Kettlebell Sport vs. Hardstyle Training…

More and more people out there are discovering kettlebell training (and learning not to say “kettleball”) and often ask us which certifications we endorse for continued education opportunities. There are a few that we prefer and are more familiar with hardstyle training vs. Girevoy sport training.

Hard style Kettlebell Training

*this is how Lacee and Missy coach + train

“...the term Hardstyle doesn’t refer to its difficulty, nor as many believe, does it refer solely to generating tension throughout the body. Instead the term refers to a type of hand-to-hand combat taught in Russian special operations in the 1970s. Hardstyle kettlebell training was developed in the 1980s to support that.”---Andrew Reed, RKC instructor, Australia.

The hard style training methodology is a practice. It is about repetition, small details and training with a blend of maximum tension and relaxation techniques, along with breath work and mental acuity. Check out more info here for a great read on the origins of hardstyle training: https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/the-origins-and-explanation-of-hardstyle-kettlebell-training

We like to think of hard style training like a sprinter vs. a marathon runner, even though that is a VERY loose comparison. 
Girevoy Sport Training

*Lacee and Missy do not coach or train girevoy sport

A competition style of kettlebell training, focusing on endurance at a submaximal load. Technique is specific and important, as girevoy sport requires athletes to choose three different lifts and demonstrate technical proficiency in those lifts in 10-minute spanses of time. There are various types of federations and competitions in girevoy training, with some sequences lasting up to 30 minutes. Technique for required movements is specific to the girevoy style and competition-style kettlebells are used (all the same size, despite the weight). Check out more info here and watch some of the videos to see examples of girevoy sport technique: https://breakingmuscle.com/workouts/4-weeks-of-girevoy-sport-training-do-you-have-what-it-takes

We like to think of this as training like a marathon runner vs. a sprinter, even though that is a VERY loose comparison.