Reviews

I'm not sure I can speak highly enough about "Return of the Kettlebell." Maybe it's the little things, like how we are walked through the squat with pictures that answer so many questions for the novice or the several pages dedicated to the Hip Flexor stretch. Honestly, the devil is in the details when it comes to working the hips and shoulders and the RKC system is clearly miles ahead of anybody else when it comes to exacting explanations of how to deal with the "four knots."

It could be the "big things." I never thought much of Double Kettlebell Cleans because I have such a history with the O lifts. Maybe, just maybe, it could be because I never did them right! Something as simply as the "V" position changes the lift forever and, if you need to be gassed, go right ahead and do a set of ten. Not enough, add some Front Squats.

I'm not sure most people reading the book will understand the challenge of the training system outlined. A double snatch followed by double presses followed by Front Squats? Good luck!

There is not enough hyperbole in my body to express how much I like this book. We are at an amazing time in the community. The new "Kettlebells from the Ground Up," Kenneth's new V02 Max book and this book and DVD show the maturation of the RKC. It is not enough to just get people tired...any fool can do that! It is important to manage rest period with effort, proper alignment, proper tools, proper load and a systematic approach to whatever goal is in the sights. ROTK is now the standard, the very high standard, of what to expect in the RKC texts.

To say that this work is "amazing" is an understatement. Anyone who plays with kbells must use this book as a resource. Completing the program and goals set in this book is a worthy fight for any man.

As always, Pavel does an amazing job explaining, demonstrating, and doing all the program design. The block training is brilliant in its simplicity and double KBs is all I use now. I was on the fence whether or not to order this book, with so many other incredible options from Dragon Door, but I fully believe I made the right choice, as I continue to grind and grow.

Pavel hits another home run with his new book "Return of the Kettlebell". I shouldn't,nor should anyone, be surprised at this considering the his already state of the art and groundbreaking body of work but here he goes again, covering new ground and teaching us all that the applications of the kettlebell are much deeper than anyone ever thought.
One of the main things that differentiates Pavel and the RKC from every other 'wanna be' kettlebell course or book is that the man understands the bell is a tool and HOW one uses it is the key to creating an almost unlimited array of training gains, from insane cardiovasuclar endurance to, now, incredible muscle growth, all with the same basic tool.
Using the key principles of the RKC, just in new configurations, Pavel teaches us how to 'muscle up' with double bell work, overload eccentrics and how to use explosive power as well as high tension to get the job done and build some serious muscle.
When powerlifing squat god Donnie Thompson says double bell front squats make him work then ALL should listen!
Bravo Pavel, again, for leading the charge of the bleeding edge of the state of the art.
No matter what the training goal, Pavel has a kettlebell solution that WORKS.
Get this book and dvd!

Rif

now Pavel sets the standard from man to monster in his new and absolutely magnificient book Return of the Kettlebell. If Enter the kettlebell gave you the strength and physique of Spiderman then Return of the Kettlebell will make your skin green and turn you into a copy of Dr. Bruce Banner's alter ego.

Pavel has outdone himself and laid out the plan for explosive muscle gains and extraordinary strength- only one thing is required of you if you chose to follow the path.. you gotta have the heart to follow it through... just be careful you don't Incredibly HULK your shirt in the process :)

Got the dvd first. Left me with a couple of questions. Found them in the Return to the Kettlebell book. Actually like the book better but than I just prefer the book format for the kettlebell stuff. Been doing the grind program, trying 73#and 53# mismatched for 5(12345) tonight. 3rd workout and I'm already feeling the difference. The book covers in greater detail, has the reasoning behind and answers questions not covered in the dvd. If you had to make a choice and your competent with doubles work get the book first.

The concise presentation of wisdom is truly a thing of beauty and Pavel's books are like Forrest Gump's Box of Chocolates. You never know what you're going to get until you bite in but because it's Pavel, you know it is going to be good. The Return of the Kettlebell adds another flavor to the box. RTK tastes good and is satisfying on many levels. Besides the exercises and workouts, there is a tapestry storytelling that entertains and exercise physilogy that educates; all of which serves to draw you deeper into the hard-style Kettlebell culture and the fans the flame of desire to excel and test your limits. Of special interest to me was the discussion of strength & conditioning KB training versus competition KB training. Pavel's presentation was intellectually fair, balanced and very informative. The take-home point was that training strategies are goal dependent and must be viewed in the context of the individual's needs and desires. For what is "right", for what is "best", the answer is, "It depends". You decide but make your decision from a position of informed strength. Pavel's words will help you make better decisions about clarifying your goals and finding your pathway to them. Years ago, on the last afternoon of a RKC certification, Pavel walked by me while I was doing double jerks. I saw him out of the corner of my eye turn and walk back toward me and he said, "You know, Rick, this is not about Kettlebells, it's about strength". I couldn't help but to smile. How Zen like. Strength skills and techniques? Strength of will and purpose? Deep inner strength? Well, I guess it all depends. You decide, after you read the book.

Shortly after the release of this book, I was in search of a program to use after I completed the "Rite of Passage". I ordered RTK and decided to start practicing the drills. I liked it so much that I started using them exclusively. In order to get the most from the program I did the progressions as specified for 12 weeks. In that time frame I quickly put on about 7 pounds of muscle. Mostly on my upper back and shoulders. All while eating at maintenance calories.

If you want to increase your pressing strength, this book is your ticket!

If size and strength are what you're after this is the program for you. Pavel is a genius. He has once again laid out the ground work and given you a program that is spot on and second to none. The program is very well explained and illustrated and if followed will get you the results you are looking for. You will need to be well driven and narrow minded with specific goals. When I started RTK I had a goal of putting on 15 lbs. in 4 months. Well I've already put on 10 lbs. in 4 weeks. And I have a long way to go with my volume. I look forward to the challenge of RTK and where I will be in 4 months. If you follow the template, eat and sleep you can't go wrong with this prgram. Can't wait to walk through walls. Thanks again Chief Instructor.

As a casual read, this is a fantastic book and anyone will benefit from the knowledge shared. But, for the serious student of the "Iron Game" this book (like all of Pavel's) deserves multiple reads. The details and training gems contained in this book are numerous and invaluable. It's not about the sets and reps, it's about the technique and application. Using the lessons taught in this book will definitely pack dense athletic muscle on your frame. Don't cheat yourself, earn it with ETK and then apply RTK. You will get results.

In addition to what other people have said, this program is fun. Challenging, but fun as well.It is also elegant (in vicious kind of way) and very time-efficient. I have found that only the heavy day takes a large space of time and eventually the aim is to compress it. The light and medium days are, relatively speaking, much easier than their ETK equivalent. During grind blocks, due to the asymmetric drop in weight as well as drop in volume. This left me really chewing at the bit and eager to tackle the next heavy day.

I also see why Pavel recommends at least 12 weeks on the program. After six weeks I have only done one explosive block, and I am still building the volume in the grind block (I have worked up to 1,2,3x4 on my last heavy grind day).

Other people have mentioned weight gain. I haven't noticed any but I don't know how much you would expect after 6 weeks. Subjectively however, my shoulders and upper back have exploded ;]

All in all a very rewarding program but don't expect to be able to do much other training. I really like what I call the RTK TGU Seq. (arm bar/TGU/windmill/bent press/OH Squat/Sott's Press) for the variety days. Apart from some very easy running that's all I did.

The book itself is the same high standard and attention to detail I have come to expect from Pavel's work

A good complement to the first book. I've already packed on a few pounds by re-reviewing 'Enter' and employing the double kettlebell exercises in 'Return'. Very happy.

If you're going to train with double kettlebells, which i strongly recommend for those who want to get truly strong, GET THIS BOOK. Although dbl kbs will work miracles, the technique is a bit different.

This book will go along way in not only teaching you how to get maximum benefit from the training, but equally, if not more importantly, keeping you healthy. Because of the increased load, which translates to greater gains, you can get hurt. This is why i strongly endorse this excellent resource.

As in most cases you get what you pay for. I refer to this book often. Thanks Pavel

I'm lucky I followed the intstructions! I bought the book long before I was done with the ETK program and thought about just jumping right in. I'm glad I didn't because I underestimated how hard it would be and how long lasting it can be. No program I ever tried have delivered for so long. I just keep gaining. Thanks a million!!

I am happy to report that, at my annual physical a couple of days ago, I posted a normal lung capacity test for the first time in my life - at age 55. I have been following Return of the Kettlebell for three months.

Pretty cool stuff, if you ask me. Pavel, thank you!

Very happy with this book! Full of useful, easy to understand information.



Cheers Pavel!

This book is fine. But unlike Enter the Kettlebell and Kenneth Jay's book on Viking Warrior Conditioning, it is no breakthrough; in other words, there is really not much in it that is not easily extrapolated from the two aforementioned books, which are, in every way, excellent.

While not ready for the program yet(I can only press up to the 32kg bell on RoP) I bought the book to gain further insight into Pavel's ideas. I have to say that the book is useful even now since some of the stretches and details are really applicable to RoP too. Furthermore, the block training principles and the grip overviews are useful to any KB user.

Pavel also introduce some interesting research to back up his ideas which makes it a very informative read.

Naturally, if you are ready for the program, then you should definitely buy the book.

One thing that I would improve? I have always thought that his books could benefit from clear summaries of the respective training protocols at the back of the book which readers could easily refer back to. This would make the books more user-friendly.

This book is incredible. R.O.T.K.B. gives you a blue print to follow for many years. Follow the recipe and you will be pleased with the product! Pavel thanks for bringing this to the table.

I just finished week 8 of the Return of The Kettlebell program and like Enter The Kettlebell, I wasn't disappointed. Pavel's program is a foolproof way to blast your strength to new levels - provided you follow the recommendations as written.

And everything is clearly laid out here. From the demonstrations of the exercises to the actual workout "blocks". I progressed from the first day to the last, and that steady progression has made me stronger and more muscular while also keeping me from over-training. And at 45 years old, that's a major selling point.

Thanks Pavel.

When RTK came out I was eager to give it a go as it was just enough variety to satisfy my training ADD.

The problem is I was struggling to meet the half body weight press, which for me was the Beast. I was able to press the 44Kg for a slew of singles but the Beast always laughed at me.

I started on RTK and stayed diligent to the program. In 7 months I put on over 20lbs, I will not claim it was all muscle, but I did add a lot to my shoulders and upper back.

Recently I wanted to see how RTK would carry over to DBL clean and presses and I worked up to 5 ladders of 4 with a pair of 40s very quickly.

I then tried the Beast press and Clean and pressed it 3 times in a row on my first attempt.

Needless to say I have been very happy with my progress on RTK.

I was one of those, who were lucky to read the draft before the book came out. And I was lucky enough to implement the training methods described in the ROK, and honestly it is truly amazing.

As an RKC I always get the question about muscle mass, as people understand with RKC training you get strong and fit, but what about the muscle mass, right?

I gained 3 kg of muscle in two weeks, and that is my answer for the questions.

Again, amazing book, great resource to build functional muscle mass. But, this book is not for beginners for sure...:)

Peter Lakatos RKC TL
Hungary

Not surprisingly, Pavel has come through once again but in a slightly unexpected way. Many will claim that RTK is only about getting HEEUGE but a deeper look into the book reveals much more. It is focused on getting super strong and conditioned while gaining mass as a byproduct of your training. As is expected in the RKC system, safety is paramount and you are repeatedly told throughout the book that if you aren't ready for an exercise then you need to go back to ETK and start over. This is an advanced program that is once again beautiful in both it's simplicity and execution.

He leaves no stone unturned in this one.
If I'm already a man (according to ETK) then I think I'll be able to consider myself a mutant after I complete this program. I'm positive that if I follow Pavel's advice on progression then I will eventually meet these seemingly impossible goals and will have new slabs of beef as a result of the journey. Thanks for another invaluable addition to my training library.

This book was a bit of a letdown for me. I loved the program in ETK...simple and straight-forward. One of the reasons that I like using kettlebells was that I really only needed 1 or 2 kettlebells to workout...to use the RTK program, you would need at least 6-10 kettlebells which is costly. There is some useful info on block periodization, squatting, and other unique kb drills. But I wouldn't buy this again. If you want to get bigger, check out Beyond Bodybuilding or Starting Strength and use a barbell.

Completely agree with one of the previous reviewers: "Beyond Bodybuilding" is a much better book. I found that RTK is somewhat disjoint and does not really cover anything new. There is no doubt that no one did more for KB popularization in the US than Pavel, but this book is an unfortunate step back, when compared to "Power to the People", "Enter the Kettlebell", and especially "Beyond Bodybuilding".

I always learn something new and interesting every time I read one of Pavel's books. The different styles of lifting for a strength athelete vs. an endurance athlete and military training were particularly great.

I now have three of Pavel's Kettlebell instruction books. The first book was super, a great intro book. The second book "Enter the Kettlebell amazed me. The progression of new info was excellent. The book led me to believe that we now had a thorough knowledge of the Kettlebell and there wasn't a whole lot more to be added.

Then came his latest book "Return of the Kettlebell" I've read it cover to cover twice, and am once again amazed at the updated knowledge. The book is a wealth of new info. If there is ever a fourth book, I will no longer be amazed, only expecting further enlightenment about the handling of Kettlebells.

Thanks Pavel. "Return of the kettlebell' is worth every penny and more. Best, Milton Grasle

I found the book to be helpful in the basics of utilizing double kettlebells for both the explosive block and the strength block. However, I also found the literature a little to basic and lacking in more diverse exercise plans. If you have already found yourself to be fairly proficient with double kettlebell exercises and you are looking for variety then this book is not for you. If double kettlebells is something new for you and you need a boost getting a solid program up and rolling then I would highly suggest it. All of the illustrations were quite helpful and despite not being in a moving format likein the DVD they expressed each exercise in enough steps they could be understood.

I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Return of the Kettlebell", and after it came, I was not disappointed. This book hits everything from the excellent dvd, but goes into more detail (if that's possible), as well as highlighting excellent pointers you may miss viewing the dvd. Still not far enough in my training to attempt this yet, but when I am, I know I'll be ready! Thanks Pavel for an excellent book and dvd to take me to the next level.

Awesome book.I'm stil not ready for this one yet but I bought it just to get a head start for when I complete the Enter the kettlebell rite of passage.After Enter the Kettelbell I just had to have more Pavel, and he delivers here once again.I'm so motivated I'm stepping up my training so I can start the new program.Thanks Pavel.

Clear, concise, totally Pavel... He cuts through the fluff out there and simply recommends... Do this. His old school determination and sense to learn from each exercise, and the kettlebell, go beyound the garden variety sets and reps mindlessly puked out by many authors today. Worth every penney. As Dan John would say; "It's simple... not easy."

I just received my copy of RTK with great anticipation and it was all I expected and more. I just recently began doing ETK again, and have begun to practice some of the double kettlebell moves from RTK on my variety days and let me tell you, these DOUBLE KETTLEBELL EXERCISES ROCK! You get an indescribable solid feeling after doing them. BTW, the exercise and program descriptions in RTK are clear and complete - no question as to what you must do. I can't wait to complete ETK so that I can hit this RTK program full force!

After (20) years of weight lifting in January 2008 I found ENTER THE KETTLEBELL changed my training, focused on the "RITE OF PASSAGE" My shoulder stength came back then shortly after my 50th birthday January 2009 I ordered RETURN OF THE KETTLEBELL. "DOUBLE, Swing, Snatch, Cleans, Viking Press and the list goes on, without question the "BEST" form of strength training I have ever been involved with and I have tried many. I am so hooked when I go out of town with the family I at least have one "24KG' with me. You should see the looks when I walk thru a hotel lobby.

PAVEL and all who were involved "A SINCERE THANK YOU" My next goal is to tame the BEAST.

A few months back I was wondering why haven't Pavel promoted the use of double kettlebells drills in his books or videos. There are a lot of videos on that shows some drills.

But the answers is: master first one ket drills. In this book you will learn a lot details and tricks to do double ket drills correctly. The tips and details that other ket material is lacking. The thing is that double ket is not for beginners.

The book follows a logic progression in the presentation of information. And as we can expect from Pavel work - there are no fillers, just important relevant material.

The program of the book is unique. Demanding but still simple and straightforward. This is a must have!

In his introduction Pavel forbids me from reading this book, and tells me very sternly to get back to work on my "ETK" protocol training. I read it anyway and it is GREAT, the work in this book is a little too advanced for me so I haven't really worked any of it into my practice yet, but this new "Return of the Kettlebell" training is exciting and I cannot wait to add these extraordinary exersizes to my regiment. Thank you once again Pavel, and thank you all at Dragon Door for another wonderful addition to my library.

Always pushing the envelope, this book exposes my current weaknesses but pushes me to go the the "next" level. I like how Pavel makes the reader "earn the right" to get to the doubles.

I was disappointed that I was not ready to begin doubles, but I am motivated to pass the RTC in anticipation of starting the new protocol. Before I bought the book, I had assumed that this new program was an entry level program, but clearly it is one that requires some groundwork first.

Somehow this book was a bit of a let down. The stuff on ladders is good, but it could have been an article, not something you pay $40 for (over $46 with shipping - how does it cost $7 to ship a book?).

I'm a big fan of Pavel's and have learned a ton from him. I enjoy his quirky writing style and reading about Soviet lifters and Soviet science. If he ever wrote a book about his life in the USSR, I would read it.

But there's little that's new here, too much of Kenneth Jay making goofy faces, and given the price I expected more.

I'm only providing this review because some of these reviewers give every DD product a 10 out of 10. You see their names over and over. I think mine is a little more objective, even if I may anger the party.

Don't get me wrong, there is some good stuff in this book, but there could have been much more. Of course, with DD's 1-year return policy, you could give it a shot and see for yourself.

"This book is for people who want to be kettlebell studs."

The techniques (turning the handles in a v for rotator cuff stretch) are priceless.

The dual kettlebell exercises take the intensity and caloric burn way up. Box your ego and start with lighter bells. The first time I did the double kettlebell swing the momentum almost pulled me off my feet (poor form on my part)...be safe, start light master the movement then work the weight back up.

The results are superb and combining the exercises is a smoker.

Worth the price easily.

I only gave this book a 7 for two reasons.

1) You need to have two of every size kettlebell from 16kg up to 48kg in order to follow the program strictly, not something many people have the space or funds for.
2) You need to be exceptionally strong to start the program in the first place, so it isn't a great solution for smaller guys who are looking to grow with the explosive muscle gains promised. Stick to ETK!

I loved Enter the Kettlebell!, but I've got a lot of work ahead of me before I come even close to starting the double press "grinds" at the weights Pavel gives in the book. Still, it presents a good program for those who are ready, and no doubt will deliver huge strength and size gains for those dedicated enough to stick it out.

Return of the Kettlebell is a great follow-up to Enter the Kettlebell. Once again Pavel puts a new twist on kettlebell training to take trainees to the next level.

While ETK focuses on single-arm work, RTK introduces many of the double kettlebell lifts which are also my personal favorite for strength and hypertrophy training. Pavel also goes into detail on one arm double kb presses and how to progress in this lift.

Pavel lays the foundation by the use of excellent photographs and narratives explaining the correct (and wrong) way to do the lifts. As in ETK he outlines a complete, and workable, training plan that is easy to follow; that is not to say the training will be easy, but just as killer as always!

There is a new "twist" to the workout plan as far as alternating grinds and ballistics based on the latest research into strength training - but you will have to purchase the book as I won't reveal it here.

As usual with Pavel's books this one is filled with interesting tidbits of training information, personal testimonies and photographs of kettlebell comrades. I personally have benefitted greatly by putting into practice Pavel's willingness to share information gleaned from the exalted trainers down to the most humble trainee.

Of all the "training" books on the market today (and I have read most of them) Pavel's books are my favorite. Besdies the fact that kb's are probably one of the finest training tools available today, his enthusiasm is contagious and his writing style is straight forward and inspirational.

Rather than fill his books with too much information trying to cover too much ground, Pavel focuses on keeping things simple - the only true way to make strength training progress. He is a "no BS" guy and tells it like it is. Pavel is always willing to leave an open mind about a subject matter that is constantly changing and evolving and his books reflect this flexibility and egoless trait, i.e. the thirst for knowledge (from all sources) and how to best share it with his readers.

Buy this book, and 2 kb's whether they be 1 pood, 2 pood or any pood and get yourself started on the double clean and jerks - in my book this is possibly the finest exercise one can do (you know Perry Rader would not lie to us!). Throw in some front squats with doubles, double presses, double cleans, swings, and of course long cycles - well, you get the idea! Before long you will become a regular hard man or woman as the case may be.

This book should rate a 10, but I gave it a 9 because I wish it were longer!

The car in the title had straight lines, no frills, hub caps and bench seats front and back; but under the hood there was a monster engine that could go like the hammers of hell. This book is just like that, good solid information backed with scientific and anecdotal evidence and a simple program that delivers results.
Although I cannot double snatch heavy KBs, I just clean and press them during the grind block, so send the special ops crowd to re-educate me, I am geting great results in mass and more importantly strength. Pavel always delivers the goods and the RKC system rocks.

If you are an experienced kettlebeller who is stuck in the mud with your progress, Pavel's Return of the Kettlebell is a breath of fresh air. Everything from the choice of exercises to the structure of how they are performed day to day, week to week has been well thought out and backed by science and anecdotal evidence.

I am a professional RKC kettlebell instructor by trade and I can tell you that after reading this book I will be changing how I train my own clients... and myself!

This is not the ideal book for a beginner, in fact, don't even think about it. Start with Enter the Kettlebell first and complete the Right of Passage; Return of the Kettlebell even says this!

DO NOT under any circumstances try this book or DVD unless you are "proficient" with ETK. However, if you are ready for the challenge, give this book a try. It is very easy to understand and follow. If you do not have the financial ability to have sets of kettlebells ranging from 16 to 48 kg, improvise. I have a 24 and 2 x 32 kg KBs and use different size pairs on first two days and the 32 kg pair on the last day of the workout week. Since the load is a little heavier than the party recommended schedule, I have limited my variety days to light work. In one month, I have noticed great results and have packed more muscle to my back, shoulders, traps and lats using just the methods in this book.

If you want to become a Kettlebell Mutant, BUY THIS BOOK!!!