What do you think of it?
IronFist
hey Ironfist, I’m sorry this is offtopic, but I was wondering if you would mind if I asked what kind of workout routine you’re doing right now and whether you periodize (?) your workout routines?
Thanks.
KG
Which one do you like best?
They are all good in different ways. I really like BPA (Bulletproof Abs) and PtP (Power to the People) for general fitness etc. These two tapes were invaluable when I first started looking at functional strength exercises.
But in terms of what I use on a daily basis the RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) and BPA have been the most valuable, since I do Kettlebell and AB workouts everyday.
If anyone is looking at getting Pavel’s material I would recommend getting the videos first (especially for RKC and PtP), then follow up with the books.
KG
Ironfist
IronFist,
Sorry, I forgot to answer your question.
I got the RKC video first and it really shows a lot of the ‘technique’ behind lifting the KB, which may be hard to figure out by just reading the book. It has most of the exercises that is presented in the book and he shows movements in detail. Personally I don’t think I would have done the movements correctly if I only had the book… Anyway, the only thing the RKC video don’t have is ‘made-up’ routines, it only gives you general guidelines (just like in PtP). But as you know, the routines are easy to get from the DD forum.
Hope this helps,
KG
I have it, but I think it’s a waste of money as was every other Pavel thing I bought after PTP, BPA, and BS. I’d say the only exercise really worth learning is the snatch/swing. Anything else is better to use more main stream means of gaining strength. I like the odd lifts like the bent press, but you get more out of it with a barbell.
I’m with Ford Perfect
You know..the only reason they have thousands of book reviewers is because SOMEBODY needs to critically acclaim a writers book. Pavel is overrated, his books are low on content, they recycle, and attempt to make up space with little humorous Soviet analogies..Power to the People blew. I learned one thing, to focus on my grip when i lift or do chins…that’s it. That sure isn’t worth the 60+ Canadian dollars it costs to get the book. I haven’t looked back to him since.
Never go for hype. Nothing he says is a “russian secret”… my instructor had a good laugh when he read that and Fury’s stuff. For seasoned martial artists who have studied not only combat, but physical conditioning for decades, that stuff is child fodder..nothing more.
Yeah. I thought PTP was good, though. It contains a lot of knowledge that most people don’t know or bother to think about (like forcefully tensing the abs during deadlifting).
I was just wondering about the KB stuff because I was thinking about getting one just for variety’s sake. I thought seeing the video would be a good intro to it (and much cheaper than buying a KB) so I wanted some opinions on it.
IronFist
could u substitute a dumbbell for a KB when doing the exercises… or is the KB ‘specifically designed’ for the exercises…
IronFist,
If you’re just curious about the KB workouts, there are plenty of info on the web. You can even go to Scrapper’s site and see pictures and descriptions of snatches using dumbbells.
Personally I’ve found the KB’s to be one of the best overall conditioning tools I’ve used. Some may not believe the hype, but I urge anyone to try the high-rep ballistic KB workouts at least for a week and see… I bet you’d be amazed.
Suntzu,
Yes, you can use dumbbells in place of Kettlebells. There is definitely a difference between using a DB vs. a KB’s but using a DB works just fine. I only got a KB about six months ago and used DB’s for about three months prior to it. The primary difference is the thickness of the grip of a KB as well as the displacement of weight that a KB provides,which makes the workouts a little more challenging.
Personally I found PtP pretty useful, probably because I never really worked out with weights before. I actually got it after I got the RKC and BPA. I don’t think Pavel’s stuff is necessarily ground breaking (I know this now…) but it’s valuable for someone who wants to initially get into strength training without having to wade through all the junk out there…
Personally I prefer using bodyweight exercises, and found Scrapper’s stuff to be pretty good.
KG
Kempo Guy,
I’ve used a full KB routine, KB mixed with bodyweight/odd object stuff, and KB mixed with weights. Each for well over a month, and I’m far from convinced. Like I said, the only lift that I feel has any merit is the high-rep KB snatch. It’s a pretty good fat-burning/cardio exercise and can build a strong posterior chain. I never had much fat and am very active, so the fat-buring/cardio means little to me, and there are a lot better ways to build one’s posterior chain. Just my opinion. 
I liked Pavel’s first stuff, but now he’s just a mess of recycled material and contradictions. My KB is now used as a door stopper.
FP,
To each their own I suppose… You should post your KB for sale on DD forum. I’m sure someone would love to pick it up.
I do agree with Pavel’s contradictions though… (you’re referring to the hi-rep snatches vs. low rep Ptp right?)
Personally I’ve found that it’s one of the better tools for all around fitness when combined with bodyweight training (pistols, pull ups, hindu pushups etc.). I train MA about six times a week (Grappling, JKDC and TaiJi) so I guess I can say I’m fairly active. It’s helped my grappling (especially) a lot. I don’t have much time during the day (I work 12 hour days) so the KB’s are pretty fast and easy way to get my strength and cardio conditioning (along with my jump rope and BW training). Also since I despise weight training, it’s a fun alternative.
Later,
KG
No need to post it on DD. I’ll buy it if it’s a 1 pood KB. 
**** you beat me to it. I was gonna say if it’s a 1 pood I’ll buy it.
If someone wants to sell their KB video I’ll buy that. I just want to see it. Then I’ll sell it to the next person or whatever.
IronFist
They censor d-a-m-n now?
IronFist
It’s a 1 pood’er. I’d only sell it local since the shipping would be a pain. (Boston)
I’ll sell that KB video though IronFist. $25
Kempo Guy,
There are plenty of other contradictions on his part. The last two books I got, Relax into Stretch & Fast and Loose, had me disgusted with rehashing of material and his contradictions. One book: “never do this. it is dangerous” book 2: “this is an essential part of the program” (same exercise)
if IF doesn’t want it I will buy it from you.
Ford Perfect,
I don’t have the two books you mention so I missed those… That’s pretty weird that he has such contradictory statements. Only stretching material of his I’ve got is his “Beyond Stretching” video. It’s ok but nothing too revolutionary.
BTW, other videos you may want to check out (although not necessarily related to strength) is the rmax.tv (ROSS) stuff.
I use ‘Warrior Wellness’ on a daily basis and it’s increased my ROM as well as helped my overall flexibility. It also ties in well with their other videos which are specific to martial arts.
KG
I liked Beyond Stretching, but every single other stretching/rom book he put out after is 95% rehashed material from Beyond Stretching. The other 5% is the stretches he said were too dangerous to do in Beyond Stretching. I don’t have Warrior’s Wellness, but I have the Zdorvye tapes and Grapplers Toolbox. Good stuff for the most part except the Zdoryve seems to be aimed at couch potatos trying to do something with themselves.
I have a pretty comprehensive library of fitness-related tapes and books. The best gains I’ve seen from all of them are Westside methods and using Pavel’s periodization plans from PTP. I’m going to try some of Ian King’s bodybuilding stuff in a month though since I lost 20 lbs last month because of Lyme desease.