06/30/2025
The word “pood” (пуд) is a traditional Russian unit of mass, equivalent to approximately 16.38 kilograms or 36.11 pounds. While officially abolished in the Soviet Union in 1924 with the adoption of the metric system, the term has persisted in specific contexts, most notably in the world of fitness and agriculture.
Historically, the pood was a fundamental unit for measuring harvest yields and other commodities in Imperial Russia. It was standardized as 40 funt (Russian pounds). Its significance in daily life is reflected in old Russian proverbs, such as “You don’t know a man until you’ve eaten a pood of salt with him,” illustrating the time and shared experience required to truly understand someone.
In modern times, the pood has found a new lease on life in the realm of strength training, particularly with the rise of kettlebell workouts. Kettlebells are often weighed in increments of poods. For instance, a 16 kg kettlebell is commonly referred to as a “one-pood” kettlebell. This usage has been popularized through CrossFit and other functional fitness regimens, introducing the archaic term to a global audience.
Beyond its use as a unit of weight, “pood” has also taken on a more contemporary, informal meaning in some circles. It has been adopted by a specific group of nurses to signify a very close and supportive friend. This colloquial usage, however, is not widespread and is distinct from its historical and fitness-related definitions.
