Reviews

This is a review of the training video entitled ?Kettlebell Basics for Strength Coaches and Personal Trainers?. Perhaps I should begin by stating that I?m neither a coach or a trainer, but someone who has just started using kettlebell and perhaps, like many of you, fell in love with the darn things since the first swing. Yet I found the video extremely helpful, both in understanding the principles and technique behind each exercise and executing them safely and properly.

One thing is to be able to do an exercise properly, even flawlessly, another is to be able to teach it. To find someone that can do both is indeed rare. Yet. Bret Jones and Michael Castrogiovanni do just that in the video.

This is not just an audiovisual presentation of someone?s prowess in performing hard to master feats with kettlebells. It is a training tool designed not to impress the audience but to help them learn and master a skill.

Bret first gives a briefing for each exercise, then he explains, and Michael demonstrate, the proper technique repeatedly and from all angles. Next Bret analises what can go wrong, as well as the common mistakes people make when performing a particular exercise and shows various ways to correct them.

The presentation is clear, pertinent and thorough without being pedantic and the material, which is introduced in building blocks, is therefore easy to assimilate and integrate into one?s exercise repertoire.

This is by far the best training video I?ve seen on kettlebells for the reasons I?ve mentioned. Although I have a coach under whom I am receiving kettlebell instruction, I found this video to be invaluable as well as an excellent investment.

As I?ve already alluded, my one and only suggestion is to change the title since those than can benefit from the video are not just the professionals but those, such as myself who are starting out, as well as other beginners.

My thanks to Bret and Jones for this opportunity to share their knowledge and professional experience in a way that is sure to benefit many learn the art of the kettlebell training, improve their health and pass on this great tradition.

Brett Jones breaks down not only the Kettlebell exercises as well as they can be, but really teaches you how to teach the techniques to others. Brett also helps you with how to explain WHY someone would want to use Kettlebells to get in better shape.


Even the most ardent Kettlebell practitioner needs to review this DVD. I guarantee you by the time you are done you will catch something you need to improve on and will know how to do so.


Hands down, a must have DVD. You just can't ask for better than this.

Brett Jones is a gifted instructor who has left no stone unturned and nothing to chance in teaching solid fundimentals in kettlebell technique. A clear, intelligent, quality production that inspires confidence in teacher and student alike. Well done!!

I value this DVD very highly. I've gotten great use from it, and have seen others benefit greatly as well. And I don't see how you could watch it and not like these guys. So, there's the subjective part. But I feel like I owe Mr. Jones and Mr. Castrogiovanni a USEFUL review in response to what they've done for me with their work. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For me, the factors that define the quality of an instructional DVD are these: . . . . . . .
1. Quality of material / / /
(What do the presenters know? how well do they know it? Do they have the intellectual curiosity and overall drive necessary to even CONCEIVE of something worthwhile?) . . . . . . .
2. Reality of material / / /
(Both for future application, and as an answer to 'is this actually occurring in my world?' The latter speaks basically to how 'present' the presenters seem, as the materials are being used.) . . . . . . .
3. Psychological 'inroad' / / /
(How much the presenters can 'get in your head' and leave things there for reasons I might not be able to understand... likability, identification, admiration...) . . . . . . .
4. "Empowerment" / / /
(Do the presenters make me WANT to go to work with the concepts?) . . . . . . .
5. "Enjoy-ability" / / /
(because it's still a human thing, hopefully about something I find important AND enjoyable.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To be brief, this DVD scores very high on all of these counts. My level of practice would be GREATLY compromised if I were to have set out with out this set. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I am not a great believer in rating thing lower because "there's always room for improvement." In some cases, as when an instructor takes you as far as you need to - or should - go at a given point in time... there just isn't any need for improvement. Also, though the production on this DVD is very good, improvement in this regard simply wouldn't matter to me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This is, for me (and I'm picky) a solid 10. I would recommend it to anyone. So, if for some strange reason (say, a current level of sophistication) this DVD is NOT useful to you, please bear in mind that it will make a SPECTACULAR gift for someone well within whispering distance. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All my thanks and blessings go to Mr. Jones and Mr. Castrogiovanni for this work.

It is simply GREAT and an invaluable resource to return too again and again when it comes to perform and teach the basic drills correctly. Every time I watch it I find something new that adds a lot to my recent knowledge. For RKC candidates it should be a must! You cannot imagine what an excellent support such a DVD can be for you during the preparation for the cert (it was for me)!

Great learning tool for trainers! I liked the detail in the explanations of the movements plus the variations. I highly recomend this product the minute kettlebells are introduced in a fitness center. This is a must!

This DVD set, along with the author's article "How to Prepare for—and PASS—the RKC Instructor Certification Workshop" published in Hard-Style Jan. 2008 was a cornerstone to my training for the 2008 May Budapest Certification.
Brett Jones and Michael Castrogiovanni make a perfect team to show, break down and explain the basic kettlebell exercises. They deliver quality information presented in a simple, easily comprehensible way and demonstrate the movements from different angles. This alone can mean an instant improvement of your own performance.
But there's more to it. Not only do they also point out and show typical mistakes, offer simple drills to correct them effectively, but they really teach you how to teach the movements to clients/athletes, with maximum safety for best gains.
A must have.

This is a no frills product jammed packed with very practical information. I have watched it several times and each time have learned something valuable both in terms of improving my own form as well as how to properly assist others. Always stressing safety first, the proper lifting technique as demonstrated by M. Castrogiovanni is exceptional and is filmed both in front and side view. The assist drills specifically for the snatch and jerk were extremely helpful.

In the future I plan to obtain an RKC Certification and this product will be essential in assisting me in its preparation.

Brett and Mike provided clear and concise demonstrations for safety and procedures regarding KB workouts. The cd was easy to learn from.

Brett Jones presents the 10 basic lifts of KB training in a manner used to not only teach the correct forms,but also to diagnose and begin to treat fundamental weaknesses of the student.Correcting these deficiencies is often more important to successful kettlebell training than just learning more techniques or lifting heavier bells.

There are no real short cuts, and you can never build more than your foundation can support. This DVD covers the basics very well and for most people will be all they ever need regarding Kettle Bell work. To make it better I would add sample routines(CD with this in PDF would be nice)with reps and times and variations of the routines as the body adapts to the imposed demands.
Richard Carter, D.C.
Diplomate American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board

I thought this dvd was really informative and extreamly helpful especially in area of fixing form. The only reason I gave it an 8 instead of 10 was the price, it was too spendy for one dvd.

Great instructional video! I wanted detailed instruction as I am new to Kettlebell training and this DVD set is the answer. If you want spandex and flashy-this is not for you. But if you want nuts and bolts instruction with injury-free training this is your deal.

This video is an excellent place to start for anyone considering Kettlebell training. It breaks down the essential kettlebell lifts and techniques in a no-fluff, no nonsense manner making it virtually impossible not to come away with an understanding of the foundational moves of RKT. Brett and Michael also take the time (and pain) to show viewers what not to do and how to correct mistakes before they hurt you. This is the kind of introduction to training that can build sound fundamentals and there is plenty here to practice with until you can mimics Michaels excellent technique. Nothing flashy, just solid training presented straight.

Great KB DVD product. Reviews the basic moves and more importantly, gives you troubleshooting review on common mistakes when performing those techniques. I found the Snatch & TGU review very helpful, and that made the purchase for me totally worth it. We never stop learning, and having multiple resources to go to is invaluable. This DVD will be part of my learning library.

These DVDs have helped me increase my technique dramatically. Now with better technique I can lift heavier weights and progress faster. I was hesitant at first about the steep price tag but in the end I think it was a fair value. My only complaint was with the shipping. One of the two CDs was not inserted in the case properly and was scratched fairly heavily during shipping. As a result the DVD will skip during certain sections.

Fantastic set of DVD's. This is a great resource for anyone using kettlebells. Not only do Brett and Michael go through the details of all your basic kb movements, but they also show you the common mistakes made, along with simple and effective corrections. And that's not even the best part... The best part is that they then go into showing you more challenging variarions of all these movements, both with single and double kettlebells! I am extremely satisfied with this purchase and highly recommend it to everyone.

I am 50, a retired Army officer, a martial artist and soccer coach; i really appreciate the quality of instruction on the basics, along with the detailed explanation and corrective action for typical errors in form. I found 3 tips that immediately amde a difference in my own performance; the DVDs are high quality and the instruction is top notch. very professional in every respect; absolutely highly recommended

This video is a great instructional tool on how to use and teach the kettlebell basics. I am a Personal Trainer and I will enjoy using the kettlebell with my clients.

Brett and Michael are two of the strongest kettlebellers there are.

This DVD is an absolute must if you have any aspirations for teaching kettlebells.

There are very good explanation of the fundamentals, including:
* Breathing
* Safety
* And or course the exercises themselves.

I often review these when I feel that I need to improve my performance in an exercise. I always pick something up.

This video, takes fundamental exercises and breaks them down. There is no fluff here.

If I were to make a negative comment -- I wish more of the ballistics exercises were shown w/higher rep ranges.

Exceptional DVD and a must have if you intent to be a trainer.
Also a good one for anyone with no RKC instructors near by.
He points out typical technical flaws and ways to correct them, in which I believe makes this DVD special

This DVD set made me as prepared for RKC Certification as anything possibly could without having access to an RKC in person! Brett is SO complete with every explanation and all the trouble shooting. I learned so much from these DVD's. I HIGHLY recommend anyone considering picking up a kettlebell purchase these DVD's. And if you are considering the RKC, how could you NOT purchase these?? I had a page and a half of notes, JUST on the clean! Seriously, these are amazing! Thank you Brett for a fantastic set!

This is the most complete kettlebell training dvd on the market. It is stocked from top to bottom with incredibly insightful information about how to use the kb safely and productively.
Brett has it broken down perfectly and his progressions of how to learn the basic kb movements is amazing.

He also knows his physiology and mechanics and it shows.No detail is left untouched.Each exercise is done from multiple angles with detailed explanations,talking points and solutions for each possible error explained.

Michael Castrogiovanni is the perfect demonstrator as he can do it perfectly right or perfectly wrong! This lets you see exactly what NOT to do!He also is a great example of the fitness, strength and flexiblity that is obtainable with KB use. He is an incredibly talented athlete.

The first volume covers the ballistic drills and it makes it so much easier to see not only how to do these right but the different levels of each skill that are possible.
The grind dvd really drives home the incredible real world strength that is possible with these amazing tools.

for personal trainers, coaches,fitness educators or anyone just interested in figuring out how to use kb's safely and correctly DO NOT MISS THESE DVDs!