Rating: 
Summary: Deceitful and flawed analysis, dangerous practice
Review: (1) Contents: The book contains 143 pages of text, out of them are 16 blank, 36 pages of advertisement, the font is large, and there is a lot of white spaces. There is no index. All references are personal verbal quotations from professors, scientists, and doctors without exact date or location of publication, such as Professors Medvedyev, Anatoly Laputin, Yuri Verkhoshansky,Arkady Vorobyev, Matveyev, and Desbonnet. There are 15 references written in Russian that are hard to trace and only one unknown English reference by Supertraining.
(2) The book starts by "Vodka at night, pickle juice in the morning, throwing some Kettlebells around between this hangover and the next one", page 3. I do not think that the author is aware of the danger of inebriation and risky vigorous activity. The author tries forcefully to revive an obsolete sport by citing a 1913 Russian magazine
(3) The author cites the names of the legendary weightlifters such as Vlasov, Alexeyev, Leonid Zhabotinskiy, page 17, and states that Zhabotinskiy started lifting with Kettlebells without citing a reference or proving that they trained or competed in that Kettlebells sport. The author then advises weightlifters to use Kettlebells to enhance shoulder flexibility by overhead squat. What he does not know is that weightlifters have all tools for flexibility, strength, coordination, and endurance and would not listen to an outsider with unsubstantiated ideas.
(4) On page 31, the author states: "How Kettlebells melt fat and build a powerful heart without the dishonor of dieting and aerobics". He explains that the fat loss power of Kettlebells is explained by the extremely high metabolic costs of throwing a weight around combined with the fat burning effect of the growth hormone stimulated by such exercise. He quotes Charles Poliquin for explaining that the more lactic acid produced during weightlifting, the more the growth hormone is produced. The produced growth hormone, he claims, melts fat. That false claim that weight lifting causes weight loss, without dieting or aerobics, shows how the author is overreaching. Lactic acid causes fatigue and must be metabolized by the liver in order for muscles to function efficiently. Because lactic acid is produced maximally during anaerobic activity, it hinders fat loss, which requires aerobic activities such as running. Weightlifters do not lose weight by lifting but by dieting and aerobics. With Vodka, the liver is impaired. If Kettlebells throwing is added, then more lactic acid would worsens the liver impairment. Thus, strength training and hangover do not go hand in hand as the author claims. Although, growth hormone mobilizes fat, it does so in bursts during maximal stress. Fat mobilization is optimum when blood glucose is low during extended aerobic work beyond 15 minutes of sustained activity.
(5) The author makes another false claim that heavy impact causes joints to be relatively free from osteoarthritis in old age and attributes that to Drs. Verkhoshansky and Sniff, without stating the nature of the source.
(6) The author makes another false promise that kettlebell training can lead to huge muscles if the trainee wishes, page 23. He makes an erroneous analysis on page 64 by first defining the force as F=ma then confuses that with the potential energy of dropping a 72 pounder from seven feet. Force and energy are two different things. On page 121, the author confuses `intensity' for `volume'. He cites the sport expert Voropayev for using the number of repetitions of a 32 kg Kettlebell of 50 as an index of intensity and extrapolates that to mean that 40 repetitions corresponds to 80% intensity, page 122. Intensity should refer to the weight and not the repetition. With fifty repetition and light weight, the Kettlebell could not induce the high tension of low repetitions and heavy weight. The author recognizes this fact in his book, `Power to The People", pages 16 and 18. Thus, while the author promises his readers to use the Kettlebell in order to avoid Olympic Weightlifting which is elitist, he claims, page 16, and promises to achieve the same results with Kettlebells, he contradicts himself on the high repetition, low intensity principle that fatigues the muscles and precipitates trauma
(7) Kettlebell drills are dangerous and even fatal as the author warns on page 49. Because of the eccentricity of the Kettlebell, it sits on the back of the hand on overhead lifts. The lifter in the photos on pages 14, 35, and 58 show serious scoliosis (lateral spinal curvature), which is very dangerous during lifting (causes spinal hernia and paralysis). The too many repetitions traumatize the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and spines.
Rating: 
Summary: ALL AROUND SPORTS CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Review: .... RUSSIAN KETTLEBELL CHALLENGE COMMENTARY This is an excellent all around fitness system. It does everything claimed. It is great for shedding excess bodyweight and cardio development. My strength, power, and endurance keeps increasing, and I find it fun. I think it is a super method of training for sports. Kettlebells are intense and can provide a total body strength and cardio workout within 15-30 minutes. I would have liked to see a few more structured workout programs in the book. Caveats However, before purchasing this book note that although some exercises can be done with dumbells you really need to own Kettlebells to get full value out of the book (they can be purchased from the publisher -- Also, I think to really utilize the kettlebells you need to get both the book and the video. I don't know that kettlebells are good if you're really out of shape, and the current weights may be heavier than some people should use.
Rating:
Summary: Not For the Weak Hearted
Review: ........but if your body is weak, Pavel will whip it into shape in no time with the Russian Kettlebell Challenge. Having wasted my time with numerous bench presses and other fancy gym machines, I finally found the way to true, functional, everyday strength. The exercises in the RKC are relatively easy to perform, yet they will leave you gasping for air and wondering why you ever did anything else.
Rating:
Summary: Get it, Get the 'Bells, Get Started, You'll Love It
Review: A kettlebell looks like a cannonball with a thick handle, and that's pretty much what it is. Because there's a mass of iron below the handle, the weight is unbalanced, and it's up to you to wield it right, which isn't easy. So what's the big deal? The big deal is, learning to handle and exercise with kettlebells works virtually every muscle in the body. It gives you a terrific cardio workout. And it gives you what they call "functional strength," which is the kind of strength a wrestler needs to gut-wrench an opponent, or a mother needs to lift and carry her kid. I've trained with weights for over 20 years, and I was skeptical when I first read about kbells. I took a chance and bought the book, then a (roughly 32 lb.) kbell. The first workout had me gasping, dripping with sweat, and feeling like I'd been wrestling five bears. After a shower, though, I felt great. Like I COULD wrestle five bears. And I gained size and definition--fast. Now, 32 pounds is no big deal for me. A 32 lb dumbbell is like a toy. But the kbell felt like it weighed 60 lbs. because of the weird displacement. Anyway, the book took me through the basic exercises, and gave me a fitness tool and technique that's time-tested and wonderfully effective. It's a good idea to get the DVD that goes with the book so you can see the exercises and get a real idea of the cadence and form, but the book in itself is excellent. Pavel is a masterful trainer and an engrossing, amusing writer. This book, and the kbells it talks about, are fitness tools worth their weight in gold. If I could give it 7 stars I would. The only caution is this: kbells are not easy. They can be dangerous if you don't follow the book's directions. And they're not for anyone who's looking for a relatively easy and pleasant workout, like cycling to CNN. But if you want a kick-butt workout that will give you real results for your effort--and I mean effort--this is the best deal in town.
Rating:
Summary: how to become superhuman and take it to the extreme
Review: After reading comrade Pavel's other books i jumped at the chance to read this (considering that i have the video), it was great not only did comrade pavel go into detail about the workouts, he also tells you about the origins of the kettlebell. i have been doing RKC for aboput a month and i love the raw power i now have. if anyone wnats to get into serious shape this is the book for you. do yourself a favour buy the book and video and get into the best shape ever. aspavel say's comrades who do RKC will soon find that they take things to the extreme.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: As usual, Pavel has another succesful series out. The Kettlebell workouts he describes are definately intenese. If you think your in shape, doing a few sets of ten will get you sweating and breathing like you'll never believe. If hacks the fat off your body very well. Even without dieting I have lost alot of fat. Besides losing alot of fat, you will also gain better endurance, explosive power, great strength, and if you want, huge shoulders and traps. I highly recommend this program to athletes in ALL sports. Because it will help them a great deal.
Rating:
Summary: Enter the Elite
Review: At first I was skeptical as to whether Kettlebells were right for me or not, but after reading Pavel's other materials, I decided to proceed with an open mind. After watching the video and reading the book, I started doing the routine with dumbbells. It was incredibly challenging at first, but it was fun. A month later I was hooked, so I decided to purchase a genuine Kettlebell from their website. It is the most effective training tool I have ever used. I have increased both my speed and endurance, with extra power to boot. It wasn't even a priority, but I lost some bodyfat, which was nice. However, increased athletic performance was my main goal, and this is where the program really shines. Beyond sheer strength, KB's require technique and finesse in order to be efficient. It also builds grip strength, also important in sports.
The only con of this book is that the movements are difficult to display in pictures. It provides nice insights into the techniques, but watching the video is the best way to learn the movements. Where the book excels is in teaching you how to custom design your own program to fit your goals. It also goes into the history of kettlebells and Pavel shares some humorous anecdotes. It is an enjoyable read, and highly informative.
In conclusion, Kettlebells are challenging, fun, and there is no limit to how far they can take you. My fitness has improved greatly and I hope this program can help others as well. Buy the video, buy the book, and buy a Kettlebell. You will enter the elite!
Rating:
Summary: So you think you are Mr. Tough Guy!!
Review: Be prepared to be humbled!! Try the execises in this book with dumbells or better yet-real kettlebells. Not only will you gain real useable strength, but your cardio fitness will go thru the roof at the same time. Lifting iron is one thing-swinging it around with high rep routines is another!! Be prepared to be in the best shape of your life!! It may even get you to drop all other forms of training. The book is clearly written with excellent photos of the movements. It has historical coverage of kettlebell training as well as many humorous lines. Don't hesitate to get the book before you get the kettlebells as you can do most of the routines with dumbells. Kettlebells add a more difficult dimension however. If you read and profited from Pavel's Power to the People book, be prepared to move to a higher level. You will love this approach to training and will quickly be hooked on it. Buy the book and get to work-you will never look back!!
Rating:
Summary: be prepared
Review: Comrad Pavel's book is packed full of information for real-world strength, power and endurance. He first gives a good update of the kettlebell world from past to present, then he dives into the movements and programs. I must admit, his writing comes off cocky but thats what i want in a person trying to help me, as long as he can back it up, and Pavel can. The only downfall is it makes you want to buy a real kettlebell, which can cost hundreds just for a pair a 1 pood crunchers. I found that an adjustable kettlebell handle works just as fine and costs only $60. I got mine from a company based out of Canada and it lets you put as much or as little weight as you wish. Don't use dumbbells, you will miss the full effect. With this book, or his video, & a kettlebell or similar, you can forge a body made out of stone!
Rating: 
Summary: Not So Fast
Review: Don't be so quick to fall for all the enthusiastic reviews here. First, this is in fact Pavel's best book, which honestly isn't saying much. Still it has a little more substance than his usual product. Hence it gets two stars not one. Second, Kettlebells are not magic. There are hundreds of good exercises devices and programs that work just as well if you apply yourself. Many of the reviewers forget the author's own words in the book, that there is "no gold inside a kettlebell". If you haven't succeeded with other programs, don't expect miracles with this. Fitness doesn't increase and fat doesn't come off the body with marketing gimmicks, just hard work. Third, kettlebells can be very dangerous. Ignore the macho-oozing-with-latency talk by the "comrades". Injuring yourself is not fun and not necessary. I am not saying reject the whole kettlebell program because of the risk factor, but you should honestly assess the safety factor before making a decision without being intimidated by all the teenage chest thumpers looking to prove their manhood. Dropping these on yourself or someone else, or hitting yourself or someone else would be very sad. Although I am sure Pavel would like to drop one on me after this review. Fourth, the author as usual, makes some questionable statements. Just one example is how he advocates kettlebell lifting for boxers or kickboxers, to strengthen the shoulder muscles. The objective,he states, is too be able to hold your arms up for a longer period of time. To anyone who has studied biomechanics, this is laughable. Muscular shoulders are not necessary for this as the arms are not held up by the shoulders, but rather by the thorax at the level of about T3 or T4. Very bad mistake. Overall, the book is a usual Pavel production only a notch higher. Pavel was apparently a top competitior in this sport so he is has more to offer on this subject than others perhaps.
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