We’re starting our first Kettlebell Bootcamp this August 2nd, so I thought we should share a bit about what and why, so the next few posts will be installments about why Kettlebells are awesome to train with and how we’ll be utilizing them in the Bootcamp.  Here’s an excerpt from Wiki.  It pretty much backs up what we’ve said so far, twice the calories in half the time.  I would just add that they’re about 200 years old, which showcases their awesome staying power.  I doubt in 200 years we’ll be seeing many Cybex Chest Presses or Nautilus Treadclimbers.  Anyways..

The kettlebell or girya (Russian: гиря) is a cast iron weight looking somewhat like a cannonball with a handle. Many companies produce their own brands of kettlebells and kettlebell exercise programs. Some modern kettlebells feature adjustable weights or are rubber coated to improve safety for floors.

While today, there are sizes that range from 5 lbs to 175 lbs, the traditional Russian kettlebell is usually one which weighs 1 Pood (roughly 16kg / 35lbs).

Unlike traditional dumbbells, the kettlebell’s center of mass is extended beyond the hand, similar to a Clubbell. This allows for swing movements not possible with traditional dumbbells. Because more muscle groups are utilized in the swinging and movement of a kettlebell than during the lifting of dumbbells (particularly posterior chain and core muscles), a kettlebell workout is sometimes claimed to be more effective, and yields better results in less time (dependent on training goals).

Because the center of mass on a kettlebell “swings”, micro-muscles are needed to balance a kettlebell, more so than a dumbbell. The existence of a handle allows for “release moves” which are not available to a dumbbell.

Variants of the kettle bell include bags filled with sand or steel shot. They also have a center of mass extended beyond the hand and allow for swing movements and release moves with added safety and added grip, wrist, arm and core strengthening due to the shifting fill material.