Oldtime Strongmen and Kettlebells

Oldtime Strongmen and Kettlebells

As you probably know, kettlebells have been around for quite a long time. Initially thought to be found and introduced into Russia.

Kettlebells these days are nice and compact, easy to use and store. However over a hundred years or so ago things were quite different. Many pictures of these kettlebells can be found on the internet for your pleasure.

The main difference seeming to be the size of the kettlebell bell body and secondly a wide variation of handles. The bodies of old style kettlebells looked absolutely massive, almost the size of a small planet. The handles being very different from modern times seemed to be thinner versions.

My guess is that in some ways the kettlebells of yesteryear had advantages and disadvantages over modern ones. I believe the larger more cumbersome bodies would be somewhat harder to swing between the legs, making the lifter probably opt for a wider stance and using more hip flexer muscles to move the kettlebell. Also, the bigger the kbell the more it would lend itself to sports such as wrestling etc as it would make cleaning and press much more akward.

I believe the downside to the thinner handles would be less grip strength work. However, just take a look at any of the training programs from the likes of Jowett, Inch and Samson, you'll see they favoured grip strength training in other methods, mainly thick dumbbells and bar rolling.
So maybe the manufacturing methods weren't as they are today and probably didn't need to be.

Check out this picture (top right) from OLDTIMESTRONGMAN
Just imagine trying to tackle that and what it would do for your physical conditioning!!!

Also, for your information here's a look back at some old training methods in a book written by Alan Calvert.

SANDOWPLUS

In my opinion things have changed over time, but it's a good idea to take a look back and see what was done in the past as you can often pick up some really good ideas to add to your own arsenal of training methods and knowledge. Never assume that because something is new that's it neccesarily so much better.






kettlebell training