Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit

I've purchased a few different workout DVDs in the past, but I always got bored with them quickly. I ordered Kettlenetics a few weeks ago, and I can say this is the first DVD workout program I've stuck with -- and continue to enjoy using! As other reviewers have stated, don't be fooled by the 4lb "Kbell"...this little weighted bell packs a big punch when it's combined with Michelle's cardio moves. I was literally dripping with sweat within 10 minutes; something that rarely happened with my other cardio workout videos. The Kbell is well made and comfortable to hold, even though I have slightly large hands. My husband kept warning me to not "throw that thing into the TV" which is valid -- especially when you're sweating, be careful to keep a firm grip! The overview: The package comes with two DVDs. One disc includes a basic run-through of the various moves. I highly suggest starting with this, even if you're tempted to just jump right in. It helps you become familiar with the movements, as the other "main" workout transitions through these without much explanation (which is great, in my opinion -- I hate watching workout DVDs where the instructor explains each move EVERY time. It gets VERY old, very quickly. Probably a big reason I dislike most workout videos.) The second part of the first disc is a 20-minute basics workout. I was tempted to skip this and go right into the main disc, but I'm glad I tried it... this is a GREAT workout in just 20 minutes, so it's perfect for a quick morning routine or just any time when you don't want to spend 45 minutes on the longer workout. It is still a great all-around workout that got my heart pumping and sweat dripping right away. Some reviews I read said that people MAINLY used this workout and only did the longer one once or twice a week! I think that will actually be my routine of choice, as well. The other DVD is a 45-minute workout that combines the kettlenetics moves in more of a dance-cardio workout. I'm not the most coordinated or graceful person, so I felt a little awkward the first time but I am confidant that the moves will get easier (and more fluid) the longer I stick with it. This workout also includes floor work (for abs, arms, back, etc.) that the shorter workout did not have. Michelle is a cute, energetic instructor who is not annoying or over-the-top like some other instructors can be. She's encouraging and upbeat while still making her own tiny blunders, which makes me like her even more. Time will tell for sure, but I think this is one workout I can actually stick to. I actually look forward to getting home from work and picking up my kbell! I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a good full-body cardio/toning program in a short amount of time.

The little 4-lb kettlebell is almost a joke--if you've ever hauled a 20lb one, this is cute, like a paperweight. But it actually is a very nicely made kettlebell, vinyl-covered metal and the handle is big enough for a woman. I have medium-large hands and I was able to use the handle with one hand comfortably and even get two hands through the handle, necessary for the workout. It's light enough to do the workout as a beginner, which is why I wanted this. The cardio workout is a combination of mostly low-impact moves and natural moves with the kettlebell; the theory of using such a weight is you have an off-balance "tool" that involves natural work movements like paddling a canoe or chopping wood. These moves are in the cardio workout. The squats and lunges are deep--the "modifier" (actor on screen who demonstrates modified moves for those who can't do the full workout) is also lunging deeply, so I was a bit surprised her moves weren't actually modified--those of us with knee problems have to do much less deep lunges and squats. (For example, even when I was a teen playing tennis, my kneecap would dislocate, so I always modify any of these moves to keep the knee from fully flexing and bearing all the pressure.) Other than my issue with the lunges and squats, the workout is fast moving but something most people can do, building up if you are not fit to start. But some of the moves (classic get-ups, pushups with one arm lift of bell, are hard for beginners, though great for your core. It takes some practice to do these, and you have to break the "get-up" down into parts to learn how to go from supine to standing. The floor work is mostly do-able, however. Just modify what you can't do--for example, the "modifier" actress is doing knee-down push-ups, not full leg extension.) It's not the most vigorous workout I've done, but definitely fast enough and with enough variety that it makes me sweat. The moves that have you reach down with the bell and extend it over your head are excellent for aerobics and strength together. When the workout gets easier, you can always up your kettlebell weight from the four pound. The workout includes kettlebell "swings" (through legs, up over head, hold it with both hands.) If you have a poor grip or the bell is too small for you, it could go flying. Consider where a four pound metal weight is going to end up if you lose control. Summary: good cardio workout, nice light bell weight for starters. Natural work moves help you get fit.

After following this program for two months I am blown away at how quickly my body toned up and slimmed down. Even after two weeks I saw results! Friends keep asking me what I am doing to look so toned. I'm actually looking forward to swimsuit season! Though I've been pretty fit and thin most of my life, a busy work load has kept me so busy the last 2 years that my body got a bit soft and pudgy in a few places. The progress is so fast that I enjoy looking in the mirror daily and noting how the shape of my arms, shoulders, stomach, thighs and butt have improved dramatically. Happy dance! I also LOVE that I have more energy, feel lighter, and stronger. For awhile I was feeling like I was getting old and that I needed a new wardrobe. But what I really needed was to get strong and lean again! The DVD comes with 2 workouts: one is easier and only 20 minutes long. The other one is more advanced and 40 minutes long. It also comes with an intro where Khai teaches you the form for each move. I've been mostly doing only the 20 minute workout every other day for 2 months. About once a week I do the 40 minute workout. I am amazed, and delighted, with how quickly I am getting back in shape with so little time. I'm used to doing 1 hour workouts daily to look like this. The first week I did it I was so sore that just going up or down stairs or getting out of a chair made me groan. I did the 20 minute workout every other day for a few weeks before I even tried the 40 minute workout. I was sore for a few days again. Now, for the last month, I don't ever feel sore - just stronger and more vibrant. I love the 20 minute workout because I can fit it in even on the busiest day. It's impossible to come up with a decent excuse to not take care of myself when it takes only 20 minutes. This last week I started to get a little bored with hearing the same music on the DVD again and again. During the last few workouts I turned the DVD on AND some of my favorite music at the same time. Worked great! Michelle Khai is adorable and motivating. I haven't gotten tired of her voice or instruction at all. Another reason I like this DVD is because I personally do not enjoy conventional weight lifting moves. I get so bored that I give up after a week or two. Khai's workout is playful, fun and makes me feel more like I am dancing than working out. I am ready to graduate soon to the 8lb version! I hope your results are as great as mine have been.

The kettlebell was warped. The red coating looked like it had been melted on one side. I was going to return it, but I just did not want to go to the trouble. The DVD workout is okay, however I have since found better workouts on You Tube, and have purchased another kettle bell elsewhere.

This is my first Amazon product review, so bear with me. I ordered the Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit based on the previous reviewers' opinions. The kit arrived promptly and without any damage to the package, so kudos to Amazon. I was completely surprised when I opened the box and discovered that the kettlebell was a tiny 4 pound thing that I can barely hold in one of my XL hands. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. The kettlebell is pictured on the box, held by the instructor. There's nothing to indicate that the handle is incredibly small! Or that this kit is intended for women only. Luckily, I was able to adapt by substituting one of my dumbbells for all of the workouts on the DVD. Each workout is excellent - well lit, plenty of good camera angles, and the instructor is very helpful, explaining not only the fundamentals of the kettlebell workout, but the reasons why you're doing all of the various movements. She's exactly right in her approach. I never felt like a beginner, even though this is my first experience with kettlebells. My advise is to try and find the DVD sold seperatly and buy a larger kettlebell, especially if you have big hands. If your glove size is XL/XXL, buy a bigger kettlebell seperately. I can't emphasize this enough.

So far I have only been doing the basic 20 minute workout. I used to be in good shape - I lived in Colorado and hiked 14'ers (14,000+ foot mountains) - sometimes hiking for 8 hours a day. However, I had cancer a few years ago and thanks to the chemo, etc., I was left weak and out of shape. Trying to get back into shape has been frustrating. I'm really weak and I've gained a lot of weight. I've tried a variety of things, none of it working. About 4 months ago I went gluten free, and that has helped. 2 months ago I started walking a 30-40 minutes a day, and then a couple of weeks ago I started Kettlenetics. After my first Kettlenetics workout, I felt pretty good, maybe a little sore - but the next day, I couldn't believe how much my muscles ached! Yet, the workout itself is fun, not strenuous and it's low impact. But after only 2 weeks of 3 workouts a week, my clothes already feel loose, my posture has improved and I have more energy throughout the day, so I am doing more - gardening, going for longer walks, etc. I think Kettlenetics, at least for me, will work not just because I use calories while doing the workout, but also the cumulative effect - I'm happier and more energetic throughout the day and so I am more active. After 2 weeks, I finally feel comfortable enough with the basic workout to start trying the longer ones - I am looking forward to trying the cardio balance tomorrow and some of the toning exercises later this week. One thing - this is NOT a traditional kettlebell workout. The ball is only 4 pounds and the basic workout incorporates dance moves. However, Michelle does emphasize good form, so I think you will learn a few of the basic kettlebell moves. However, for someone who wants a hard-core kettlebell workout - this is not it. Also, people really need to watch their form to avoid back injury. After the first workout, I did feel some soreness in my lower back and so I re-watched the Kb elements video and then the next time I worked out, I made sure to lift from my legs, etc. That totally helped. My advice if you've got injury prone areas - it's better to be safe and watch the elements video a few times, make sure you are using proper form, etc., before diving in. Slow and steady wins the race.

If you're new to the Kettlebell this is not for you. Description says it contains 3 complete workouts. Not so. KB Elements - the video that introduces the movements found in the other two workouts is an unbalanced workout. The instructor shows each movement but only on one side. It's not a balanced or complete workout. Flow Motion Basics, the beginning workout, is not for those who have never used the Kettlebell. It takes several tries to get the workout down but when the instructor goes to double time it's very difficult to keep up. The workout is very fast and difficult to do with a kettlebell heavier that 5 lbs. Cardio Balances workout, the advanced workout, is very fast and hard to follow. Many of the movements are awkward difficult or uncomfortable to do. When the instructor goes to double time it's impossible to keep up. She says to go at your own pace but that's hard to do and keep up. The modifier doesn't provide modifications that make the exercises any easier. This kit is definitely not for the overweight and if you're just starting to exercise and looking for a place to start, look elsewhere.

I have just started with this, but already my legs and arms are a bit sore, meaning it's working. Most of the exercise videos I have tried so far increase my heart rate, but never make me sweat or make me feel it in the muscles. This one has done both in just the first day. Your thighs WILL be the most sore spot, since this workout uses your lower body more than anything for power (though it is a 360 workout routine for fat burning). The elements DVD shows you the moves, as well as the posture you want for doing them to avoid injury and get the most out of the workout. The basics DVD has the professionals, showing you the more advanced moves, but also one person doing the less advanced moves you can follow if you are a beginner. Michelle reminds you every so often through verbal cues to adjust your posture, because the posture mistakes she reminds you about are pretty easy to slip into. They also do the moves slowly to start, then work up to "double time" which is normal speed movements, so you can get used to the moves. The stretch exercises loosen your muscles without being too intensive, do not skip these! The kbell is well designed, it seems. You would think flipping a 4lb weight around your wrist would hurt, but it goes slowly and smoothly from side to side. The grip is solid and even the exercise moves where you have to kind of "toss" it in the air don't make me worry about losing my grip on the bell and dropping it on my foot or head. Overall, the exercise routine seems very well paced and thought out. A lot of other DVDs tend to either go so slow you barely get any results, or so fast and hard that a beginner would be unable to even complete them. This one starts out slow enough a beginner can get into it and advances you through a schedule (outlined in the weight loss guide which is included) to build stamina before pushing you into the harder routines.

this should be available in uk format it is a fantastic workout and has helped me to really tone up like no other workout has done the kettlebell really does shape and tone and the instructions are very well explained