The Great Kettlebell Handbook [Paperback]

James Talo (Author), Michael Jespersen (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 2008

The Kettlebell handbook is designed to take the mystery out of kettlebell training. Get more value out of your equipment. Discover new exercises. Written by experts, this handbook has easy to follow color photos and instructions that guide you through each exercise. Includes 39 exercises and 3 sample routines. 64 pages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Productive Fitness Pub; 1 edition (July 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1926534107
• ISBN-13: 978-1926534107
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Great" not an exaggeration (for once), March 11, 2009

By 

Paul Seaman (Concord, CA (SF Bay Area)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Great Kettlebell Handbook (Paperback)

I've never worked out in my life. I've never belonged to a health or fitness club. I have trouble making myself do a few push-ups every morning (though I do like to hike and bicycle pretty strenuously). I thought the kettlebells sounded like fun and I was intrigued by the more well-rounded and BRIEF-but-effective workout they offered. Like the toothpaste commercial used to say, "If it tastes good, maybe he'll brush a little longer!" Yep. I love these things!

Don't be put off by the low number of pages. Yes, it is basically a small stapled booklet. But this is definitely a case of quality over quantity. Especially for someone who's never had the opportunity to work with a trainer or workout coach, the introductory pages are very helpful. I liked the emphasis on understanding and using all your muscles. It is a very holistic approach. The graphics are the clearest instructions I have ever seen in an instructional book. The full-color photographs are sharp.

One caution to other novices: This book (and some websites) suggest the the "average man" start out with a set of kettlebells weighing 35, 50 and 70 pounds. What a laugh! (or embarrassment). I am 6' 3" and in pretty good shape and I found a seventeen-pound ball quite challenging enough, thank you. Fortunately, I erred on the cautious side when ordering my balls (no jokes, please). My HEAVIEST ONE is 26 lbs. and will take me a while to work up to.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book for beginners, October 9, 2008

By 

Peter D. (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Great Kettlebell Handbook (Paperback)

I really like the way this book breaks down the steps of each exercise, making it easier to understand the more complicated moves. The steps are numbered and you can follow along with the pictures. Great pictures. This is a worthwhile book to get if you are beginning to train with kettlebells or just want to fine tune some of the movements.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to KB exercises, October 19, 2008

By 

Captain Jack (Greeley, CO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Great Kettlebell Handbook (Paperback)

I've been a powerlifter for many years (use dumbbells occasionally too) and recently have become interested in kettlebells and how they work the body uniquely. This handbook is small, sturdy, and handy (fits easily into your workout bag) and is a thorough and excellent introduction to kettlebell exercising.
I found that it describes the basic movements and forms in reasonable detail and also provides useful programs and suggestions for the KB beginner. If you'd like to learn quite a bit more about kettlebells this is definitely a worthwhile purchase, and my personal copy is going into the much-used library in our gym.