This is a 250-year-old sport made populer in Eastern Europe during the 1970s.

The  use of these weights by circus strongmen is recorded from the 19th century. They began to be used for recreational and competition strength athletics in Russia and Europe in the late 19th century. The birth of competitive kettlebell lifting is dated to 1885. Similar weights used were used in Classical Greece with the haltere, similar to the modern kettlebell.

Typical kettlebell exercises naturally build strength and endurance, especially in the lower back, legs, and shoulders, and they also enhance grip strength. Basic movements like the swing, snatch, and clean and jerk engage the entire body simultaneously.

Kettlebell exercises are inherently holistic, working multiple muscles at once and allowing for continuous repetition over several minutes or with brief breaks. When training with high repetitions, it is important to start slowly to build muscle endurance, support the joints, and prevent injury.

Kettlebell exercises offer numerous health benefits, including improved mobility, range of motion, agility, cardiovascular endurance, mental toughness, and increased strength.