What is a kettlebell, and what can it do for me?


A kettlebell is, essentially, a cast iron cannonball with a handle. It is also an extremely efficient tool to suit a variety of training purposes: strength training, conditioning, rehabilition and weight loss, to list a few. Whatever your goals are, if you have the motivation, the proper instruction, and the proper tool, you can achieve them. Kettlebells have been around since the 1700s in Russia, though have recently made their impact in the United States, thanks to Pavel Tsatsouline, founder of the Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC). Kettlebells are not a fad, comrades: they have been proven to work for years. And they will work for you, too.


Is kettlebell training just for athletes?

Absolutely not.  Kettlebells can be used by:

- ALL ages: my youngest client was 10 years old, my oldest is 78 years old
- Athletes: I have trained world-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA practitioners, Nationally ranked golfers, Runners, Swimmers, Throwers, Dancers, Wrestlers, Football, Basketball, Soccer players)
- ANYONE who want to get into the best shape of their lives: I have helped numerous clients lost 70+ pounds and grow immensely stronger and faster.

I have heard this concern voiced enough, so I will just mention:  No, training with kettlebells will NOT hurt your back.  Improper form and lack of respect for the weight could, though, so ALWAYS move and train responsibly.


Sounds interesting.  I'm pretty busy though, and don't have much time to work out or pick up a new training routine.

No problem.  One of the beautiful things about kettlebells is that it takes very little time to get a full workout in.  Use 10 minutes properly, and you'll be satisfyingly worked and left feeling like goo.  You can workout with kettlebells twice a week, or every day; regardless, you will see results, if at a different pace.  No more circuits on the machines at the gym, and no more hours running on the hamster wheel -- aka, the sissy treadmill.


That sounds great -- and too good to be true.  Got any proof?

Sure.  ACE (American Counsel on Exercise) recently did a study on kettlebells, skeptical of the claims of the many kettlebell enthusiasts out there.  Their findings were unsurprising to those of us who are avid gireviks, and shocking to those skeptics.  Read the article HERE. 

Extensive studies have also been done by "The Dane of Pain," Master RKC Kenneth Jay.  If you are interested in reading more about the scientific studies depicting the huge benefits of kettlebell training, you can purchase Kenneth Jay's book through Dragon Door, along with many other very valuable and informational products.  See the Kettlebell Resources page for more details on recommended products for kettlebellers that are at any stage.