Thursday, December 3, 2009

Origin of Kettlebells


Origin of Kettlebells

After my Russian Kettlebell Rant. I thought it would make sense to look into(as far as possible) the origin of kettlebells

Homemade Gym Stuff pointed me in the direction of this article suggesting that kettlebells may have originated in Scotland via use of curling stones with a cast iron handle. After all Scottish Highland Gatherings have been around for centuries and there is a distinct connection between Russia and Scotland

Many sports have their roots hidden deep inside another pastime activity or have been derived from working implements and tools. The 56lb weight originates from farming for weighing grain etc and has been a part of Heavy athletics for centuries.


Last year we visited a castle in Scotland on holiday and I came across a cast iron device that looked suspiciously like a kettlebell which was apparently used in connection with a canon, it was over 300 years old.

Looking further afield Stan Pike of Intense fitness has the following on the front page of his website - Kettlebell's were used by Greek Athletes and Gladiators 2000 years ago.They are the "ultimate 'back to basics, all over body conditioning' tool, improving strength, stamina, muscular endurance, grip strength and core stability"

My theory is that the weights that farmers have used for weighing grain have been utilised to test strength and endurance, a natural pastime for working men (and now women too) who lie to prove themselves. With no doubt it seems that the Russians have made this into a stand alone sport but the true origin will probably never be known.



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