Kettlebells have become popular in the UK in the last couple of years, following their take-off in theUSA from around the year 2000. Kettlebells are a great training tool on their own or combined with other methods of exercise. An efficient workout can be done in a small space, with only a few different weights required, making them easy to store.

Kettlebells have been used in Russia for centuries and were used by the Russian military, used in the training of Russian Athletes, especially in the throwing sports for the Olympics in 1980. Kettlebell lifting has now also become an international sport in its own right.

Kettlebells can be used in different ways, including a swinging type ballistic motion, a snatch or jerk as in Olympic lifting, or a pressing or pulling motion. As the weight is balanced over the back of the hand due to the displaced centre of gravity of the Kettlebell more stabilisation is required by the body to complete the lifts than with dumbbells. Groups of muscles therefore get worked in one exercise, rather than isolated muscles.

Training benefits include:- fat loss, improved strength and endurance, core muscle development, cardio improvement, mobility and power development. Kettlebells are therefore a great way to train to improve your sport performance or for general health.

A good starting weight for men is the 16kg and an 8kg for women, providing there are no injuries.

There are many manufacturers selling kettlebells. They can differ in size and handle thickness and space between the handle and the bell and price. There are also regulation sizes kettlebells for competition. Both types can be used for training but the competition ones tend to start at 12kg which would be too heavy for a woman starting out in training. We use the kettlebells from London Kettlebells, as they are well made and may be bought either singularly or in a small set which can save on individual prices.