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What Are Kettlebells?

By Greg Diener


Kettlebells, Kettlebells, Kettlebells I keep overhearing the question being asked; "What are Kettlebells"? This question has been asked a lot lately. To answer the question, Kettlebells are all the rage in the fitness world. They have recently become popular in the fitness tool arena. Those that have been heavily involved in the fitness world have probably heard of kettlebells before, but it is just recently that the average consumer has heard of them. Most people don't realize that they are weights, but they just appear different.

Kettle bells are cast-iron weights used for fitness reasons. They sort of look like a solid iron tea kettle, just without the spout. Another way to detail them is a cannonball with a handle that had been attached. They were primarily used in Russia where they were used as weights for scales in markets. Since they were mostly used to weigh agricultural equipment and products, kettlebells were mostly used by farmers. Eventually these farmers would turn swinging and carrying these weights into a game. Festivals were held to showcase each farmer's skills. This would continue on for years until it became more of a fitness instrument.

These farmers started using kettlebells in the ways that we see now; swinging, lifting, squatting, jerking, cleaning, etc. They found that kettlebells helped increase their strength, speed, agility and endurance. Because of its abilities, the Russians started to develop workout routines around the kettlebell. The technical skill needed to use them properly also helped shape kettlebells into a Russian national sport.

It wasn't long before the use of Russian kettlebells stretched to other European nations. It slowly started acquiring recognition in different nations and finally reached the strands of America in the early 2000's. Since it has reached the United States, it has persisted to increase in appeal. More individuals are flipping to kettlebells from the more traditional bar bell weights utilized in the United States. Not only are individuals embracing the kettlebells, but fitness groups, such as CrossFit, have begun to adopt them into their programs.

Kettlebells are so sought after because of their massively productive routines. While they do bring numerous great results, they do have a high risk of injury. This is because of the motions are very detailed and need to be finished with precision. Professional assistance should be sought before beginning a workout program that uses kettlebells so that the risk of injury is stopped as much as possible.




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