Kettlebell history

What are kettlebells?

Pavel Tsatsouline

 

Originating in Russia more than 300 years ago, kettlebells have been used by the Russian strongmen, the military and Olympic competitors to develop incredible strength and endurance.  Kettlebells in the United States didn’t really take off until Russian born Pavel Tsatsouline, who, along with Dragon Door Publications, began manufacturing the first US kettlebells.  They also started the first certification program in St. Paul, MN in 2001 called the RKC, the Russian Kettlebell Challenge.  There are over 4000 men and women who have completed the RKC and instructors can be found in nearly all US states and many countries throughout the world.