Practical Kettlebell Training Vol 1. 2.5 hours 2 DVD set

A good, comprehensive DVD is always going to be a much-needed tool and this is what Practical Kettlebell Training represents.

This 2-disc DVD set features the UK's Stephen Aish, who has been teaching kettlebells and holding masterclasses for many years (and isn't it great to be promoting a UK trainer for a change?).

The DVD aims to be the complete package, so covers everything from the moment you first see a kettlebell to the key exercises like swing, snatch, squat, jerk, windmill and so on, to advanced training and competition techniques.

I received a copy of this DVD after doing a course with Steve and was very impressed by it. The production values are not the flashiest, but the substance is there. Steve's approach is quite technical and detailed, which I think is great for people who are home trainers or those who plan to teach others.

In fact, the vast majority of people I see in gyms using and teaching kettlebells should have a copy of this DVD! It's clear that many people only have the vaguest idea of how to teach or execute these movements properly, particularly the clean and the snatch. Practical Kettlebell Training breaks these movements down and provides effective drills so that people can learn the movements without bashing the hell out of their forearms, ripping up their palms or risking injury because they can't stabilise the kettlebell properly overhead.

A complete beginner with their first kettlebell could pick this DVD up and begin to train effectively. A person with some experience who needs more detail on technique and advanced pointers would also benefit - especially if they are self taught or if they went on a course a while ago and can't remember all the teaching points. And anyone who is teaching others will get a lot from the instruction points and advice on how to train groups.

So this DVD is really a great all-rounder and if you don't have a decent source of kettlebell instruction, I recommend it.

Another glowing review for this DVD set.

Having used kettle bells at our local gym, I was hooked and so bought some for home use. Quickly realised I needed some expert training and a decent workout routine. I'd already had a dubious kettle bell instructional session at the gym (sketchy technical details and no proper, structured workout routine issued) and thought the chances of injury were high as a result. So the search began for a reasonably priced kettle bell DVD.

I bought this and am completely delighted. It's superb value. It's got all the techincal information you need for a thorough grounding in kettle bell use. I needed to find a decent instructor and can say without fear or favour that Stephen Aish is the man for the job. He knows his subject inside out and equally, his ability to instruct is staggeringly good. He presents the DVD with the type of quiet confidence only found in an subject expert.

The split screen presentation is a revelation and really helps the viewer to adopt the correct stance. The chapter review/recaps are a great aide memoir.

And did I say this was exceptionally good value for money?!

Faults? Only one and this is REALLY subjective! I wish the producers had found a location that didn't involve planes flying overhead every other minute. It's annoying and distracting in an otherwise excellent presentation. Guess it's just me though, no-one else has even mentioned it! Oh and the menus are annoyingly flashy - for such a straightforward and 'does what it says on the tin' type product, it seems like they've just tried to jazz it up....but it's just a bit OTT for me.

That's it though. If you would like a thorough grounding in KBs from an expert and need a workout buddy to help keep you motivated, buy this DVD and you will be delighted.

Footnote #1: Each to their own (I know) but I'm struggling to understand how a few people have rated this poorly. I wonder if they received the wrong DVD in the post?

Footnote #2: Quick mention for the suppliers (The Strength Academy via Amazon), super quick delivery even though I went for the cheapskate's postage option. Well done and thanks.

I had purchased this DVD a year ago. Now I am fitter, stronger and slimmer than I thought I could be just using a DVD and a kettlebell. First 4 weeks following this dd workout I lost 1 stone in my livingroom! and a notiable increas in general wellbeing. Within 9 months I had lost total of 3 stone of excess body FAT and gained lean and slim muscle. I did not pay £40 a month for a gym subscription or need a peronal trainer, I trained (an still do) for a maximum of 20 mins every second day (minimum 3 times a week - If you have been put off by that comment then i suggest you go and find a liposuction clinic and hope you dont require basic phisical exertion any time soon- because fitnss requires effort ;) So make the effort to get a cast iron kettlebell and this dvd. The DVD is idiot proof and gives you the workouts to train along with - all you need to do i find around 20 minutes a couple of times a week to benefit from the dvd. The excerises are explained clearly (and accurately) it covers warm up, stretch and workouts that are sectioned into 5 10 15 mins, progresing in difficulty. Do yourself a favor and get a kettlebell, this DVD and make an effort. If you try you will benefit from this! Also i wouldnt pay much heed to the comment from the other person regarding "lighting", "camera focus" etc,not sure what that's about...possbly they were disapointed it wasnt some chick in a bikini doing the workout in the middle of Bannatynes - however - The info is good and the DVD is sectioned into useful and fully individual chapers on health and safety, do's n dont's and an intro on the size and weight of kettlebell. Then each exerise demonstrated and broken down into teaching points. Once you have looked at this then you have seperate workouts to play and follow. So - forgetting the "lighting" and "focus" which is actually fine - this DVD has given me more than I could have expeted, it will do the same for you if you make the effort.