Indian clubs or Club Bells belong to a category of exercise (and juggling) equipment that was popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century in Europe, the British Commonwealth and the United States. They comprise bowling-pin shaped wooden “clubs” of varying sizes and weights, which are swung in certain patterns as part of an exercise program. They can range from a few pounds each, up to special clubs that can weigh as much as 50 pounds. They were used in carefully choreographed routines where the clubs were swung in unison by a group of exercisers, led by an instructor in the front, similar to modern aerobics classes. The routines varied according to the group’s ability and the weight of the clubs used.
Indian clubs derive their name from the much larger and heavier objects of similar shape traditionally used by martial artists (eg the Okinawan Chi-Shi)
and pehlwani wrestlers in India to train for strength. The practice of swinging such clubs to develop physical fitness was first recorded in ancient Egypt and the Middle East. It was introduced to England by British soldiers who were stationed in India during the 19th century.
While torches and other sticklike objects have been used in juggling for centuries, the modern juggling club was inspired by the Indian club, which was first repurposed for juggling by DeWitt Cook in the 1800s.
There are current physical fitness enthusiasts who have revived the popularity of Indian clubs in the modern day, citing the aerobic exercise and safety advantages over traditional free weight regimens. Scott Sonnon,
an American martial artist and fitness educator has developed a great DVD on Circular Strength Training with Clubbells.
