What are Kettlebells?

We are big proponents of kettlebells at Perspective Physical Therapy and Performance due to the variety of movements that can be performed and how they can be used to challenge strength and stability. Here is a little kettlebell history that we thought was interesting:

The story goes that Russian farmers used kettlebells as counterweights to measure out grain at the market. As bored farmers learned the weights could be heaved and tossed in feats of strength and endurance, giros began enjoying a central role in farming festivals.

Some time around the turn of the nineteenth century, a Russian doctor called Vladislav Krayevsky realized that the kettlebell deserved a place in sports medicine. Krayevsky (also called von Krayeski, Kraevskogo, and Krajewski) happened to be the personal physician of the Russian czar, who popularized kettlebell training in the Russian army which eventually elevated it to a national sport.

So cool!

What makes the kettlebell unique is the handle is on one end while the majority of the weight is on the opposite side. With that, based on the positioning of the bell and how it’s held, the stability demands can be increased compared to using dumbbells or a barbell which is why we really enjoy using it in the rehab process for pain, injuries, etc.

Interested in kettlebell training and becoming more familiar with kettlebell movements? Let us know!

Have a great weekend!

Perspective Physical Therapy and Performance