The circus bell is a heavy bar used in strongman competitions for the clean and jerk exercise. It requires strength, coordination, and balance and is named after old-time strongman displays in the circus. The circus kettlebell is a similar apparatus with a loop handle.
The circus bell is a large bar that weighs 202 pounds (about 92 kg). Made of two 12-inch (30.5 cm) balls connected by a 5-inch (12.7 cm) long, 3-inch (7.6 cm) thick handle, this bar is raised overhead during competitions with one arm in a clean and jerk exercise. The circus bell is mainly used in strongman competitions because its size makes it a big event. This giant dumbbell is named after the image it conjures up of old-time strongman displays in the circus.
Strongman competitions are one part strength and one part showmanship. The circus bell is a perfect example of this aspect of weightlifting competitions. This particular dumbbell is not only heavy, it looks intimidating and lifting it in its intended exercise, the clean and jerk, is a feat to behold. The maneuver taxes the muscles of the shoulders, lower back, trapezius, forearms, triceps, gluteus maximus, and hamstrings. It also requires not only strength, but also coordination and balance under the stress of the weight.
The circus bell clean and jerk event is an expert level strongman stunt. The clean part of the exercise begins with the dumbbell placed between the feet with the rear ball of the dumbbell in line with the arch of the foot. The handle is then held tightly and securely with both hands while the dumbbell is still on the floor. With knees slightly bent, the circus bell is lifted to one shoulder and held in place with the lifting arm hand, while the other hand is released and extended from the side of the body for balance.
For the pull portion, the raise, the circus bell is positioned so that the rear ball of the dumbbell is slightly behind the shoulder and the weight of the bar is evenly distributed over the body from front to back. This position will prevent the lifter from losing balance during the weight pull. To gain some upward momentum, the knees are slightly bent and then, while simultaneously pushing with the legs and forcing the arm up, the weight is raised overhead. The weight of the body is pushed slightly forward to offset the weight of the dumbbell. The circus bell stays in place for a few seconds and then goes to the ground.
A similar weight lifting apparatus to the circus bell is the circus kettlebell. This is a unique dumbbell with a loop handle, made in different weights. The circus kettlebell is usually balanced between the legs while bending slightly forward.
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