Intro To Kettlebell Sport Part 5: Getting Started

It looks like this will be the last post in our official series about Intro to Kettlebell Sport. If this is the first post you are reading, we recommend starting at the beginning here. Our last post is actually written by our friend and world record holder, Brittany van Schravendijk. We are thankful to Brittany for putting together some great videos which illustrate the different lifts we have covered. Part 1 was an overall introduction to kettlebell sport, Part 2 covered the Kettlebell Sport Swing, which is the basis of all lifts, Part 3 covered The Snatch and Part 4 covered Long Cycle.

We have received a lot of really positive feedback along the way and have gotten a lot of folks started in kettlebell sport traning. Again, a few of the things that are so great about Kettlebell Sport are it gives you great goals to motivate your workouts, its cominbation of strength and endurance as well as the mental tenacity it builds for all aspects of life.

We have created a 4 Week Training Program You Can Sign Up For Here:

In our last post in the series, Brittany created a list of what you need to do to get started in Kettlebell Sport training. This list will apply whether you want to lift competitevely or just for training.

Getting started in Kettlebell Sport:

1. Buy a pair of competition kettlebells

You can practice with traditional style kettlebells, but if you want to get serious about competing or training correctly you have to adjust your grip and rack position to the size of a competition kettlebell. I recommend starting with a pair of 8 or 12kg kettlebells competition kettlebells.

2. Find a coach in your area who can show you the basics

While you can learn a lot online, there is no substitute for a one-on-one with a skilled coach. If there is absolutely no one in your area, contact a skilled coach and ask if they can review video of you lifting and give you feedback (you can send me your video footage at info@kbfitbritt.com).

3. Master the technique with LIGHT (8-12kg) kettlebells before increasing weight

I cannot stress this enough. If you go up in weight before you’re ready, there is a big risk of injury because Kettlebell Sport is highly repetitive. Use a mirror and/or video to assess your own technique, or get approval from a skilled coach before moving up in weight.

4. WATCH VIDEOS ON TECHNIQUE

Most people are visual learners, so watching good technique will reinforce good habits in your own lifting. Just remember that anyone can post on the internet, so find a credible source. Additionally, there is no ONE correct lifting technique - it depends on the lifter’s body type, limb length, and influence from their coach. Check out my YouTube channel or Kettlebell Kings' YouTube channel.

5. WORK ON MOBILITY DAILY

Most people find the overhead and/or the rack position challenging due to limitations in flexibility. Find your area(s) of tightness and work daily to improve. Again, Kettlebell Sport is highly repetitive and neglecting mobility can lead to injury. HERE is a place to start

6. Practice!

There is no substitute for hours of practice and thousands of repetitions. A skill worth having is one worth working for - otherwise what would be special about having that skill? Just be sure you are using a light weight and ingraining proper technique. If you’re not sure, ask (email info@kbfitbritt.com)

If you would like to begin training in Kettlebell Sport you can contact us at info@kettlebellkings.com, 855-7KETTLE and we can get you in touch with some great folks to start a training regimen. Additionally, you can contact Brittany with her info below.

We have created a 4 Week Training Program You Can Sign Up For Here: 

To see the bells that Brittany and other world record holders train with, click the link below!

Brittany is a Master of Sport, World Record Holder, and National Record Holder in Kettlebell Sport. She learned how to lift kettlebells at one of the top Kettlebell Sport gyms in the United States, Ice Chamber, which has produced seven female Master of Sport lifters to date (Brittany is the most recent one).