What is club swinging?

Club swinging is a very ancient discipline based on fluid and controlled movements in multiple planes of motion, akin to Taichi or dance.

It was originally develop to assist the training of Persian and Tamil warriors, and other types of martial arts. Traditional clubs were made of wood.

In the 1800’s, the English living in India, appropriated the discipline and added their own touch. A new training system was created, where lighter clubs were employed. This is what most people would think Indian clubs are.

Indian clubs

Back then, Indian clubs were used to perform “Remedial Gymnastics” or basically an early form of physiotherapy.

Today, everyday people from office workers, kids, and athletes of all level are rediscovering the benefits of swinging Indian clubs.

The weight of the clubs turn club swinging into a combination of  strength and mindful movement. The swings build connective tissue strength, and integrate the mind, body and breathing.

Connective tissue is given very little thought in fitness. We all want muscles, but what is wrapped around every organ and single muscle and tendon, connecting the whole body as one unit?
Yep, connective tissue, also known as fascia. The best way to develop the fascia (and protect the body against injury and movement restriction) is with forces applied in axial and spiral motions. Dancers, yoga and Taichi enthusiasts know this already!

The circular movements of club swinging (which includes figure 8s and spirals) generate traction which nourishes and decompresses the joints.

If you lift weights overhead

Club swinging opens the chest and shoulders, and has helped fixed many aches and pains for many people in our community.
If you lift weights overhead, better thoracic spine and shoulder flexibility will improve your performance, and possibly help reduce the chance of injuries.

Because the weight of Indian clubs is relatively light, there is no negative impact on recovery. On the contrary, a light club swinging session acts like low intensity aerobic training, which  helps restitution from intense activities.

If you want to balance your activities for optimal well being and stay active in old age, you cannot neglect the recovery side of your strength training routine!

The Pahlavandle was designed to get anyone into club swinging, and as a tool you could easily travel with.  

Check out Steve Maxwell, a legend inside BJJ and Kettlebells, talk about it on London Real TV show.