Kettlebell News

If you're new to the kettlebell scene you're likely to see some acronyms and abbreviations you're not familiar with. The following is a list of the most common along with their definition and the organization that uses the term.

AKC - American Kettlebell Club
CF - CrossFit Kettlebell Certification, CrossFit
CKT - Certified Kettlebell Trainer, International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation
RKC - Russian Kettlebell Challenge/Russian Kettlebell Certification, Pavel Tsatsouline, Master of Sport, Russian Kettlebell Challenge
USGSI - US Girevoy Sport Instructor, United States Girevoy Sport Federation
WKC - World Kettlebell Club

To the uninitiated the kettlebell is the strangest chunk of iron they've ever seen. Most don't believe that it could possibly be an exercise tool. Since it was re-introduced to the United States in 2001 the kettlebell has steadily found itself in thousands of gyms, weight rooms, living rooms, back yards, practice fields across the country.

Wait, did I say "re-introduced"? Yep. The kettlebell is not new to America. Strongmen used to use them in the 1800s and early 1900s, but as barbells and dumbbells began to be developed they fell out of favor. Nobody knows the true history and origin of the kettlebell, but its use has been preserved in Eastern European countries of the years. In fact, it is a national sport in Russia.

So, let's get to the purpose for this little article; who uses kettlebells and why?

The kettlebell is used by fitness buffs, athletes, and serious strength trainers across the United States. Here are some resources to help you learn more about the effectiveness and versatility of this incredible tool.

Fitness

The Transformation of Tracy Reifkind - Tracy Reifkind is a buff certified kettlebell instructor. But that has not always been the case. At the age of 40 she decided that her unhealthy lifestyle and excess body weight, around 250 lbs, was no longer acceptable. She now maintains her body weight around 130 pounds (size 6) and her body fat measures around 17-18%. Kettlebells were a big part of that transformation. Check out her story and maybe shoot her an email at Girya Kettlebell training, the website for the training company she and her husband, Mark, operates together.

Martial Arts

UFC Champion Frank Shamrock used kettlebells to help prepare for his fight against Caesar Gracie. Check out the program designed for him by Mark Reifkind, Senior Russian Kettlebell Instructor. Frank Shamrock's Kettlebell Training.

Here is an article by Rev. William Wong, ND, Ph.D., Member World Sports Medicine Hall of Fame and World Martial Arts Hall of Fame entitled "Essentials for Martial Arts Conditioning". This article is published on Mike Mahler's website, Mahler's Aggressive Strength. Mike is an accomplished Kettlebell Instructor and Strength Coach with over ten years experience.

Here is another by Steve Cotter, 20 year veteran martial artist, strength coach and Kettlebell Instructor, entitled Kettlebells: The Martial Artist's Strength Tool of Choice".

Football

I found this link to a conversation on the The Indiana Gridiron Digest Forum. Not everyone was sold on them but many are incorporating kettlebells into the mix for their strength and conditioning programs for their football teams.

The Tennessee Titans (NFL) - The Tennessee Titans were introduced to kettlebells and other tools by Anthony DiLuglio, Strength Trainer and owner of Punch Kettlebell Gym in Providence, RI. Check out these photos of the Titans working with kettlebells.

Strength & Conditioning

Ethan Reeve, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Wake Forest University, incorporates kettlebells into the strength and conditioning program of the Demon Deacons. In fact, the use of kettlebells is included in Wake Forest Athletic Strength Training Philosophy. Also, learn more about Coach Reeve's methods in An Interview with Ethan Reeve by Mike Mahler.

Conclusion

OK. I think I've provided enough informational resources for you to begin deciding on your own about the value that the kettlebell brings. It is time for you to do your own homework and maybe even find a coach or trainer to give you an introductory session. Go for it.

- Certain

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