Great review, I just might take this up

Ahnold, here I come!

I have moved this entry to Culture/Tech, as it is more concerned with the girya and the exercise regimes using them, than it is with reviewing the book.

Here's a summary of your kettlebell hardware options:

www.kettlestack.com/other_kettlebells.html

(As with any device), the main activity you will improve at with kettlebells -is- the lifting of kettlebells. If you are attracted to them, great. If you just want to get generally stronger, not get 'good' at Kettlebell lifts, (or become part of the 'kettlebell community' that is being so heavily promoted), keep in mind that a set of adjustable dumbells will give you all of the strength and muscle that KBs can. Why do I mention this? Because it's -much- less expensive. KBs are pricey, delivery is pricey, and KBs aren't adjustable. The only thing dumbells won't do for you is bang you on the forearm at the top of a press. Some people like that. The great athletes of the past 50 years have been doing quite well without kettlebells, and the old-time strongmen used them for posing only. But there's no questioning the value of novelty. As usual, you must decide who -you- are when choosing an exercise device. If you are already experienced with dumbells, and need a change, sure, but to go to KBs as some kind of new, better way, is an expensive mistake.

mark:
actually you couldn't be more off the mark.

this isn't about "one is better than the other," but how kettlebells can offer unique benefits that dumbbells cannot.

and the "problem" that is created from the kettlebell hitting the forearm is not a problem for those who are strong enough to control the kettlebell during the swinging/lifting process.

to call the purchase of a kettlebell a mistake is to misunderstand how to implement kettlebell training.

but thanks anyway!

I do appreciate the differences; The centered weight fits into movements and postures that a dumbell's side weights won't. The off-axis weight on presses creates an additional angle of resistance to challenge the lifter. The weight extended outward on swings increases the resistance per pound over a db. I guess the problem I have with kbs is the ad campaign; they definitely are being promoted as 'better'. Of course every tool provides it's advantages, but I must insist: As compared to barbells and dumbells, the only crucial reason to work with kettlebells is to improve your performance with the kettlebells themselves, (and this is a very real issue to many trainees), but the real reason for most of us is just for a change. 'Novelty' is not meant in the trivial sense; it's a major force in life.

i don't say kettlebells are better, but i say that they offer a valid alternative to more traditional methods of training.

and i disagree with your assertion that the only thing you get better at from swinging kettlebells is swinging kettlebells.

I am currently training with a 24 kilo kettlebell. I also use a pair of 22 kilo dumbells. I find that both tools are equally useful, and it is true that you can duplicate many of the kettlebell drills with dumbells. But I must admit that the kettlebell, with it's awkward shape, does make you feel you are lifting something very heavy.

In general I believe that the kettlebell is a great piece of equipment, but if you can't afford them - use dumbells.

The marketing hype is rather exagerated, in the end, results are only made by hard work.

I enjoyed reading your article.

Mogass Date

I believe kettlebells are one of the best training tools, period. Think about it, anything you can do with a dumbbell can be done exactly the same way with a kettlebell. Plus, add in the ballistic exercises that can only be done with kettlebells and there you go. Also, you dont need all the weight of a barbell to get stronger. The only downside of kettlebells is the price, and there are plenty of places to get cheap ones if you just search around. [Edited]