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.In 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.
