Aix-les

Two weeks before Easter, the bells were ringing loud and clear in the minds of the people of Aix. But not the ones bringing chocolate. Instead, it was the bells that make CrossFit enthusiasts sweat: kettlebells.

On Saturday, March 21, at Atom fit club on Boulevard Lepic, young and old were invited to discover “kettlebell juggling” at a festival that was “100% local, 100% friendly, where sports meet celebration, and where kettlebell practice is for all ages and levels.”

The new buzz in gym halls

This new sport, a blend of weightlifting and juggling, is booming in CrossFit “boxes.” The French Kettlebell Juggling Association (AFKJ) is leading its promotion. Its president, Savoyard Jérôme Gillé, is a global figure in the discipline. For the first Raclett’lebell festival, Julien Sillani handed over the keys to his sports center opened at the end of November, in the former premises of Carraz Charpente. A great publicity coup for Atom fit club, positioning itself as the local ambassador of the kettlebell phenomenon.

Throughout the day, Jérôme Gillé led workshops and demonstrations amid servings of raclette sandwiches. “Normal, we are in Savoie,” the organizer smiled.

Between juggling and weightlifting, a “fun and accessible” activity

This event was not about competition. The festival aimed to “open people’s minds to a new sport that can also be a playful activity for a 5-year-old,” as described by Jérôme Gillé. To demonstrate, the coach took out a “mini-kettle” weighing less than 300 grams, designed for young children. Adults had the choice between cast iron or plastic balls weighing from 4 to 32 kilos, depending on their preference and level.

Dozens of gym regulars and curious individuals intrigued by social media posts came to try the experience. Many were using the kettlebell like a weight. Most were unaware that it could be a sport in itself. “It’s fun, accessible, and surprising. We learn juggling and work on cardio, core strength,” said Seb, a 44-year-old gym-goer, enthusiastic. The sentiment was shared by others, like Steeve, who, a fan of fitness and weightlifting, discovered a knack for juggling with the weights. “You learn so fast that you want to come back,” shared a more experienced participant. At the end of the day, opinions were unanimous. Whether it’s cheese or muscle juggling, both have a taste for more.

In Brief: – In “kettlebell,” there are two English words: “kettle” (boiler) and “bell” (bell). – The word “kettlebell” refers to cast iron balls with a handle, used for centuries as weights in gym halls. – Since the rise of CrossFit, the tool has gained prominence. Today, kettlebell juggling is a full-fledged sport, practiced in “classic” or “freestyle” versions. – Four-time medalist in both disciplines, Jérôme Gillé is among the world’s best in this sport. – Last year, he founded the French Kettlebell Juggling Association (AFKJ). – Following this, he organized the first French open in the discipline, aiming to popularize the practice.