Some Advice...

If anyone you know mentions the 'KettelWorX', or 'KettleNetics' programs, do them a favor, and tell them NOT to buy either one!! I ran accross some footage of these programs online, and I thought I was going to puke! Absolutely pathetic!
If you want authentic kettlebell training, look for products from Dragon Door (RKC), Art of Strength, Steve Maxwell, Steve Cotter, Brett Jones, David Whitley, Jeff Martone, Mike Mahler, Sara Lurie, Lauren Brooks, Greg Mihovich, just to name a few. These people are the real deal, no fluff, no BS.
Kettlebells were introduced to America by Pavel Tsatsouline in 1999. He is responsible for training all of the above Coaches, and the status that kettlebells have risen to in the U.S. If you want to meet with a qualified kettlebell coach, go to DragonDoor.com, and click on 'RKC Instructors', then scroll down to the section titled 'RKC Instructors - United States', and click on your state, and you will see a list of coaches.

Unfortunatley, there are many 'wanna be's' out there, who want to jump on the bandwagon, now that KB's are popular. They are watering-down how a kettlebell was intended to be used, and passing it off as legitimate KB instruction, all in the name of $$$. They are taking a legit strength & conditioning tool, and trying to imitate 'Mc-Gym' areobic classes, and disgracing the reputation of the kettlebell. Also, the weights used are rediculous; 2-10 lbs for women, and 10-20 lbs for men.
Kettlebells were not meant to be 'easy', but rather a doable challenge, for everyone. They are used like other 'free-weights', and the method is a blend of Powerlifting & Olympic lifting. It requires hard work, determination, sweat, and a desire to improve your level of fitness. You WILL be rewarded for your effort, IF you do the work! Women can and should be using weights from 18-53 lbs; some women are using 53-70# on a daily basis, and no, they don't look like men! Men, depending on their size and fitness level, should be using 35 lbs. up to 88 lbs.
A little off topic but... one of the biggest MYTHS about womens training, is that using moderate to heavy weights will make them gain size, and look man-like. This is generally not true. Yes, some men & women can put on size easier than others. For most people to put on size, they must follow a very specific weight and nutritional routine. Strength training will make you strong, not big. It makes your muscles dense, which is the true definition of "toned". If you train to get big, you can, even women, but it's a choice. Having 8-10% body fat, is primarily the result of a very strict diet. Oh, and one more thing...a crunch is the most over-hyped exercise in the world. There are much better exercises for your midsection; some done with a KB (Windmill & Turkish Get Up), barbells, and some with body weight.

If you want quality KB products, go to the web, and look up the names I mentioned, and ignore the infomercials you see on TV! Do you want the $19.95 version...or the real deal?? The choice is yours, but just remember; "you get what you pay for"!! Don't be a SUCKER!!

If you have any questions, email me, I'd be glad to answer them.

Recommended Products

The 'Recommended Products' Post from below, has been updated. Why? Well, since Anthony DiLuglio (Punch Kettlebells) has introduced a new, USA-Made Kettlebell, and it's VERY competetively priced. This is great news! Anthony DiLuglio produces many fine products, and his mentality is "I will do everything I can, to have my products made in the USA". And with this new USA kettlebell, he has raised the bar again.

Dragon Door was the only company offering a USA-Made bell, from 1999, to Mar. 2009. They said the USA foundries were to costly, and that they could not continue the USA production, and switched to a Chinese foundry/supplier. Dragon Door have always been the leaders in the kettlebell world, and will continue to be a dominant force. Hopefully this will encourage them to re-introduce the USA bells, because obviously, it CAN be done at a fair price.

Maxbells also have some very nice bells. The finish is a very smooth paint, with no texture. So far, I don't see this as a negative or positive, compared to other bells, just different. They have good spacing between the bottom of the handle and the body of the bell. Very nice.

In fairness to Dragon Door, I ended up with a 20kg Chinese bell, by mistake, and it is a very nice bell. If someone asked me, I would not hesitate to recommend them. But, if you want to support American workers in these rough times, there is only one choice...Punch Kettlebells.

4-3-10 Update: Lifeline USA, now offers USA-Made Kettlebells, at a very good price! I've put my hands on one, and they are very nice.

Pics from todays workout

Recommended Products

Kettlebells:

Lifeline (USA-Made)
Punch Kettlebells (USA-Made)


Dragon Door Book/DVD:

Kettlebells from the Ground Up (2-DVD's & Book)
Enter the Kettlebell by Pavel (Book)
Kettlebell Basics for Strength Coaches & Personal Trainers (DVD)
Return of the Kettlebell, by Pavel (Book)
Power To The People, by Pavel (Book)
Steve Maxwell - Ultimate Pull Up Workout (DVD)
Steve Maxwell - Spartan 300 Workout (Bodyweight)

Misc. Books/DVD's

Dan John - Never Let Go (Book)


Art of Strength Workbook/DVD's

Providence, Newport, Firepower, Santa Monica (*Follow-Along Workout DVD's)

Enter the Kettlebell Workbook

Accessories:

GymBoss Interval Timers
Foam Rollers - PerformBetter.com
Vibram - Five Finger Shoes

A Shot of Inspiration!

ETK Review

Here is the link to a review of Pavel's ETK Program. It was written by MC, who is an RKC from London, England.
http://http://nopain2.org/archives/000068.html I just wanted to post this for anyone interested in reading it.

Danny

Interested in Kettlebells?

If you are, I strongly urge you to buy Enter the Kettlebell, by Pavel Tsatsouline, along with an 18# kettlebell for women, and a 35# kettlebell for men. See the Dragon Door add link in the upper right hand corner of the page. Read the ETK book, so that you understand the theory behind what you're about to do. If you have any questions, ask them on the RKC forum. Don't assume anything. Then you need to get some private instruction, to refine your technique, and make sure you're performing the lifts safely/correctly. Next begin 'practicing', not working out, with the Swing & the Turkish Get Up. Get familiar with these lifts, and slowly increase your numbers, a little at a time. Once your technique is fluid, you can begin the RKC Program Minimum, and then the Rite of Passage, which will transform you to a whole new level of fitness. For fat-loss, a strict nutritional program is crucial. Eliminating or reducing sugar intake, processed foods, sodas, and eating more lean meats, and fresh fruits & green veggies.

Prior to starting the ETK program, I would highly recommend you get a copy of Anthony DiLuglio's ETK Workbook, (http://artofstrength.com/). This workbook is a companion to Pavel's ETK book/program. The ETK program is written out for you in detail, step by step, all you have to do is workout, and write down what you did, on the spaces provided on the pages of the workbook.
To reape the benefits of a Kettlebell, you must work hard. They are not an 'easy road' to loosing weight, or getting strong. If it's easy, it's probably not worthwhile.