Hardstyle kettlebell or GS? Who really cares? Why are there so many strong opinions reagarding a simple exercise that only a small percentage of the population even know how to do?
At Idaho Kettlebell Strength and Conditioning, we use only a small handful of techniques that come from both, and things seem to be working well. Fitness is the goal.
Swings:
The 2-arm “hardstyle” kettlebell swing is one of the best exercises a person could do, but it has nothing to do with kettlebell sport lifting and only a marginal carryover into kettlebell sport technique.
The 1-arm swing, in various forms, used as an assistance exercise to kettlebell sport lifting is an entirely different exercise. Different breathing, balance…everything. Still a great grip, back and lung exercise if you want to get better at your long-cycle or snatch.
To compare the 2-arm swing to the 1-arm GS swing is like comparing a pushup to a pullup. They are not the same thing, but each has its benefits.
Do you have to have a favorite? No. There are enough hours in the day to do both if your goal is to get in great shape.
-Jim