Customer Reviews

Kettleworx 6 Week Transformation 6 DVD set (Kettleworks)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

First, a little background about me. I have been working out for most of my life (I'm 48), have been involved with and taught martial arts for more than 20 years, and at one time was a certified personal trainer. I recently went back to work full time and found myself making it to the gym on fewer and fewer occasions. I bought a set of kettle bells and purchased this DVD work out thinking it would be a good way to get in a quick work out in the morning. I have only been through about 5 of the work outs to date. I can see where this can be an excellent work out, and I will derive benefit from them. Unfortunately, there are a few critical items I feel compelled to objectively point out for others to consider before purchasing these DVDs. First, I was not quite sure what individuals that previously reviewed this product were talking about when they talked about how annoying the 'cut and paste' of the work outs were. Basically, there are several routines that are repeated over and over in various work outs - the exact same routine. In other words, they went in and recorded all of these work outs in a day or two and just copied and pasted the routines over and over again where they needed them in one of your six week programs. Doesn't sound bad, but the timing is horrible. You will be working out with one routine, perhaps on the ground and when you finish up they fade out and the next thing you know in the next clip everyone is standing up ready to start the next routine before you can even get up - trust me, it is annoying and does not make for a smooth transition from one exercise to the next. Secondly, and perhaps more important, the instructor moves much to quickly for the average new student. I have a background in fitness and athletics and his pace is much to quick for beginners. He also does not give proper instruction to avoid joint injury, for instance, when he instructs on the reverse punch with the kettle bells. A punch with weights, especially for a beginner, should be done slowly and smoothly with no snap at all or you will have an increased chance of inuring your elbow...not a word of caution from the trainer regarding this. Also, no consideration during the work out for you to not worry about keeping up, or to take a break if you need to , etc. - Any good trainer would encourage there students to work hard but not over do it and take a break or slow down if necessary. Lastly, in several of his routines, he does not complete an even number of sets with the right arm compared to the left arm - this is unforgivable! If this had only happened once and was off by a count of one I would have thought 'no big deal'. However, I have already seen this at least in two different routines and the count difference is by more than three reps. I think even a new student at a gym would know if they were doing some dumb bell curls for instance, that you would not complete 8 with your right hand and 4 with your left!

Bottom line, If I could return these on the spot and get my money back, I would - BUT, I don't want to go to the trouble of going to the post office to mail them back. So, I will realize the flaws, adapt, and make them work in the short term. I will definitely look for a better work out routine after I finish a few weeks with these.

I'm like many who watched the infomercial and wondered if this workout routine was a bunch of BS. I'm almost 50 and have always struggle with my weight. I purchased my set of DVDs at the end of April and recently completed my 32nd workout session. I workout with these DVDs every other day and have never felt better. Tomorrow, I'll be doing "Week 4" from the Resistance DVD. I usually do a specific routine at least three time before moving onto the next routine. I do switch frequently between DVDs (Cardio, Core, Resistance, as well as the DVDs from the Ultimate Body Collection). Just do whatever works best for you. All I can say is that if you're willing to give it an honest try, and stick with it, you will not be disappointed. I remember my first session. I was extremely out of breath. I kept thinking I'm probably too old to do these exercises. I was having difficulty doing some of the exercises and keeping up. I've since moved from the 5lb kettlebell to the 10lb four weeks ago. Definitely recommend starting with the 5lb until you get used to the exercises. Now I look forward to each exercise session. Each routine last 26+ minutes. There is a 3 minute warm up; 20+ with actual exercises; and then 3 minute cool down. Three times a week and you'll see results and feel better in a month - guaranteed! What compelled me to make the purchase was the idea of getting a good workout in 20 minutes. More information is found on the KettleWorx website [...]. I recommend checking out the KettleNews section of the website. Specifically, the KettleWorx KettleBell Program on WAGA Atlanta (April 6th, 2009). Here Ryan explains hybrid movements and after burn effect. Good luck to all of you!

I've been doing this program faithfully since September. I am a 38 year old woman with a 4 yr old and 2 yr old. I do the DVDs three times a week and jog 3 days a week. Before I started ths program I used to just jog and had reached a plateau with weight loss. Since I've added the kettlebell workouts I've lost another 5 lbs and am now seeing definition. My abs are getting cut and so are my arms. My husband can't believe the results. I like this program for several reasons. 1) it's only 20 mins a day. With two small children I need something quick and effective. 2) Each DVD contains 6 workouts. As other reviewers have mentioned, YES it's pasted together - so everytime you do the lawnmower you're seeing the same clip. But who cares??? The guy is giving you 6 workouts per DVD. I've never seen another program that gives you that many workouts. And as we all know, you need to mix it up to see results. 2) The movements are simple and effective. I've tried other programs where they're just too hard, or the movements were too difficult, stressful on my body and I was left with injury. Then I've tried other programs that were just too easy and useless. When I got this DVD set, I started with the 5 lb kettlebell and quickly progressed to the 10. Now I'm using a 15lb for some of the exercises. If you are like me, short on time and looking for something simple and effective that will give you definition you have been looking for - if you do this regularly you will see results!!!!

I love workout DVD's and I am in LOVE with Kettlebell workouts in particular. While looking for a heavier kettlebell, I found this set at SportsAuthority. They didn't have a 10 lb weight in stock so I purchased this set with a 10 lb weight.
A few VERY important things about this set:
1) they do not do even sets on steps where you are isolating one side. Some of the sets will have 1 side do 3 reps and the other do 7.
2) you need proper form when performing any workout with weights but ESPECIALLY with Kettlebells. It's too easy to hurt yourself with improper form and the DVD doesn't cover proper technique enough in my opinion.

I emailed Kettleworx about the concerns - specifically that they are having people perform uneven workouts and their response was basically they aren't going to fix the issue.

That being said - if you are looking for a "routine", I think you would be better using Jillian's Shred with Weights. She goes over form as you do the workout. She was blasted for not using a kettlebell correctly in Biggest Loser and she's certainly learned from that.
If you do buy this set, you can add reps to even it out - however, you will need to watch through it first to find out what you'll need to even out. There are some GREAT exercises on there, you just want to make sure you have an even routine.
What happened was, they filmed each exercise separately and then spliced them together to make 20 min workouts which means some exercises were shortened and the person editing was not someone who works out or they'd have caught that. Thankfully the exercises are repeated 2 or 3 times throughout the workout and used again in the 3 sets of 6 week workout DVDs so you'll be able to even it out as you go since it was in a previous one before.
Hope this helps. Again, some GREAT exercises but you must know that they aren't even routines so you will build one arm/side more than the other if you don't fix it yourself.

I'm half way through the 6 week kettleworx program and am definitely satisfied with the results so far! I believe that if you stick to the program and are on a healthy, balanced, low cal diet, you will see great results after six weeks. I can say for sure that I will be satisfied when the 6 weeks are up and I plan on doing the program again with a heavier kettlebell and maybe even adding the suplemental 10 min. workouts on my days between the main workouts. I would recomend this program to anyone looking to get a quick and efficient workout from home with out the cost of a gym membership or having to purchase hundreds of dollars in equipment.

My only complaint about this set is that all of the workouts were basically put together in a copy and paste format. All of the warm ups and cools downs are identical, there is no variation which I guess is fine but it's the exact same clip played for each workout. This is also true for the actual workouts. Although the workouts vary from day to day and the order of things gets switched up, as far as the clips go, each workout has one clip that you have to watch over and over so the dialogue gets a bit repetative. I was able to get past that though since I was more focused on the workouts themselves and that's what mattered most to me. I just thought that for the price of the program there could have been a larger variety of video footage. So yeah that's my only complaint but really it's not that big of one and it doesn't effect the quality of the workouts becasue there great!

I know this is going to sound like and infomercial but I have just finished my 6 weeks of KettleWorx and WOW! I am impressed - and before people think this is a plant review- check my other reviews. And I will say up front that I submitted this review to KW and it may end up on their website.

I love my kettleworx!! I have been recommending it to everyone!! It is a great total body workout in 20 mins -seriously!

IMHO most home exercise programs don't work that well because either they take too long or they just don't work because you either need lots of time with your own body resistance (P90X) or they just don't really do that much to me. This is different because you are actually using weights -the entire time. Now I'm not saying it is crossfit or even P90X, but I am saying 20 mins three times a week working smarter will make a difference.

Here's my story....This spring I got back into a regular exercise routine - I had been working out very sporadically the previous 2.5 years since my twins were born. This was my workout for the last 6 months or so:
Spin: 45mins 2 x a week
Boxing: 60mins 1 x a week
Ab video: 30mins 2-3 x a week
Upper Body weights: 50mins 1 x a week
Lower Body Weights: 50 mins 1 x a week

So I traded one ab workout, and my weights for my Kettle Works routine. I figured I'd give it 6-weeks. I had no huge expectations but WOW! This really does work!!

Now clearly I didn't just do the 3 days a week of the KWorx plan, but I still think it would make a huge difference if you just did 3 days a week.

After 6 weeks I am amazed. I don't have fantastic before-after pictures, and I haven't lost any weight...BUT I have lost inches!! I have so much more muscle in my legs, my shoulder and arms (which have ALWAYS been my achilles heel) have as much definition as ever. I've felt it all over in a great way the day after. So basically -I cut my workouts in HALF and got better results. Seriously!
3 min warm-up, 20 mins of workout, 3 min cool down -and I'm in waaaay better shape than I was 6 weeks ago. And this workout kicks my butt more than boxing or SPIN.

The kit comes with 3 main videos. Core, Resistance and Cardio and you do one of each for 6 weeks. They are just clips of about 75 different exercises that they edit together to do a workout. Each video has 2 or 3 sets, so when you do it you may do
Set 1: Exercise A, B, C
And then Set 2: a repeat of Exercise A, B, C

I personally like that -because I know whats coming.

I started with a 5lb kettle bell and ended with a 10lb bell. Although there are still 1-2 exercises I do using a 5lb bell. The weight is not what you'd think. I do shoulder press in weights with a 12lb weight all the time, yet doing it his way -with a 10lb weight kicks my butt.

There are some reviewers on here that talk about 30lb KB's and that may be true doable for the more traditional KB exercise such as the KB swing, but I cannot imagine using 30+ pounds for some of the upper body only moves. I'm sure the purists out there cringe at these workouts, but I'm happy with the results.

I have also been able strengthen my legs enough that my IT band issues seem to be getting better. I used to be constantly on the brink of injury with a perpetual soreness by my knee and since using these workouts I've been able to safely build my leg muscle enough to help with that.

The CONS:
The instructor can be distracting at first, but after a while he is funny...I mean all instructors on these videos are a bit cheesy IMO.
The editing is sort of sucky and there are 3-5 exercises where the count is off -you'd do 3 reps on one side and 7 on the other -which is easy enough to fix on your own but annoying that you'd have to.

All in all -I love my Kettle Worx -100%

I am a 43 year old woman with 4 kids. As others have said, this DVD set offers a great variety of short, concise workouts from which to choose. I have tried other kettlebell workouts (like Lauren Brooks) which I have liked, but they always gave me wrist or neck pain because I had to use a heavier kettlebell to get a good workout and they required you to twist the kettlebell as you lift it. Kettleworx allows me to use a lighter weight kettlebell (10 lbs.) and still get a good resistance and aerobic workout. These DVDs don't require as much "snapping" with the kettlebell, so I feel no pain with these routines. Also, the moves incorporate a lot of stretching while you work, so you are elongating your muscles while strengthening them. Yes, the segments are cut and pasted, but who cares when you are getting such a varied number of workouts to chose from? I highly recommend them, especially if you are short on time.

Just wanted to say, yes this exercise program does work. Sure the editing is not the best, and the reps for the left and right sides are often off.

I'm on week 5 right now and I can't believe the comments I'm getting. I've only dropped 5 pounds, but I haven't really modified my eating habits. I have noticed my waist is slimmer and my arms have more definition. My pants were a 36inch waist, now I'm down to a 34 and some of those are now loose. I'm sure I'm losing fat, but also gaining muscle at the same time, so I'm contributing that the to the lack of weight lose. I'm only using the 10 pound bell right now, but when I finish the program I am going to restart at week one and use the 15 pound bell.

I like the core and resistance work outs, but the cardio kicks my butt still. By the time it ends I am drenched in sweat. Fortunately each work out is only 20 minutes (26 if you include the warmup and cool down). Just when you think you can't do anymore you realize there are only 10 minutes left so you push yourself and finish and feel really good after.

I'm dating someone and the other day got a hug and was told "Wow! your love handles are gone." A lot of people at work are commenting that I look "A hell of a lot thinner." And my ass is hard as a rock.

Take a chance, and try this program. Yeah there are some minor annoyances, but I've always be short on time so this work out works for me AND I'm seeing results. I've tried other dvd's and found them boring and repetitive or long and I'd lose interest from not seeing any results. I was noticing progress after week 2, and people were commenting after week 3 and I'm not bored. I like the fact the workouts vary, and I can find a 1/2 hour a day even when I don't want too. I do the work out and then it's over. I'm happy and I know I'm looking better.

I don't care for this line of dvd's. He recorded each set once and connected them into each video so he is not doing the workouts with you and inbetween specific exercise the screen fades, comes back and he is already in position for the next one and you're not. In doing this switch between specific exercises his background people are different too. I am actually in pretty good shape and I know how to keep proper form but ended up straining my lower back. In many cases he goes to fast for the normal person to even keep up. These DVD's will just stay in the box.

Kettleworx Six Week Transformation
The Kettleworx program I ordered came with a 5 lb. kettlebell and 7 workout videos plus one introductory instructional video. The videos are repetitive and the moves are simple enough to follow them the first time. I had my doubts at first that 20 minute workouts would be effective. But I am into my third week of the six week program and am surprised to see noticeable results! I feel that my posture has improved, and I feel more toned in all muscle groups in my body. I see some new definition in my arms, legs, and abs, and my back feels stronger. After doing the workouts, entire muscle groups are sore. The movements in the video are moderate--no jerking or fast lifts. So far, I have had no injuries and no additional pain from the herniated disc in my back, which limits the type of exercise I can do.

On the down side, these videos don't seem to have been edited professionally. I am surprised that the instructor allowed the DVD's to be marketed as they are. Be aware that the instructor doesn't always perform the same number of reps on each side of the body. Some of the sequences are way off--3 on one side and 8-10 on the other! To balance out the reps I switch off each time--I mirror him on one set and follow his verbal instructions (right or left side) on the next set. On the ab video, the instructor alternately stands and and then gets down to do mat work--up and down several times. I don't think it was intentional because the instructor doesn't really give enough time to safely get up and down from the mat. My 12-year-old could have put the clips together in a more logical way!

Overall, I don't really enjoy the workouts, but the program is effective and seems safe and I plan to continue with it. For the cost of the program, the instructor should have created unique 20 minute workouts for each video without reusing the same clips! If I had had a chance to preview the entire program before I bought it, I think I would have looked into some other kettlebell workouts before investing $90 in this one.