Kettlebell training has swept the United States in recent years. With many different techniques and certifications exploding on to the scene one may wonder the difference and importance of each. Lifting with Kettlebells under a certified professional is the only safe and effective way to ever use the cannonball shaped weight. Advanced Training Concepts’ new studio is devoted to Kettlebell training. Cyrus Peterson, KBC Kettlebell Instructor, and NFPT Master Trainer and has recently added a new credential to his repertoire. Owner of Advanced Training Concepts and creator of KettleHell BootKamp, Peterson, is now certified under the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (IKFF) as a Certified Kettlebell Teacher (CKT).
Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) November 13, 2009 -- Kettlebells were first used to balance scales at local fairs and markets, they were eventually used by the Russian Military training regime starting approximately 100 years ago. Kettlebell training added incredible benefits to their workouts, helping them to focus on strength, endurance, anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. During the 20th century, the bells were used by strength athletes or weightlifters to compliment more traditional barbell lifts. In 1948 Russians commenced Kettlebell Sport (Girevoy Sport) which pitched a man and a time clock against the maximal repetitions obtained in 3 types of lifts , the snatch (weight swung with one arm straight above head), the clean & jerk (2 bells swung to chest once , and then put overhead as many times as possible) and the one armed push press.
Here we are in 2009 and Kettlebells have made a comeback. This time they are here to stay. Kettlebell training is based on total body movements rather than individual muscle movements. The movements range from very basic and progress to extremely advanced. Kettlebells have proven themselves to be one of the most effective training tools in existence for developing every attribute on the physical/athletic continuum - strength, endurance, core strength, agility, and flexibility. Being a new sport it is difficult to decipher who is qualified to be instructing with Kettlebells and what each certification means. Advanced Training Concepts is the authority on Kettlebell lifting and offers a plethora of knowledge on the sport. Cyrus Peterson, of Advanced Training Concepts and creator of KettleHell BootKamp, recently received Steve Cotter’s International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (IKFF) Certified Kettlebell Teacher certification. The IKFF certification focuses the benefits of Kettlebell training including improved strength, enhanced athleticism - flexibility, coordination, balance etc., weight loss, injury prevention, mental toughness, and developing core strength. Cyrus has broken down the different Kettlebell qualifications to further inform Kettlebell aficionados about proper education.
The RKC, Russian Kettlebell challenge, is the largest Kettlebell organization in the western world by miles. Almost every Kettlebell enthusiast you meet will be familiar with the teachings of the RKC even if they don't practice them personally. The RKC itself is a school of strength. It is structured around the Kettlebell as a tool for building power-endurance and raw strength. Power-endurance in this case is the ability to perform ballistic exercise with heavy weight for long periods of time.
The AKC, the American Kettlebell Club, is the traditionalist choice. The AKC specializes in three lifts: the snatch, jerk, and long-cycle. These are the lifts performed in international competition. The AKC is an independent certifying body. It is expensive but convenient. The AKC travels and is likely to show up in a town near you at some point. The timed set is the staple of the AKC. The lifter works them to the point where they can perform a lift for 10min. This method develops more than endurance. It develops a person's will. It is a practice of relaxation. The lifter cannot dip into the anger reservoir of more strength. Any wasted energy will cost them their goal. They must be calm and practice patience.
The IKFF, The International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation, is an independent certifying body started by Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn in 2008. It is a newer certification which works to its advantage as it was born out of the other two. The IKFF teaches the three basic moves of the AKC as well as movement and bodyweight exercises. It is a blend of both worlds that is designed to fit into every trainer's fitness programming. Most of the IKFF trainers are also AKC's, RKC's, or both. It is the first certification that is geared towards the more committed lifters even on its entry level. The IKFF is truly international with members on every continent except for Antarctica. IKFF focuses on true Russian Kettlebell lifting that is derived from the Girevoy Sport (GS), Kettlebell sport. The majorities of members of IKFF compete or train to compete in the GS. IKFF style of instruction is the safest and most efficient way to train with Kettlebells.
KBC, Kettlebell Concepts, is one of the top prolific Kettlebell instructor training programs in the United States. It regularly holds certification and continuing education classes across the country. KBC provides high level programming, products, and support for fitness facilities ranging from boutique studios to enhancement/injury prevention centers.
If you are new to Kettlebell training and want to learn correct Kettlebell technique and practice Kettlebell strength and conditioning then hire a professional. If you want to be a Kettlebell instructor then get certified. Do not rely on instructional videos or personal trainers. DVDs offer no feedback and only certified Kettlebell instructors have been fully trained in technique and safety of the sport. Also beware of knock off Kettlebells. Get the right tool and get the right teacher. Commercial gyms are not the place to experience Kettlebell training. The trend in most clubs is to have more machines and less free weights. While machines are not as effective as free weights, they are much easier to use and require minimal instruction. Kettlebell enthusiasts need to utilize smaller, private gyms which focus more time with clients and proper instruction.
“The level of proficiency and technicality needed to execute the basic movements of Kettlebell requires formal training and education. The ballistic and instability of Kettlebell movements poses a real danger to someone inexperienced and uneducated. Not knowing the reason behind an action or just mimicking movements from a video is the equivalent of someone watching videos of a doctor performing surgery and then attempting to perform surgery” stated Cyrus Peterson, IKFF/CKT, KBC Kettlebell Instructor and NFPT Master Trainer.
For additional information on Kettlebell Sport or any other service provided by Advanced Training Concepts, please contact Cyrus Peterson.
About Advanced Training Concepts/KHBK: Advanced Training Concepts (ATC) offers fitness programs that are designed to provide an elite training experience using Kettlebells and calisthenics. KettleHell BootKamp (KHBK) is a program, operable under Advanced Training Concepts, that uses the Kettlebell, a Russian-made cast-iron weight resembling a cannon ball with a handle. All KettleHell BootKamps are conducted by Cyrus Peterson, IKFF/CKT, KBC Kettlebell Instructor, and NFPT Master Trainer. Peterson is certified in sports nutrition, endurance training, and weightlifting. He has over 20 years of experience in weightlifting, powerlifting, and fitness. KettleHell BootKamps are held Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6 a.m.-7 a.m., Monday 8 p.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Friday 6 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-10 a.m. at 1607 F Montford Drive, Charlotte NC 28209. http://www.advancedtrainingconcepts.com
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