June 22nd, 2022Inaugural kettleball at Daylesford

DAYLESFORD hosted its inaugural Kettlebell Sport competition, attracting competitors from four states, along with dozens of spectators, on June 4.
Under the auspices of the Girevoy Sport Australia Association, the event was the first of its kind held in the region.
Event facilitator and participant Beth Whiting, owner of local business Integrate Fitness, said kettlebell sport was the ultimate full body workout – targeting strength, aerobic capacity and mobility.
“Events can be either 5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes in duration, with the most common event being 10 minutes. It draws on Olympic-style strength lifts as well as challenging the body’s aerobic systems.”
Competitors ranged in age from 15 through to 54 and included several Australian record holders and state champions. (Pictured is Daylesford’s Melissa Ryan.)
“The kettlebell community is very friendly and supportive of each other. There are a variety of different lifts and time durations so there is an event for everyone, regardless of age, ability or where you are in your fitness journey,” Beth said.
“At Integrate Fitness we start out on lighter kettlebells for shorter durations and focus on technique. As confidence and skills build, we safely increase weight and time under load. The other great thing about kettlebells is our community spirit and friendship. We are there supporting each other in training and competition.”