So you know what a kettlebell is. You probably swing one in the gym, “activating your glutes” like your trainer likes to say. Perhaps clutch at one for some power squats. Along comes Sergey Rudnev from Russia, straps a 16kg-kettlebell around his neck and swings up into a Kettlebell Handstand. We gasp and bow to the champion. 

Sergey Rudnev, 48, has been tossing kettlebells around since he was 13, competing in tournaments since he was 22. Last month, he was in Calcutta on the invitation of AWEFitness Academy, a fitness centre in Bhowanipore, to conduct the Level 1 Certification for Kettlebell Sport Coach. The two-day course was held in Magma House on Park Street. 
“I have always felt that Calcutta’s health professionals need an opportunity to train with the world champions. In one of my overseas training sessions with Sergey Rudnev, I floated the idea of collaborating and holding a certification workshop in Calcutta and he was game for it. And here we are today,” said Anwar Wahhab, director, AWEFitness Academy.

t2 watched in awe but refrained from attempting a handstand. 

Highlights of the two-day certification programme

• Students learnt to perform Jerk, Snatch and Long Cycle correctly. 

• IKSFA (International Kettlebell Sport Fitness Academy) Competition Rules were explained to participants. 

• Theory and practical exams were taken before qualification certificates were handed out.

• Sergey performed kettlebell acts, demonstrating balance and extreme powers of strength and endurance.

Sergey speaks

t2: Have you always been into fitness? What is your biggest motivation? 
Sergey: Yes, I train constantly. The daily physical activity influences our health and inner state. Besides, during my workouts, I always learn something new — theoretical knowledge, practical skills and in some situations I discover myself. 

When and why did you decide to specialise in kettlebell training? 
I’d tried to go in for different kinds of sports all my life, but my final choice was Girevoy Sport (kettlebell lifting) in 1991 because of the simple organisation of the training process and the possibility of getting the maximum training effect with minimal financial loss. 

What are the basics of a kettlebell workout that a beginner should be aware of? 
It’s very important for beginners to start training with kettlebells under a coach’s supervision, to achieve some desirable results. At first, it is necessary to study the technique of the basic exercises and improve the main groups of muscles, especially the back and core ones. 

What made you agree to a kettlebell workshop in Calcutta? 
I have chosen AWEFitness gym for the first IKSFA seminar in India because the head of this club, Anwar Wahhab, is the most qualified kettlebell instructor in India. He is the only IKSFA Level 1 and Level 2 certified coach in India. 

Is this your first trip to India? What have you discovered? 
Yes it is. I was looking forward to it. I have discovered spicy exotic food, nice warm weather and lots and lots of people. India’s population must be nine times that of Russia!

About Sergey Rudnev

• He dabbles in various kinds of sports — gymnastic, freestyle Olympic wrestling, mixed martial arts.
• He’s won the Kettlebell World Championship five times. 
• He served in the army until the age of 42 and trained both the Far East Military District kettlebell sports team as well as the Russian national team.
• Two of his staple meals are buckwheat porridge and Okroshka, a filling cold soup. His cheat food is fried chicken and fried potatoes.
• In Calcutta, he discovered kebabs at Punjabee Rasoi, mutton biryani at Zeeshan and Chelo Kebab at Peter Cat. He also liked paan, fish cutlet and nolen gurer sandesh. 

AMONG THE CERTIFIED

Tolly actress Ushasie has won silver and gold medals at the Kolkata Kettlebell Meet and wants to open a kettlebell studio some day. Which explains why she was the only woman at the certification course. “I got hooked to kettlebells because it’s really good for weight loss and the best for toning. I don’t use more than 16kg but it’s more important to get your technique right and be able to increase the reps,” said the actress.

Tayyab Alam qualified for the Level 1 certification to be a kettlebell coach. “I’ve been training with kettlebells for a year now and it’s a great whole-body workout and helps you reach your goals faster. I’m glad I learnt from the best because as a teacher, my own technique has to be flawless,” said the personal trainer at AWEFitness.