The History of Kettlebell Poods

The term “pood” originated in Russia and is technically a Russian pound. This particular unit of measurement is equal to approximately 36.11 pounds or 16.38 kilograms.  So, when lifting kettlebells in poods you are lifting about 36 pounds of weights. The earliest documentation we can find of this term is in 12th century documents which is significantly earlier than the origination of the term “pound” whose earliest link is to the high German language and isn’t seen until the 14th century. The original term “phunt” eventually became old English’ “pund” and then later became our “pound”. “Pund” simply referred to weight in general rather than a specific measurement of weight the way we use it today.  

The unit of weight of “pood” was legally abolished by the USSR in 1924, but the term was so widespread that it was still commonly used, including in describing a kettlebell pood, until the 1940s. Poods were originally created in Russia in multiples and fractions of 16 kilograms. For example, a one-and-half pood kettlebell is a 24 kilograms weight. This term is also commonly used to express the weight of agricultural products. There is an ancient Russian proverb that expresses the sentiment “You know a man when you have eaten a pood of salt with him”. With the advent of Crossfit, "Poods" are making a comeback. We take the guesswork out of the equation! From 1 to 3 Poods, our Kettlebells are designed to fit whatever excercise routine you need.

At Kettlebell Kings we sell kettlebell are in both pounds, kilograms, and poods, with a wide variety of high quality metals as well as in a few different shapes to fit your desired exercise. We offer Free Shipping on all kettlebell so order yours today!


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