TasGirevik

Old Time Strongmen

Home
Quick overview for busy surfers
Stuff about me
Dare to be different
But is it for me?
Back to the stoneage...
Kettlebells , gyms . Pilates , yoga
What's a kettlebell?
Why kettlebells work so well
Who can benefit?
The Complete Fitness Solution
Old Time Strongmen
Training with kettlebells
Holistic health approach
Bad backs and joints
Aches & pains
Strength Training
Flexibility
Myths
Kettlebell (girevoy) Sport
Sample workouts
Pictures
Stone Lifting
Outdoor training ground
Links
You Only Heal With Cold Steel
Heroes Page
Getting Started
Want a demo?
Contact me , purchase manual
Acknowledgments

Way back when...

strongguyportrait2.jpg

balls.jpg
Have balls , will travel

In the past century : 70-150 years ago visionary folk , many called “strongmen”,  urged industrialised & urbanised folk ( many of whom suffered health problems caused by overwork , poor nutrition , overcrowding and poor sanitation ) to revisit their ancestral roots by practising frequent, natural patterns of movement and breathing Often , this was promoted as generating vigour , an essential quality ensuring survival of the species. The writings and performances of these strongmen undoubtedly assisted them maintain a decent material standard of living,  but the methods and conclusions were based on logic and frequent practise ( as well as plagiarism of ancient Greek , Roman & Oriental methods ). It certainly pays to read some of this .

 

 In the 19th & early 20th centuries kettlebells were used by “circus strongmen” both as a training tool and as part of the stage act. Some were enormous and filled with sand ; more a showpiece as clearly impossible to transport & lift if cast from metal. The more manageable sizes were favoured by those strongmen who required tremendous strength &  flexibility where “odd” lifting feats utilised humans , animals such as horses , rocks , iron girders and sometimes a combination of the above. The travelling strongman/showman required portable training aids and importantly , a means by which movements involving sublime muscle control and body stabilisation could be practised. Kettlebells  were a convenient and highly effective method of obtaining & maintaining grip endurance and strength flexibility. In addition , they were a favourite prop in the studio setting.

 material and marvel at the highly tuned,  natural physiques and to this day , often unsurpassed feats of strength , balance and vigour .

 

 

 

 http://www.sandowmuseum.com/musclechampsone.html

 

 http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/S/sspt/sspt-intro.htm

 

 

Only a  small percentage of regular modern gym users can display even modest feats of balance, strength and endurance. This imbalance is corrected with old fashioned kettlebells! They worked for me!

inch-lifting.jpg

anvilbalance3.jpg
The one legged squat ("Pistol") : 24kg bell and done on an anvil for added fun!

Enter supporting content here