the 1700’s, and became popular with turn of the century strong men like Eugene Sandow and Arthur Saxon. But use of kettlebells decreased as other more “modern” ways of training became the standard. The kettlebell would have faded into obscurity in America if it weren't for the ground- breaking book Enter the Kettlebell released in 2001 by Master of Sports, bodybuilding and fitness icon Pavel Tsatsouline. Tsatsoline was a former instructor of the Soviet special forces who immigrated to America in the 90’s and re-popularized Russian Kettlebell training, with his unique and highly effective training methods. He went on to create the prestigious RKC certification program and his been sought after for his training by elite military and fitness groups around the world.

Benefits from kettlebell training include: fast and noticeable weight loss long, lean muscle rapid increase in functional strength increase in cardiovascular endurance increased energy and focus