Developed in Russia in the 1700s, the kettlebell was used to measure grains and in downtime, show off strength among men.
A pood is a Russian unti of measure, the USSR tried to get rid of the term but its still here and mostly used in reference to kettlebells and weightlifting:1 pood + 36 lbs.
During city festivity Russian men would show their abilities with kettlebells. They were used to compare strength, endurance and coodination. Kettlebell contests were always partr of the social gatherings.