Old school Russian workout hits Chicago's Equinox Fitness Clubs

Fitness enthusiasts can now get a glimpse into the workout secrets of ancient Russia. Pegged “Iron Body,” a new class at Equinox Fitness Clubs uses 10- to 20-pound kettlebell weights to train all muscle groups simultaneously, resulting in an overall body workout that burns fat and tones muscles. Previously reserved for individual training, the iron ball weights are now being used in a group fitness environment.

Kettlebells are far from a new concept. Unlike traditional barbells and other hand-held weights, the cast-iron kettlebell is a round weighted ball with a handle at the top. The kettlebell carries a rich history that dates back hundreds of years in Russia, where weightlifters and fighters used the weights to increase their endurance. There has also been evidence suggesting that gladiators in ancient Greek civilization used kettlebells to prepare for fighting.

“Kettlebells are a great way to challenge yourself and really increase your strength,” said Marcelo Ehrhardt, Equinox regional group fitness manager . He says kettlebells offer a varied workout to help mix up a traditional fitness routine. “It’s very important to vary your workouts to continue to burn fat, increase strength and build overall muscle tone,” said Ehrhardt.

Ehrhardt says the “Iron Body” workout will provide participants with a full-body workout that combines muscle-building, toning and cardio-vascular exercise. The class challenges exercisers with side-presses, bent-over presses, snatches and dead lifts. Participants will also find themselves midway through the class swinging the odd-shaped weight like a pendulum and using it like a tennis racquet -- a unique feature to the kettlebells that cannot be done with traditional barbells or free weights.

“I work out all the time, and I was completely sore from the kettle ball class for three days,” said Korey Karnes, of Lincoln Park, who exercises regularly and recently attended a class at the 900 N. Michigan Ave.  location. “It made me realize I need to switch up my routine and I can’t wait to try more classes.”

Matt Lee, from the Gold Coast, also found the class to be challenging. “I loved working with the kettlebells,” Lee said. “I used to wrestle in high school, where we got in shape with chin-up bars, running, medicine balls, free weights, etc., so I tend to gravitate towards old-school, no-frill workouts, anyway. It doesn’t get much more old school than Russian kettlebells.”

Although Lee used a 10-pound kettlebell for his workout, the lightest kind, he said he was surprised how difficult the movements were. “In our class, we didn’t use much weight, but by doing so many repetitions without a break, I was really tired by the end and felt that it was a great workout. I am certainly looking forward to going back... and hopefully getting in Soviet-era Olympian shape!”

Jennifer Hogg, a fitness instructor who is teaching the “Iron Body” class this fall, says the workout is one of a kind. “Every person I know who has tried kettlebells is an immediate convert,” Hogg said. “The workout trains their body in a way they've never trained before, and the effects are immediate and results follow very quickly. Balance, strength and endurance gains are felt in as little as three weeks.” She also says it can work for many different fitness levels, even though the 45-minute workout seems intense. “Due to it's simplicity, kettlebells are one of the most effective functional training tools available.”