I received this kit as a birthday present. Since using it for approx. three weeks now I have noticed a huge difference. My endurance has increased and my legs, back and forearms are much stronger. This has been while completing the Minimum Program. I recommend this for anyone looking to increase their strength and endurance. I did not choose to get the 35 pound kettlebell because I can snatch the 53 pound bell and use it in the Clean and Jerk. I can't press it yet but I know that this will occur after a while. Very pleased!

As a caveat to this review, I should say that I had been strength practicing via PTP, doing deadlifts w/over 300 pounds & barbell presses, and still, starting w/ a 53 pound kettlebell was a challenge. If you're not already reasonably strong, go with a 35lb KB. That said, this was a thoroughly worthwhile investment. The amount of usable strength I've gained is invaluable. My overall performance in the recreational sports I play, and my general increase in working capacity and overall conditioning is better than when I was 19. That, by the way, was 15 years ago. If you're not convinced after your first 5 minutes, you're hopeless. Go back to machines. If you are convinced, then by all means, enjoy the pain!

I played football in highschool, competed in power lifting and followed a bodybuilding regime. This cannon ball has given me by far the most effective workouts I've ever had. The 53lb KB quick-start kit is amazing. The DVD and book work great together to really show how to properly execute the lifts. The 53lb is not hard to use for swings but unless you have good overhead strength, rep around 165 for barbell press, I'd recommend starting with the 35lb.

I was already in good shape when I bought the kit and the 53 lb. kettlebell was still pretty intense, but doable. The key was just to focus on technique and play with the kettlebell instead of training with it, like Pavel says. Now it gets tossed in my HMMWV on all my missions in case I have some downtime, or need to wake up on a long mission. Between a pull-up bar, the kettlebell and a pair of running shoes I have no trouble keeping full body fitness for the military.

The attention to detail with the techniques in the book and DVD are great. The only reason I downgraded the product to an 8 instead of a 10 is that the book and DVD are identical in content, there is no real advantage to having both. If you are already a fit male, especially in the shoulders this is a great starting place for hard core training.

I was new to kettlebells and now do it almost every day. I also used to have some shoulder pain from an old injury, but now I feel no pain! Love this