Kettlebells became popular as free-weight training devices after the turn of the century, thanks to the advocacy of Russian fitness trainer Pavel Tsatsouline. Tsatsouline created the first official kettlebell instructor certification courses: the Russian Kettlebell Challenge, or RKC. As kettlebells started to become a staple for home and health-club strength training, personal trainers and kettlebell advocates began to develop their own training certification programs.
Russian Kettlebell Challenge
As the first type of kettlebell certification available, RKC training is still the gold standard at the time of publication. The program focuses on building maximal strength and stability with the kettlebell, so you must train with the heaviest kettlebells you can lift and push your physical limits. The course, 25 hours long, is typically split up over three days. At the time of publication, a weekend RKC course costs $2,095. When you complete the course, you receive free client referrals.
American Kettlebell Club
American Kettlebell Club certification takes an approach to equipment that is the opposite of RKC's approach, focusing on lifting lighter weights for a high number of repetitions per minute. This helps clients to lose weight and tone their bodies rather than build extreme strength. Certification is granted after you have passed a World Kettlebell Club training course. These courses vary in length from 6 hours to several days, depending on whether you want to be a basic fitness trainer or a strength specialist.
Agatsu Kettlebell Certification
Shawn Mozen is a Tsatsouline disciple who went on to develop his own kettlebell training system called Agatsu Kettlebell Certification. Agatsu training is one of many lesser-known kettlebell training programs available for much cheaper prices than the Russian or American kettlebell courses. The course consists of 16 total hours of instruction; two levels of training are available. Agatsu Kettlebell Certification emphasizes proper form throughout all movements for maximum training benefit. At the time of publication, the course costs just over $700.
Specialty Training
Many organizations that offer personal trainer certification also offer specialty courses in kettlebell training. For example, the American Council on Exercise has a Kettlebell Basics Certification program that covers the main exercises and form needed for kettlebell training. This certification, given following a 1-day workshop, fits into a wider set of courses for personal trainer certification.
References
- "The Russian Kettlebell Challenge: Xtreme Fitness for Hard Living Comrades"; Pavel Tsatsouline; 2001
- Dragon Door: The Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop
- World Kettlebell Club: WKC Fitness Trainer Certification
- KettleBellWorks.com; AKC Kettlebell Guidelines; Craig Fingrutd
- Agatsu.com: Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor Courses
- American Council on Exercise: Kettlebell Basics Certification
Member Comments