Introduction to Kettlebell Training from a Beginner

Although I have been a fitness enthusiast for several years now, kettlebell training is new to me, so on my first day as an assistant, I sat down with my new boss Nikolai Puchlov, who owns Seattle Kettlebell Club with his wife Amber, to get a brief introduction on this form of exercise. 

Puchlov describes a kettlebell as a ball shaped weight with a handle sticking out at the top.  He claims that people often mistake the name of a “kettlebell” for a “kettleball” due to the equipment’s shape. 

Kettlebell training has many physical benefits that one cannot get from other exercises. One of the main reasons that Puchlov pursued the sport was because he kept getting injured from conventional weight training practices. Puchlov claims that the movements in kettlebell training feel much more natural, and since the moves focus a lot less on isolating certain muscle groups and more on working the full body, one can become stronger in areas that they could never hit with other exercises. He also enjoys the fact that one piece of workout equipment goes a long way in getting a full body workout. 

According to Puchlov, who has been involved in kettlebell training since 2010, “[w]hen you use a kettlebell, it becomes an extension of your body.” 

Puchlov recommends that new clients keep several things in mind when introducing themselves to kettlebell training. First, like with any new exercise, clients should make sure to receive proper instruction to prevent injury. Second, he would like to remind clients that kettlebell weight and dumbbell weight do not translate, “so whatever weight you think you’re gonna be using, divide that by five,” Puchlov says. Often new clients will overestimate his or her strength and not realize the difference between traditional weights/dumbbells and kettlebells. 

A proper kettlebell workout is also beneficial to the nervous system, and helps improve coordination while also being easier on the joints and tendons than other traditional workouts. 

To learn more about kettlebell training and start a new fitness journey, visit Seattle Kettlebell Club at its new location at 1716 21st Ave South or visit the website at https://www.seattlekettlebellclub.com. Those with questions should feel free to call (206)280-4941.  The club offers classes for those who want to train recreationally or train for competition. 

Also, look out for my upcoming blog post, which will be from the perspective of a newcomer navigating my way through the art that is kettlebell training.  

-Camille Borodey