Review Ultimate Kettlebell Workouts for Beginners

Laura S. · 01-12-13, 10:33 AM

Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this workout.

I like Paul Katami, but find most of his workouts are more advanced and/or more intense than I want to work. So, when I saw he had come out with a workout for beginners, regardless of the equipment used, I was interested. I own several kettlebells, so I was set.

I am an almost-50-year-old woman with arthritic hands and wrists and knees. I enjoy standing workouts rather than floor work. I have regularly worked out with videos for over 10 years. And, a few years ago, I took private lessons on using kettlebells for exercise.

This DVD is labeled as a kettlebell workout for beginners. If you have never touched a kettlebell before, I'm hesitant to recommend this DVD as a place to start. Paul gives tons of form pointers and many people will be okay with his instruction, but using kettlebells effectively really depends on form and this DVD does not provide the in-depth, detailed instruction I think people need to use kettlebells. However, it is more detailed and in-depth than most of the mainstream kettlebell workouts that I have seen coming out recently. Many of the others can be downright dangerous. The biggest lack in this DVD is the absence of a discussion about the weight of kettlebell to use. Paul doesn't even mention the topic and any instructional DVD for beginners to kettlebells should address the topic. So, if you have an education in kettlebells already, I think this DVD is a great option. Paul gives many, many, many form pointers in a friendly and encouraging way. He also discusses modifications to moves and encourages people to use the moves that work for them.

The DVD includes 3 workouts, each in the 23 - 29 minute range.

The first is the tutorial, which you can also use as a workout, since it covers all the major muscle groups. Most of the tutorials I have seen have you standing around watching explanations. In this option, Paul briefly explains what you need to know the most and then has you start doing the move as he continues to explain the move.

The second workout puts the basic moves together into drills and combinations. They are easy to follow thanks to Katami's cueing and the demonstrations from him and his two students. I really enjoyed this segment and when he started winding it up I looked around to see what time it was because it didn't seem like it could be done already.

The third workout focuses on building core strength. I found this one to be the most challenging. It starts with standing moves and then moves to the floor with moves like crunches and planks.

The workouts are set outdoors in a really pretty garden setting. There are two background exercisers and Paul spends a lot of time pointing out their form. Frequently, he will start the moves and then move to one of the background exercisers to explain form and then finish the set with them. If you like an instructor that does the entire workout, you won't like this. However, I thought he was really natural about it as he is so all about form in these workouts. The music is there and I can't tell you a thing about it. In other words, it was pretty forgettable.

Overall, I liked that:

> It includes a tutorial on using kettlebells (that can also be used as a workout)
> The instruction is friendly and helpful and specific and effective
> These workouts could be used by a range of beginning to intermediate exercisers
> Workout does not require a lot of space

The one big con to this workout is that there is no guidance on what size kettlebell to use.

mtngoat · 01-12-13, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the great review, Laura!

I bought this DVD recently but haven't even tried it yet. I am currently doing the 30-day xTrain C+S rotation. I look forward to trying this when I am done.

Your reviews are always very thorough, and I appreciate them. (I also have arthritic hands, particularly thumb bases, which have recently started to affect my workouts.)

Laura S. · 01-12-13, 11:27 AM

Lori - Ouch! I would think gripping things would be more difficult with that placement of the arthritis. Mine is more in the knuckles across the back of my hands and into the wrists. But, recently, my arthritis has ben incredibly under control, so, except for the weakness already created by the arthiris over history, I'm enjoying a relatively pain-free experience these days.

I would think this DVD would give you a fun counterpoint to what you are doing now because it's so different from it.

toaster · 01-12-13, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura S.

Paul gives tons of form pointers and many people will be okay with his instruction, but using kettlebells effectively really depends on form and this DVD does not provide the in-depth, detailed instruction I think people need to use kettlebells. However, it is more detailed and in-depth than most of the mainstream kettlebell workouts that I have seen coming out recently. Many of the others can be downright dangerous. The biggest lack in this DVD is the absence of a discussion about the weight of kettlebell to use. Paul doesn't even mention the topic and any instructional DVD for beginners to kettlebells should address the topic. So, if you have an education in kettlebells already, I think this DVD is a great option.

Laura, I agree with what you said here completely. Paul does a really nice job with this DVD, but I would definitely NOT recommend it for someone who has not used kettlebells before.

Here's a link to my review on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R28F8EE...R28F8EE4PRPIHU

DHKWriter · 01-16-13, 05:53 PM

I just got this one because I love Paul and someone on my checkin told me it wasn't super easy. She was right! I did the middle workout using a 20-lb KB and while it was shorter overall and the combos were shorter, it was a pumping workout for under thirty minutes! I'm going to love it for time-pressed days.

Donna

toaster · 01-16-13, 08:58 PM

Wow, Donna, I can't believe that you used a 20lb KB! I used my 8kg (about 17lb), but I had to drop down to a 10lb dumbbell for some of the moves.

DHKWriter · 01-16-13, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toaster

Wow, Donna, I can't believe that you used a 10lb KB! I used my 8kg (about 17lb), but I had to drop down to a 10lb dumbbell for some of the moves.

You mean 20, right? I could only do it because each set was so short. On his others, Drills and Kombos, I use a 15.

Donna

toaster · 01-16-13, 09:46 PM

Oops! I'll have to edit my post, I'm spacey with post-migraine...but yes, I'm impressed with your 20!!!

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01-12-13, 10:33 AM
Laura S. VF Supporter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC	Ultimate Kettlebell Workouts for Beginners Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this workout. I like Paul Katami, but find most of his workouts are more advanced and/or more intense than I want to work. So, when I saw he had come out with a workout for beginners, regardless of the equipment used, I was interested. I own several kettlebells, so I was set. I am an almost-50-year-old woman with arthritic hands and wrists and knees. I enjoy standing workouts rather than floor work. I have regularly worked out with videos for over 10 years. And, a few years ago, I took private lessons on using kettlebells for exercise. This DVD is labeled as a kettlebell workout for beginners. If you have never touched a kettlebell before, I'm hesitant to recommend this DVD as a place to start. Paul gives tons of form pointers and many people will be okay with his instruction, but using kettlebells effectively really depends on form and this DVD does not provide the in-depth, detailed instruction I think people need to use kettlebells. However, it is more detailed and in-depth than most of the mainstream kettlebell workouts that I have seen coming out recently. Many of the others can be downright dangerous. The biggest lack in this DVD is the absence of a discussion about the weight of kettlebell to use. Paul doesn't even mention the topic and any instructional DVD for beginners to kettlebells should address the topic. So, if you have an education in kettlebells already, I think this DVD is a great option. Paul gives many, many, many form pointers in a friendly and encouraging way. He also discusses modifications to moves and encourages people to use the moves that work for them. The DVD includes 3 workouts, each in the 23 - 29 minute range. The first is the tutorial, which you can also use as a workout, since it covers all the major muscle groups. Most of the tutorials I have seen have you standing around watching explanations. In this option, Paul briefly explains what you need to know the most and then has you start doing the move as he continues to explain the move. The second workout puts the basic moves together into drills and combinations. They are easy to follow thanks to Katami's cueing and the demonstrations from him and his two students. I really enjoyed this segment and when he started winding it up I looked around to see what time it was because it didn't seem like it could be done already. The third workout focuses on building core strength. I found this one to be the most challenging. It starts with standing moves and then moves to the floor with moves like crunches and planks. The workouts are set outdoors in a really pretty garden setting. There are two background exercisers and Paul spends a lot of time pointing out their form. Frequently, he will start the moves and then move to one of the background exercisers to explain form and then finish the set with them. If you like an instructor that does the entire workout, you won't like this. However, I thought he was really natural about it as he is so all about form in these workouts. The music is there and I can't tell you a thing about it. In other words, it was pretty forgettable. Overall, I liked that: > It includes a tutorial on using kettlebells (that can also be used as a workout) > The instruction is friendly and helpful and specific and effective > These workouts could be used by a range of beginning to intermediate exercisers > Workout does not require a lot of space The one big con to this workout is that there is no guidance on what size kettlebell to use. __________________ Laura Laura's Workout Mantras: Something is better than nothing The best workout is the one you will DO

01-12-13, 11:02 AM
mtngoat Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada	Thanks for the great review, Laura! I bought this DVD recently but haven't even tried it yet. I am currently doing the 30-day xTrain C+S rotation. I look forward to trying this when I am done. Your reviews are always very thorough, and I appreciate them. (I also have arthritic hands, particularly thumb bases, which have recently started to affect my workouts.) __________________ Lori Lacey (trying to convince Brent to take a Pilates class): C'mon Brent, don't you want to unify your mind and body? Brent: Nah. I'm not gonna put all my eggs in one basket. Corner Gas Season1 Episode 3 "Pilates Twist"

01-12-13, 11:27 AM
Laura S. VF Supporter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC	Lori - Ouch! I would think gripping things would be more difficult with that placement of the arthritis. Mine is more in the knuckles across the back of my hands and into the wrists. But, recently, my arthritis has ben incredibly under control, so, except for the weakness already created by the arthiris over history, I'm enjoying a relatively pain-free experience these days. I would think this DVD would give you a fun counterpoint to what you are doing now because it's so different from it. __________________ Laura Laura's Workout Mantras: Something is better than nothing The best workout is the one you will DO

01-16-13, 05:53 PM
DHKWriter VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Western New York	I just got this one because I love Paul and someone on my checkin told me it wasn't super easy. She was right! I did the middle workout using a 20-lb KB and while it was shorter overall and the combos were shorter, it was a pumping workout for under thirty minutes! I'm going to love it for time-pressed days. Donna __________________ my work: donnahoke.com

01-16-13, 08:58 PM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	Wow, Donna, I can't believe that you used a 20lb KB! I used my 8kg (about 17lb), but I had to drop down to a 10lb dumbbell for some of the moves. __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.

01-16-13, 09:46 PM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	Oops! I'll have to edit my post, I'm spacey with post-migraine...but yes, I'm impressed with your 20!!! __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.