From Russia with Tough Love: Pavel's Kettlebell Workout for a Femme Fatale

by Pavel Tsatsouline

In Russia, kettlebells have long been revered as the fitness-tool of choice for Olympic athletes, elite special forces and martial artists. The kettlebell's ballistic movement challenges the body to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0938045431
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Dragon Door Pubn
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 0.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Best workout ever!

When I first heard of kettlebells a couple months ago they seemed like they were for hardcore macho-man types--commandos, Green Berets, whatever. Not for me, a plump middleaged woman trying to get into shape and lose fat. But then I found out about this book and video for women, and suddenly I knew I had to try it. I'm so glad I did!!! Pavel's attitude is highly amusing as he milks the macho Russian drill sergeant schtick for all it's worth, but it's all tongue-in-cheek. And at the same time, he's giving priceless information and motivation about a training method that I'm sure will be huge once it catches on, because the results are so spectacular and quick and it's so physically satisfying and fun to do. I ordered this book, the accompanying DVD, and one 15-lb. kettlebell to get started with, and I received them and started using them about a week ago. I can honestly say that this kettlebell workout is the greatest form of exercise I've ever tried. I'd been eating a super-healthy top-quality diet for about five or six months and going to the gym and using the machines (both resistance and cardio) for about an hour to an hour and a half. Hadn't seen much in the way of results yet, despite my healthy diet and working out several times a week. I was feeling good, though. But when I tried the kettlebell, it just ***blew away*** my gym workouts. I've been using the KB for about a week now and plan to cancel my gym membership ASAP. The KB stays in my bedroom and I use it at least once a day, sometimes twice, for up to 20 minutes at a time. It feels so good that I WANT to do it--and that means no more time-consuming trips to the gym for me. I'm already starting to feel a difference in my body composition. According to Pavel, if you work out a lot with kettlebells you can shred up to 1% of your body fat per week, which is a LOT. The book has a lot of pictures showing the correct form, which I like, and it explains the WHY's behind KB training, which helped me to quickly gain a basic understanding of everything KB-related without having to read the book cover-to-cover. As for the DVD, I watched it through twice, and then started just skipping to the workout at the end, where the two women (DC and Andrea) are doing a freestyle KB workout as Pavel comments in the background. I watched that freestyle workout every day the first few days, as I did my own freestyle workouts, but now (yesterday and today), I've started just doing a freestyle workout to my favorite music instead. I feel I don't really need the book or the DVD anymore, except for occasional reference. So, to me, I'd say the most valuable part of the three things I bought to get started (Pavel's book, DVD, and a kettlebell) was by far the kettlebell itself. You pretty much need to have either the book or the DVD, or both, to get started, however, because you need to learn the various drills, correct form, etc. The DVD physically demonstrates how to do it, whereas the book explains why a

An Evolution In Method

"From Russia With Tough Love" represents an evolution in Pavel's methods of teaching kettlebell techniques. "The Russian Kettlebell Challenge" was male-oriented, taught basic exercises and then said "Have at it." "From Russia with Tough Love" is designed for women, assumes that the reader is an absolute beginner, starts from ground zero, and builds an effective workout step-by-step. I recommend "From Russia with Tough Love" for anyone, male or female, who is just starting out with kettlebells.

Best workout book!

Pavel gives a simple straightforward workout, with emphasis onsteady progress and safe technique. I have the tape also and ithelps, but if you can only afford one, get the book. There areexcellent illustrations, comments from other kettlebell users,and Pavel's dry wit throughout. I started this program tostrengthen my back. I am staying with it because IT IS FUN!To quote Pavel, "Comrade Ladies, enjoy!"

Not overpriced

Resistance training is entirely new to me. For that reason, an associate of Mr. Tsatsouline suggested "Tough Love" as a good starting place for me. I began by buying one (35 lb.) kettlebell and the associated video. The video is quite specifically instructional and very cleverly and efficiently arranged. Mr. Tsatsouline explains in economical detail exactly what should be done and (as importantly) exactly what must be avoided. At the same time, attractive (and very strong) female associates demonstrate, both in front view and side view how the moves are accomplished. The way to prove whether a product is good or bad is to learn its proper use and then use it consistently, almost every day, for a long time. If you find improvement in yourself, then the product is good. Otherwise, it is a bad or worthless product. I am already getting good results. Of at least the same importance, the exercises don't hurt me (at the time I do them). I don't feel as though I am systematically injuring myself by doing the exercises (as is sometimes the case with other resistance training that I've tried---very briefly---and abandoned). Although my own personal proof of this particular pudding is not yet finished, it appears to be going very well. Apparently, this book/video combination gives very true and useful information in exercise physiology---information many of us can use very much. Realizing that we are paying for information that we can use to improve our own physical lives a lot, I have to conclude that the materials are not overpriced. Ineffective instructional materials are overpriced. This, apparently, is worth the price (and probably more), contrary to some other reviews.

Not just for women

I was unsure if I should purchase this book since I already have the Russian Kettlebell Challeng book. But after I purchased it, it was well worth the money. It has a lot of different drills that both men and women can perform. I am very pleased with my purchase and look forward to Pavels next book.