Milo Kettlebell Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Milo Kettlebells

Posted on Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 by John Wood

While kettlebells do certainly have a history in Russia and many other Eastern European countries, what many people don’t realize is that kettlebells also have a long tradition in the United States as well.

Back in 1902, Alan Calvert founded the Milo Barbell Company — the very first commercial strength equipment company in America. Along with barbells and dumbbells, Calvert also manufactured kettlebells, one version of which is shown on the right.

The Milo Kettlebell consisted of an outer “shell,” with the inner plates sectioned to allow for easy progression. The lathed free-rotating wood handle made the kettlebell especially useful for presses and kettlebell swings as evident by the instruction shown in Milo Barbell training courses which Calvert distributed to his clients.

Milo Triplex Kettlebells

Posted on Friday, December 5th, 2014 by John Wood

Many people think kettlebells are uniquely Russian, but while they certainly have a long history in Russia, kettlebells also have a long tradition in America as well. In 1902, Alan Calvert established the Milo Barbell Company and kettlebells were among his first products. He went through several different designs, the patent shown above is for the Milo “Triplex” Kettlebell which was patented on September 23, 1919. The Milo Triplex shown did not have a shot-loaded compartment but instead had globed plate “slices” inside the outer shell. The rotating handle is also of note.

Steve Reeves: Kettlebell Training

Posted on Sunday, March 24th, 2013 by John Wood

Shown here: Steve Reeves performing a “full” lateral raise with a pair of Milo kettlebells… a highly underrated movement for shoulder development made that much more enjoyable with classic iron. The rotating handles of the Milo kettlebells allow for certain exercises that are difficult to do with cast-iron kettlebells. (As a side note, Steve Reeves was well-known for his broad shoulders which were measured by Armand Tanny at an unbelievable 23-1/2 inches.)