Customer Reviews

GoFit 25-Pound Orange Kettlebell with Vinyl Coating, Training DVD and Exercise Booklet

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I had never heard of the kettlebell workout but through a random search on Amazon I found it and was intrigued. There were very few reviews but the premise sounded like something I would enjoy so I took a shot and ordered it.

In order for you to make a well informed decision in regard to purchasing this product or not I want to share with you my fitness level as well as my experience using the Kettlebell and Video in comparison to other fitness activities as well as who I personally think could benefit from this and who I think shouldn't consider it.

My Fitness Level And What Size Kettlebell
I have a recumbent exercise bike at home and I workout on that at least 5 days a week. I do 1 hour on the bike at least 3 days a week (sometimes 5) and the other days I never do less than 45 minutes I also use 2-3 pound hand weights for half the time I am on the bike. After I get off the bike I then do some floor exercises and hand weights between 3 and 5 pounds each. Prior to starting this fitness routine which I gradually worked up to over 8 months ago, I was recovering from some very serious health problems. Prior to that I had been in excellent shape most of my adult life always working out at the gym. Moving on...I ordered the 10 pound kettlebell and I am thrilled with that amount of weight, it's actually the perfect amount for me. Any heavier, I would not be able to do it and think I could easily injure myself. So, I personally think if you are in excellent shape and used to lifting weights you MAY want the 15 pounder but the exercises you will be doing with the KB are so different that I think it would be much better for most people to work up to the higher weight and not jump in with the 15 pound size.

The Exercises
So, the exercises you will be doing with the kettlebell are full range of motions with both arms, and a TON of squats. I have been using the kettlebell after I get off of the bike and can tell you currently I can't last more than 15 minutes. I personally subscribed to working up to things so I felt great after I finished, I will continue doing the bike then the kettlebell for 15 minutes for 1 week and then move up to 20 or 25 minutes etc...

The Workout
For me, this is one serious workout workout. What I mean by that is, this is no step class or kickboxing, this is super hard core. Again, for my physical state this is how I experience the workout. Now if you are in much better shape than me, it will be easier for you or if you are just starting an exercise routine it will be harder...it's all relative. The moves you perform really need to be done with absolute correct form and that is what I really concentrate on in order to get the most out of it. The proper form is not difficult to get the hang of at all. And, like all other exercises, you should go at your own pace.

The DVD
This is the biggest disappointment. I thought the DVD was going to be a real workout type of DVD where it was entertaining and there would be a class you were following or at least an instructor. No, that's not the case. Basically there is a woman performing the exercises who does not speak, rather the instructor speaks but is not seen. WEIRD. There are also breaks between each exercise. It's very boring and I mean VERY boring. But, here's the good part. The DVD does teach you how to do each exercise properly and really that's all you need. I don't need to watch someone to motivate myself, I am very motivated plus you really can't have the correct form if you are watching someone as you are doing some of these moves. What I do is I tape a ton of shows that I never get to watch that are the real riveting types that I'm very interested in....i.e. American Justice, Mystery Diagnosis or one of my favorites Animal Precinct and I watch those when I am doing my bike or my weights or the Kettlebell and the time flies. I basically use the Kettlebell as another weight and cardio workout along with my bike and I just follow the proper form doing numerous repetitions; it's working out great for me. I *may* buy another DVD but I doubt it - though if you enjoy those - I would say go for it because the one that comes with the kettlebell is limited.

Who Should And Who Shouldn't
Anyone interested in exercise and enjoys the convenience of working out at home should definitely get this. I love it and it's REALLY good exercise and I can't possibly see someone not getting into better shape with this. If you have knee problems, I would not recommend this to you unless you have no problems with squats. If you want to tighten your booty and tone your arms and legs... ORDER NOW!!

The Kettlebell workout is such a fantastic change from the usual; it's a lot of fun, challenging and an excellent overall workout. The KB itself is very small and easy to store almost anywhere. I can recommend this workout without reservation, just concentrate on your form and take it slow! I truly hope this review has been helpful in your decision to purchase The GoFit KettleBell (10 LB) and DVD set or not, I'm thrilled with mine and look forward to doing it every day!

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 enjoy following the Iron Core exercise routine with the kettlebell. It's a lot of squats, which normally bother my knees, but somehow swinging the kettlebell must help with form. My knees haven't bothered me, and, I mean, you really do lots of squats. It gets my heart rate right up there, so it's good aerobic exercise at the same time as strengthening your muscles. My neck and shoulders feel better and I can feel less fat in that area. I bought a follow along exercise DVD at Target once I had the basic idea down from the enclosed DVD.

I have lifted weights for several years; but a recent article in FITNESS magazine made me curious to try kettlebells. Not knowing anything about them, I went to Amazon and ordered the 10# with dvd,and the booklet. I am now using a 15# kettlebell, on my own. I highly recommend the GoFit kettlebell & dvd. You really need to learn the moves and correct form, but kettlebells are one heck of a workout. I dont use resistance bands, or dumbbells much anymore. I am 56, am losing body fat, and overall I feel better and stronger in my back and legs than I have in a long time. These GoFit 'kits' are well worth the money. Go for it!

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.