- A kettlebell is a weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle, used for strength training and cardiovascular conditioning, usually by one of two techniques or styles of lifting
In short, you lift them. How you lift them is determined by technique (as well as goal), and the two most popular techniques are Hardstyle and Sport Style. Read more about the origin of the kettlebell here
- Hardstyle kettlebells is a technique in which specific kettlebell exercises are executed, rules determined by the certification body for instructor criteria.
- The term Hardstyle for strength training is a philosophy of meeting force with force and places great value on the practice of training with focus and intention.
- Kettlebell Sport, is in fact, a sport, where athletes compete in events with 10 minute sets of specific lifts, abiding by specific technique parameters and rules, where at the end of the set, whoever has successfully completed the most repetitions wins. This is a test of endurance, both physical and mental to accomplish the task at hand. Although I must say in both kettlebell techniques, there are specific training protocols that can be grueling, and require both mental and physical fortitude to accomplish the task we set out to achieve.
- Hardstyle kettlebells is the technique I first learned and am certified in as an instructor through Strong First, a company co-created by Pavel Tsatsouline, which is known as the premier Hardstyle certification worldwide.
- I use the Strong First method of Hardstyle Kettlebells to help clients form all walks of life, age ranges and athletic abilities increase their strength and cardiovascular capacity, so they can continue or return to enjoying their favourite sport or activity and are ready to face the challenges that life throws their way.
- Every kettlebell class has a warm up, skill and strength set, followed by conditioning set(s) and we finish with cool down stretching.
- All kettlebell skills are taught with the hardstyle kettlebell technique, focusing on power production.
- Fitness classes have a structure of warm up, work and cool down. The “work” is determined by the goal of the class.