The Russian Kettlebell Challenge by Pavel Tsatsouline Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Russian Kettlebell Challenge
Book Review: A great book - a killer approach to fitness
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been working out with weights for over 25 years, and the Russian Kettlebell Challenge is simply the best approach I've ever found to combining strenght training, endurance, and flexibility. Pavel Tsatouline has done his usual outstanding job of presenting clear, no-nonsense info on the best way to get into killer shape, with tremendous carryover for virtually any athletic endeavor. The explanations of the why's and how's of kettlebell training are excellent. The exercise descriptions and photos are clear. The training guidelines Pavel presents and the sample programs alone are worth the price of the book. The Russian kettlebell sport standards he includes are inspirational, and great for goal-setters. His "program minimum" can be followed by ANYONE - male or female - in only a few minutes a day, with minimal equipment, and will produce spectacular results. His "program maximum" is a challenge in ever sense of the word, but will definitely get you in the best shape of your life. The companion video for this book is superb as well, and a must for mastering some of the nuances of the unique kettlebell exercises. His kettlebells, which are sold separately, are the coolest toys in my house. I have purchased almost all of Pavel's excellent works, and they have literally changed my life. After years of beating myself up with unproductive exercise routines, I've applied Pavel's Power to the People principles with far better results at 40-plus years of age than I got at 20. Now, I'm addicted to kettlebell training, and more excited and enthusiastic about working out than ever. The Russian Kettlebell Challenge is Pavel's best work yet - and that's saying a lot. I highly recommend this book, and all of Pavel's products. If you're serious about exercise and getting into the best shape of your life with surprising ease, you will not be disappointed with this or any of Pavel's products.Book Review: The direct route to strength and athleticism
Summary: 5 Stars
The kettlebell, or "girya", is an iron ball with a thick handle. A century ago, kettlebells were used worldwide for strength training. But as the Western world got softer, wimpier, and more lawsuit-prone, the kettlebell went out of use and remained popular only in Eastern Europe. They are now being revived in the US thanks to the work and evangelism of Pavel Tsatsouline, a former trainer of Soviet special forces. Kettlebell training is hard-core. I have two kettlebells at home, and as exercise devices they could never be confused with a stairmaster. They require focus and concentration and are used for demanding lifts such the snatch, the clean and jerk, the bent press, and a whole arsenal of other lifts you aren't going to see in your gym this week. You can't curl a kettlebell absentmindedly while staring off in the direction of the aerobics class. (In fact, if you manage that feat send me an e-mail.) However, if you've got the focus and can put in the work, kettlebells will yield enormous benefits. Handling their awkward weight while in motion is one of the single best things you can do to make yourself faster, stronger, and, as Pavel would say, more "eeeevil." As a karateka, I have found that kettlebell training has improved my hand speed, foot speed, and striking power, and has made me tougher to hit and tougher to hurt. To my knowledge no other type of training will do that all at once. RKC contains clear instructions and a lot of interesting kettlebell history as well. If you're interested in kettlebell training it's a must-have, as is the companion video.Book Review: Pavel's done it again!
Summary: 5 Stars
Once again, Pavel has written a book that should be read by anyone wanting to improve their conditioning. In this book, Pavel explains why kettlebell lifting is such a great tool in developing strength and burning bodyfat. As the book warns: Be careful, this isn't your spinning or aerobic class. Even the lightest kettlebell (16kg) will give a majority of people a rough time at first. You really want to read and then re-read about proper technique. There are a lot of photos to help with proper form. The sample routines give you a variety of workouts from simple to complex, or you can develop your own workout by following Pavel's guidelines. Once you give kettlebells a try, you probably won't want to go back to your standard workout again because they can be addicting!