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Kettlebells

Here's our main Kettlebell forum, where you'll find the answers to many of your KB training questions.

Our initial IronOnline kettlebell review holds tips that will keep the KB beginner busy for ages.

And Lisa Shaffer offers us this Kettlebell Smart Start beginner's ebook, a free pdf download complete with all the basics to get you started, what you need to know before you buy, and what exercises to practice once you get your first kettlebell. Additionally, spend some time with their collection of kettlebell video demonstrations -- scroll down for the full treatment. Highly recommended.

Kettlebells, how and why provides a full overview of yesterday's kettlebell training in today's world.

• Ader offers a 'Smart Start set up that's well worth a look. The Ader kettlebells are well priced and especially good for those with smaller hands as the handle is thinner than some of the other brands.

• Somewhat new to the market, Lifeline kettlebells are becoming very popular, are inexpensive and are most similar to the Dragon Door 'bells.

• Power by Pavel
  • Pavel Tsatsouline is the evil Russian that brought back the kettlebell. Tons of great free articles and tons of stuff for sale.

• Max Kettlebells
  • David Bonomo's kettlebells are high quality and made in the USA, stop by here for a look if you're shopping. Some good articles on the site too.

• Gill Athletics
  • The site is a little rough but Gill has some very low prices on cast kettlebells.

• Kettlebell Concepts
  • Newer on the scene, the 'bells from Kettlebell Concepts appear to be nicely priced.

• Brian Johnston of IART suggests we take a look at the unique Black Iron kettlebell design. He likes the knurled handle and the swivel Black Iron provides. On the other hand, Teresa notes, "When I do swings with K Bs, I usually release a bit at the apex of the swing. This is fine with a smooth-handled KB. It HURTS with a knurled bar."

The Dragon Door Russian Kettlebells that Pavel made famous are generally accepted as the best (or perhaps that should read: first)... and most expensive.

I am pleased with the Kettlebells purchased from New York Barbells although Iron Online member ccrow says the New York Barbell Kettlebell gets mixed reviews. Do not place an order from the website. The website shipping charges are going to be greater. Call them directly at 1-800-446-1833. By calling direct, shipping charges are reduced. Please be aware that shipping rates do vary by region. ~Sharon

I talked with Brad, another online merchant, who verified the importance of calling direct for shipping costs. If you plan on ordering more than one Kettlebell, always directly call the company to get the best shipping quote. Brad, of Muscledriver, reported his Kettlebell handles compare favorably to the Dragondoor Kettlebell handles. Brad also said Kettlebells all come from the same two or three distribution plants in the US and ship directly to the customer from these plants. Kettlebells are not popular enough to justify the shipping costs of having them available in fitness and athletic stores. By the way, Muscledriver Kettlebells measured in pounds are the exact same Kettlebells as the Power Systems and the handles measure 1.5 inches. Also, the Muscledriver Power Max Kettlebells in kilograms are the same as the Power Max Kettlebells sold at Gill Athletics posted above. The Power Max handles measure approximately 1.7 inches. Here is the link to Muscledriver Kettlebells. ~Sharon

In New Zealand, look to Kettlebells NZ for your kettlebell and KB workshop needs.

Before you buy, consider these kettlebell purchase thoughts.

• Piedmont Design's Loadable Kettlebells
  • Piedmont Designs makes a great loadable handle, the KBOV, and a number of not so great handles too. (Just stick to the KBOV!)

• Kettlestack.com
  • Kettlestacks are a plate loadable kettlebell handle. They are light enough to carry in your gym bag yet will easily hold 90-100 pounds. You can buy one and read much more about the Kettlestack and kettlebells in general at kettlestack.com. There's a complete review of the kettlestack here in the forum.

• US Kettlebells
  • Byron discusses his purchase of US Kettlebells in detail here in this thread. The bottom line? "Overall, I think the US Kettlebell is a great choice for a lot of people. They have an adjustable on their site now that goes from 9 to 25 pounds - this would be a great starter for 99% of the women interested in kettlebell training, and for many it would be all the kettlebell they'd ever need."

• Or you can just make your own.

• In the UK, check out Powerseekers for your kettlebell needs.

• This pdf guide from Kettlebell Concepts was created to answer the questions gym owners and personal trainers may have about group kettlebell training.

* Some general kettlebell overview thoughts from your old pal ccrow ... That's a nice page, Byron! Beauty.

Mike Mahler's also got a tasty page of kettlebell exercises, with pictures.

• Here's a discussion on kettlebell vs barbell training, and how to fit both into your plan.

• This page from Kettlebell Inc offers a great selection of kettlebell articles from some of the KB industry leaders.

• Dan John wrote of his appreciation for kettlebell training in this 2003 GetUp pdf.

• Clarence Bass offers this article on getting started with kbs, while Mike Mahler presents this one over at athletes.com.

• So, you made the decision to add K Bs to your workouts. What size should you get? How should you structure your first workouts? What else can you do with them?

For video clips of kettlebell moves, check these over at kettlestack.com. One of the owner's favorite things to teach is heavy swings -- check out his description and try it for yourself.

• How to structure a kb workout, another of Mike Mahler's finest.

• How to incorporate kettlebells into your training.

• Basic kettlebell exercises for women

• Moves: Kettlebell push press and jerks

Another couple of suggestions: Mike Mahler's DVDs, one for size and strength and the other for speed and explosive strength. He's an outstanding instructor, highly recommended.

Kung fu champion Steve Cotter has extensive kettlebell move video clips, too, as well as a comprehensive 5-DVD kettlebell encyclopedia series. Elsewhere on his site, this article covers kettlebell training for martial artists.

In this introduction to kettlebell training, David Whitley explains the basics of KB lifting and how competitive kettlebell contests are scored.

• This article, Sand Bags and Kettlebells for MMA Conditioning, will get you started on kettlebell training specifically for martial arts.

• 5 ways to increase shoulder and grip strength with kettlebells comes to us fom Jason Brown.

• Something you read confusing you? Here Lisa Shaffer explains the secret kettlebell acronyms.

• Here John Davies will teach you how to power clean a kettlebell, and how to do a kettlebell power snatch.

• And now for a discussion on the downside and what to beware of in kettlebell training.