Customer Reviews

GoFit 20-Pound Blue Kettlebell with Vinyl Coating, Training DVD and Exercise Booklet

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have 2 sets of GoFit kettlebells that I purchased locally and I have found them to be of excellent quality. The presentation, balance, handle, plastic protective covering are all top notch!

BTW - just because some reviewers here commented that the kb they bought is "too heavy" that has no reflection on the quality of these kb's - besides a dedicated KB trainee will want to have several sizes, eventually. That being said, training with kb's can be very deceptive - it looks easy but it definitely takes a toll and will enduce "pleasant" muscle soreness if utilized properly - so, go with a lighter kb rather than a heavier one, if you are not sure.

Also, in response to reviews such as "what can go wrong - its just a ball of iron...." - you will definitely know what can go wrong when you purchase a kb of lesser quality, i.e., rough handles, poor finish, improper balance, etc.

Also, if you need a dvd or program book there are now literally multitudes to choose from as everyone and his uncle has now written a book about kettlebells. I received a nice DVD of Sarah Lurie (OMG! - check out the body on that woman!)with my purchase that is both very instructional and good for beginners.

I have 4 other brands of KB's in my little gym - including the "famous evil Russian" and trust me, these GoFit are my favorites of the lot. I absolutely love the color coding - just a nice touch of class to a great product.

I like this kettlebell, it's good for a newbie like me. Very well made, the dvd is only instructional, not good for a work along dvd, but the dvd does explain the basic, and that's good thing. This kettlebell has a smooth handle, which is less damanging to hands, and it's also Vinyl Coating which is good for those of us who workout inside and want to be careful with floors, the price is good to. This bell is very portable, I took it with me on a weekend trip, so I was abe to maintain my workouts, but make sure that if you take it in your car (which is what I did) seatbelt it down in the back seat or tuck it in underneath passage side back seat, but never in you trunk. All in all I really like this bell and it's a good investment.

I really enjoy using the kettlebell. I do prefer this brand because the handle is wide enough to accommodate both hands while doing the double-handed swing. It's a quality weight, and not one of those plastic shaped bells filled with sand. I've lost a whole dress size exercising with this weight (over 6 months, exercising between 5-6 days a week for 45-minutes, coupled with more conscientious eating). It provides a quick convenient way to workout without taking up too much room. I do my exercises while watching TV or first thing in the morning while listening to the radio. I appreciate that it provides both a resistance and cardiovascular workout at the same time. I find that it's more effective for me than running, although I continue to run because I live on the beach.

I'm officially a fan of the kettlebell, but it may not be for everyone. If you find routine and indoor exercise demoralizing, I recommend running or tennis or something more social. If you have no problem just breaking out the weights while watching Fringe every Thursday, then I think this will add a lot to your workout repertoire. I would google kettlebell exercises online if you buy one of these weights. A lot of people will post up their workouts on their blogs, and youtube and google video have plenty of demonstrations of how to do these exercises. I still throw in weekly yoga lessons and alternate with pilates moves to supplement the kettlebell workout. Avoid this if you have knee problems. The kettlebell moves are based on squats. For women like me, I recommend working with a lighter bell and doing more reps faster to lean down rather than bulk up. I am 5'2", 120 lbs, and I find the 15-pound bell perfect for me. Any heavier and I would probably have a hard time controlling the bell as I do my moves. Be careful with your form on the kettlebell snatches. If you don't have good form, you end up with bruises on your wrists. Then everyone will ask you if your boyfriend is abusing you . . . :)

Quite a few people give their own personal experience when getting these bells so you do need to pay attention to what weight accurately fits your strength. It is interesting to hear others experiences. In a book, one might read a male who is of average strength can start out with 36 pounds! I must be really weak, I sometimes need to use my 15 lb. kettlebell but the 20 pounder is what I prefer and I can see possibly moving up from that in time. The whole thing is a good exercise for the entire body and one's agility.

Find the right weight. I agree, it really can be a portable gym to work on where ever you are. The booklet likewise is helpful to get you started on basics. I'm not sure how brands compare but the gofit KBs are sturdy with the fine vinyl coating which I'd think are good on carpet.

25 LB GoFit Kettlebell
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 11 inches ; 25 pounds Shipping Weight: 27.2 pounds
ASIN: B000XLUMAE Item model number: GF-KBELL25

I rated this GoFit Kettlebell, not to reflect on the use of kettlebells, but on my experience with this particular kettlebell. My son introduced me to kettlebells, and I have begun using them and finding them very helpful. I ordered two kettlebells from GoFit through Amazon, one a 25 LB and one a 35 LB. The 35 LB has so far done very well, and I would rate with 5 stars. But the orange vinyl on the 25 LB orange GoFit Kettlebell has cracked into many pieces in a relatively short time. It has not been abused, nor exposed to extreme temperatures. It is simply flawed. I would not bother to rate it had I not contacted GoFit and gotten absolutely no response from them. I was disappointed with that! If someone were marketing GoFit kettlebells on the basis of my experience, which may admittedly be the exception, it would certainly not encourage me to order GoFit kettlebells - a 1 in 2 satisfaction with the quality of the coating would hardly encourage me to order another, especially if the company doesn't appear to want to stand behind their product.

I'm not an authority on kettlebells, but I have been using them regularly for a couple of years now. I started out with GoFit's kettlebells because of the price point compared to Dragondoor and others, and also the fact that I could actually go into a store and try one out.

While they are fine if you're starting out, or doing exercises like Windmills, Renegade Rows, swings, the handles are of pretty poor quality, and make moves like slingshots or even snatches quite painful. I've had painful callouses due to them. I would not write this review otherwise, but since the real power of kettlebell training comes from the high rep, ballistic, full range of motion exercises such as snatches, swings, slingshots etc., I believe that when you are ready to use this as a serious tool for conditioning, that you consider a kettlebell that has better handles, and distribution of weight.
Also - the PVC coating on the kettlebell is really painful if you have hair on your arms and try to do cleans.

Ok kettlebell, but really, invest in one of the original ones. I had 2 of these when i started out, and I dont use them anymore.

Everything that you have been promised in exercise equipment in one small package. Don't let the simplicity of this item mislead you. The Kettlebell really does work the full body. Not only in the obvious way of lifting and swinging but working muscles other devices don't get as close to. The benefits are: an increase in core and limb strength, flexibility and a full aerobic workout. And you only need one!

The offset design of the kettlebell requires use of smaller supporting muscles that stablize the limbs and body. Try it and you'll feel the difference immediately. You'll also develop a real respect for what it does and the effort it gets from you.

The accompanying DVD is very clear and professionally produced. It's all you need to get a good start. Again, don't be misled, the 34 min. running time works you through every step of the beginning exercises that will keep you working for a couple weeks to get proficient. By then you will have noticed increased muscle tone, stamina and strength.

A word about quality. I've compared makes and this is the best. The smooth metal handle is easy on your hands and a perfect size grip. The dipped vinyl covering is attactively colored and easy on the floor, furniture, kids, whatever. It's almost decorator styled. Cool!

This is a great value for your body and wallet.

I own several of these now in various sizes. I initially purchased mostly the GoFit brand, but lately I've been buying the First Place kettlebells by Peform Better. I still use my GoFit 20-pounder for high-rep snatches, core pullovers, and russian twists. (I will gradually increase my weight for the snatch.) The kettlebell is my favorite exercise tool. I can't get enough of the routines. I primarily do swings, presses and high pulls as well as several other exercises with my 12 kg (26 pounds), 16 kg (35 pounds), and 20 kg (44 pounds) kettlebells. They are so much fun!!! Also, you cannot beat the results. I've lost 11.5 pounds this year and at least seven percent of my body fat. (I started using kettlebells in January 2009.) I'm working on cleaning up my diet more so I can look and feel even better.

I'm glad I discovered these in my early 40's. I will use them for the rest of my life.

The GoFit kettlebells work well for those with smaller hands. I can easily wrap my fingers around the handle for a secure hold (I held another 'name-brand' kettlebell and could barely wrap my hand around the handle.) The handle is also wide enough to easily hold with 2 hands. And the vinyl is nice for obvious reasons: non-marring and quiet (plus the color coding). After buying one and being impressed with the quality, I have since purchased 2 more sizes.

...and that's saying something!
I've been into kettlebells for 2 weeks now and I love it. I've been in the military for close to 9 years, but---ironically, I'm the type that does not like to run (or walk) anywhere. LOL Oftentimes, I have to practically force myself onto the treadmill.

I like the KB because it's a simple tool that offers a versatile workout. It's challenging and I feel stronger. Maybe it's just me but every single exercise seems to be full-body/working multiple muscle-groups. I really feel in in my hams, glutes, lower back and arms. The quads aren't worked nearly as much--but I think most ppl tend to over-work their quads anyway so I don't consider that a problem.

Surprisingly, it isn't hard on the joints. I have bad knees from running so much and intermittent aching in my right hip. You'd think with all the thrusting and such it'd be a problem...but it isn't. These exercises don't bother me. Although--if you have lower back problems it'd probably help not to do AS many swings. Consult your physician, first.

The biggest reason that I like KB: It's fun. 15 minutes doesn't seem like 15 minutes....and that's what I like.

My workout plan?
Well, I'm still perfecting my routine but it's heavy on cardio. I split my workout into 20 minute sessions; twice a day.
Every day (i may not work out intensively but I still work out. I think it's fine to work out less but I can't NOT do some form of exercise on a daily basis).
In a week or two, I plan to push it to 25 minutes, though. Originally, I started off with 15 min workouts;2x/daily.

For Cardio:
*SWINGS: 10 swings;rest for 10 sec. alternate between indiviuals/2-handed
*DECK SQUATS
*JUMPING JACKS
*MOUMTAIN CLIMBERS
I usually end with jumping jacks, cranking out as many as I can. I space these exercises throughout my workout to keep my heart rate up. I do these to exhaustion or until my time is up. Whichever comes first.

For conditioning I do:
*WINDMILLS
*DEADLIFTS
*SQUATS
*ROWS.
I also use an exercise ball for abdominal work and two 15lb dumb-bells(for windmills, seated calf exercises and rows).
I'm 5'4; 172 (hey--I'm a solid woman, lol) and I use the 25lb kb for swings, deadlifts and squats. I plan to buy two 15 lb KB's though. Though I can do individual swings w/no problem I won't try a 'clean and jerk' with this bell.
As I mentioned before I do have dumb-bells...but it's really not the same thing. It doesn't achieve the same effect.

Anyway---there's a Krav Maga studio in my hometown that offers KB training and I'd like to attend. Except...I don't see much point in paying money for what I can do myself. I only go to the gym for the sauna...

FORGOT TO MENTION:
I don't remember what's on the CD.(lol) It was a nice intro to the KB. Basic exercises, from what I remember.
After a day, I was online and on Youtube looking for KB routines.
I haven't looked at the DVD since...