Matt Wilson
Kettlebells were formally a grain measure. used in Russia
until someone in the past,probably in their break started doing tricks/exercises with them,probably at break time, started using them. It was probably then noticed that the ones playing in this way with Kettlebells were stronger. So training with kettlebells probably started this way. When the communists took over Russia they looked at the things that made Russia unique Sambo, which was made into a part of the governments power keeping it in the police and military hands. Kettlebells were looked at and were said to be the Russian secret training weapon
Since their introduction to the west kettlebells have appeared in a variety of styles shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. Is their a difference in the how they perform, the answer is yes.
Double handed/Traditional Kettlebells.
These are characterized by very wide handles that are wider than the kettlebells body. The handle size varies greatly depending on the weight. An 8 kg Kettlebell has a thin handle smaller than an olympic bar. The 48 kg has a handle too thick to grab. i usually use a hook grip with these kettlebells.
All my double handed or traditional kettlebells are used for now,is attaching to a bar by bands to create instability in large exercises single leg squats and bench press are some. The two handed ones make it harder to perform one of the best kettlebell exercises the long cycle. The large handles obstruct each other when swung between the legs and when the kettlebells are racked. Also when going up in weight the size makes you more aware of the larger Kettlebell.This changes your mind when using these Kettlebells.
What do I mean by change the mind, i mean that the mind is aware of the change because the weakest part of the lift, the grip is weakened by opening out forced by a wide handle. in no sport lifting would a bar size change with the weight increases.
Competition Kettlebell;
These Kettlebell are hard to grab double handed because of the narrow width of the handle compared to the body of the Kettlebell. these are the preferable Kettlebell.
The competition kettlebells that are best are the steel ones with all paint stripped off . These do not lose chips of paint that can rip callouses off.The paints themselves can seriously increase Kettlebell friction during exercising. One of the earliest ones I bought, not from kettlebells.com.au ripped my callouses off on the first use.
Kettlebells move in the hands and so hand care must be talked about. Callouses will occur. You can use a moisturizer, but I can’t use it – too metrosexual. 
Callous cutters are the other way to go. These are available in the manicure section of chemists.
If you use chalk, which I highly recommend, a scourer to clean caked off chalk off the kettlebells should be used. Check for build up between sets or just a quick rub at the end of each set.
Kettlebells are a fantastic metabolic conditioning tool and will lead to increased upper body strength, but do little for the legs and so should be combined with a strength and conditioning program. Alternatively wearing a good heavy weight vest when doing Kettlebell exercises will produce significant stress on the legs(also traps and low back so good form essential). Do not do this before you are fully familiar with kettlebell exercises you are attempting to do in the weight vest. Also ensure that your back is natural position before going up in kettlebell weight or using the weight vest.
Kettlebell awareness;
If an overhead weight/kettlebell wants to fall get out of the way and let it. If you attempt to protect the kettlebell(it is steel and not really fragile, you will invariably injure yourself. Drop it and move your feet quickly.
Have fun kettlebells are one of the best tools in the world for strength and conditioning.
Sydney based group and personal training
by Matt Wilson
