Kettlebells are traditional Russian training tools, which looks like a cannonball with a handle. First seen centuries ago, the kettlebell appears in a 1704 Russian Dictionary (Cherkikh, 1994).  Now used by thousands around the world to streamline the physique and is used as an all-in-one piece of equipment. You can super charge your workouts and get better results in much less time.

It appears that kettlebells were first used as counter-weights in Russian markets. Townsfolk figured out that they could be used as workout equipment after throwing them around for a while. They eventually became very popular in Russia as a training tool Although kettlebells develop strength and heavier weights can be used, a kettlebell-trained body is not bulky. It is not unusual for women to press or snatch 35 lbs or more.  Kettlebell workouts are intended to increase strength, endurance, agility, flexibility, lean-out and balance, challenging both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, total-body movements.

A Russian strong man or Kettlebell user is referred to as a -Girevik. Girya is Russian for Kettlebell. Strength contests were constantly held in villages and towns all across Russia. Bogatir was the term used for "strongest man". Bogatirs were also honored for their goodness.

For a time, kettlebells were not considered to be a real sport. It generally was for entertainment during city festivities, Russian men would show off their abilities with kettlebells. Kettlebells were used to compare strength, endurance, and coordination among competitors. Kettlebell contests were a frequent part of the social gatherings of the villages.

After World War II, weight lifting became popular in Russia and other countries. Attaining the glory and the medals were the drive of many people to become a weight lifter. Europe was very interested in Olympic weight lifting. Kettlebells dropped into the background. Kettlebells were still used and by farmers, fishermen, military and navy soldiers, who adapted their love of competition into kettlebell contests. These contests were mostly unofficial.

As 1960 came, Kettlebells gained more recognition through contests. The "Hard Style", used by the RKC & Master Trainer Pavel Tsatsouline was melded from karate-based hand – to hand and ketlebells in the 1980s.  The "Hard Style" of Kettlebells is what is used at S.H.A.P.E Studio.  You can order the highest standard Kettlebells from www.Dragondoor.com, which is where I received my certification.  For safety reasons, it is very important that you learn how to use the Kettlebell correctly from a trainer who has credentials.  Please do your research on your instructors and check for proper certification.

A Kettlebell workout will consist of a warm-up using joint mobility exercises first. The Girevik will do sets of ballistic swings, presses, squats, pulls, get-ups, abdominal exercises, and exercise to gain flexibility.  You can master just the basic swing and contour your entire body.  Or you can modify from these staple exercise to do build an endless repertoire in your arsenal.  People from many different age groups use Kettlebells in their daily exercise programs.  Kettlebells will give you the maximum challenge needed to chisel and reshape your entire body. Take the Kettlebell Challenge today, and contact me!!! I dare you!!!