Kettlebell Lifting
The sport of kettlebell lifting (also known as Girevoy Sport or GS), is a weight lifting sport performed with kettlebells, a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle, used to perform all types of exercises.
Kettlebell lifting as a sport started in Russia, where it is most popular. It has recently spread throughout the world, and where it is a popular form of weight training exercise.
Unlike Olympic Weightlifting or Power Lifting which is about the maximal weight lifted, in kettlebell lifting competitors have to lift a submaximal weight and perform as many repetitions as they can in a 10 minute time frame.
There are 3 classic kettlebell lifts that are traditionally performed: the Snatch, Jerk and Long Cycle.
athlete performing a kettlebell snatchIn 2017, the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting was given 'observer status' by the Global Association of International Sports Federations, paving the way for it to be considered officially a sport.
Similar Sports
- Olympic Weightlifting — competitors attempt to lift weights mounted on barbells to above the head.
- Power Lifting — tests of strength on three lifts: dead lift, bench press and squat.
- Bodybuilding — participants show their developed muscular build through poses, and are judged based on muscularity, conditioning, and symmetry.
- Strongman — a sport which tests competitors' strength in a variety of different events.
Related Pages
- more about the sport of weightlifting
- weightlifting at the Olympics
- weight training exercises
- list of weight lifting sports
- about Sport in Russia
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports