As you probably know, I’ve been LOVING Bob Harper’s Inside Out Method DVDs. His Body Rev Cardio DVD even has a lot of kettlebell-style moves in it, but since they’re done with a dumbbell they just aren’t the same. So when, I finally found Bob Harper’s new Kettlebell from GoFit (which includes a 25 minute workout) I had to buy it so I could give real kettlebells a try.
The kettlebell is definitely nicer than the average one you see in the gym. The “bell” part is coated (it’s red in the picture above)…different colors indicate different weights. I got the 15 pound one since (a) I’ve been using 10 pound weights for Body Rev and 15 seemed like a good step up, and (b) it was red and I like red. Other options are 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35 pounds.
The big selling feature on this is the contour of the bell part. Most kettlebells are round, but as you can see in the picture, this one is concave on each side so that when it rests against your arm, your arm fits in there nicely. Combined with the coating, it’s definitely more comfortable than a plain metal ball.
Don’t get me wrong – yes it’s more comfortable, but if you don’t control it you’ll smack your arm just like you would with any other kettlebell. But the shape and coating definitely help, and once it’s in position it feels really solid. The handle is pretty wide, and would definitely fit most women’s hands just fine. I wouldn’t mind seeing it a bit wider, but I imagine the more “manly” weights are. ;)
So after swinging it around a bit and scaring my wife – I’m still talking about the kettlebell, heh – I did the DVD workout. Becky, from the other Inside Out DVDs, is his subject and she does a great job. Like with Bob’s other DVDs, he’s a great motivator and the music is good as well.
The included workout is not a “kill you” workout, but is more of an introduction to kettlebell workouts. There’s a warmup, and then you do a bunch of basic kettlebell moves. He focuses on form, having you do many of the moves without the weight first, and then you move into the weighted versions. There are swings, presses, rows, and other simple, but effective, moves. He throws a couple of cardio moves in (jumping jacks) and then at the end there’s a very brief cooldown. I felt like I got a short workout – much easier than Shred, but if you’re new to working out it would be appropriate. It was just enough for me to tell that kettlebell workouts can be good.
The only downside is that it’s pretty pricey – Amazon has the one I have for $39.99. Not bad, but definitely more expensive than dumbbells, so if you’re looking to get multiple weights it can add up fast. Or if you don’t know what weight is appropriate, it can be an expensive guess. I know Jillian has an adjustable kettlebell (20 pounds max), but it costs $89.99, so again…the expense seems to go along with the kettlebell.
Conclusion
The kettlebell is very nice, although it (like many kettlebells) are kind of expensive. I appreciate the coating, because when I put it down I don’t feel like I’m going to mess up my floor, shelves, or bed (I work out in the bedroom). The contour is nice to help you feel more comfortable with it, and the DVD is a nice introduction to kettlebell workouts.
If you have the money and are looking to expand your workouts to include kettlebells, or if you’re looking to get another kettlebell to add to your collection, this is definitely a nice one to get. And it (along with the DVD) has convinced me to also get Bob’s Inside Out Kettlebell workouts because I can see the benefit of a good kettlebell workout.
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Thanks for all of these reviews! Based on your original Inside Out Method reviews, I had bought the whole set! What I like most about Bob is that he starts you off by getting the movement right before adding the weight or going faster or whatever. It is a great teaching method. I agree that kettlebells are expensive, and so I will have to think about it some more… But thanks for the reviews!
I’m glad you like them! I definitely like his Inside Out DVDs, which is funny because I didn’t like the Biggest Loser ones at all! But these came along at the right time and totally mesh with where I am right now! LOL I just wish that the longer kettlebell workouts came with the kettlebell itself.
I too bought the entire IOM set last summer based on your awesome reviews. Will you be doing reviews on the IOM Kettlebell workouts? I’d love to read your thoughts on that!!
I’ll definitely be reviewing them, but wanted to do them each more than once before writing them. It’s tough working them into my marathon training, but Monday and Tuesday are set to do them both, so hopefully Wednesday/Thursday will be the review.
Thanks for your review, Bill! I’m gearing up to try kettlebells, and this is great info.
One question: have you ever heard of a “sandbell”? I just saw it featured in Real Simple magazine as an alternative to a kettlebell. Equally as effective, but softer, I hear. I have not tried it — any thoughts?
Thanks!