Over the last
decade or so the use of kettlebells has gone through the roof. They
are everywhere and as popular as Lady Gaga. Today,
IronGangsta.com presents some little know facts about that piece of
equipment.
1.People
have hard time determining the actual origins of the kettlebell. The
most popular opinion is that this crazy piece of iron has originated in
Russia. However, many disagree and say it all started in Scotland and the Scottish Highland Gatherings. The truth will most likely never be
known but this does not stop gurus from marketing an iron cannonball with a
handle as some sort of mystical testosterone releasing and Nobel
prize winning fitness equipment.
2.The world
largest kettlebells are about 108kgs and used mainly for the
so-called basic exercise – kettlebell swing.
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| Image credit: http://www.babykettlebell.com/ | When people lift the heaviest kettlebell they usually look like they are trying to divide 213 by 13. |
3. Despite what they tell you, a kettlebell can be broken.
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| Image credit: forum.bodybuilding.com |
4.Pyotr
Kryloff a.k.a. Pierre Kryloff (1871 – 1933) was a famous old-time
strongman, athlete and wrestler. He took part in circus performances
under the name “The King of Kettlebells” in the beginning of the
XX century. {More in Russian}
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| Image credit: http://oldatletikaussr.blogspot.com/ |
5.There is a myth going on that you need flat shoes when training with kettlebells. Wrong! You can train with kettlebells in heels.
Note: This one is a joke.
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| Image credit: unknown |
6. The "Russian" kettlebells sold by Pavel Tsatousline are made in China. It's all business as usual.
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| Image credit: http://spanish-phrases.com/ |
7. Arnold Schwarzenegger prefers to pose with dumbbells instead of kettlebells. He never used the latter.
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| Image credit: www.realbollywood.com |
8. The Christian Church allows the use of kettlebells.
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| Image credit: http://www.artofmanliness.com/ Orthodox priest, Father John A. Peck, juggles with kettlebells and hand grippers (gotta keep that left hand strong) on regular basis. |