RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning

Master RKC, Geoff Neupert has produced a wonderful guide to advanced KB programs and workouts. This is NOT an introduction or an instruction book in KB lifting, but a set of advanced programs and workouts using KB's and some body weight work written by expert RKC certified individuals. The reader is expected to know how to use KB at at least an intermediate, if not an advanced level. Reference is made to other Dragon Door products that do provide basic and intermediate instruction in Kettle bells.Geoff has invited his friends and fellow RKC certified at various levels, to submit their favorite programs or workouts using kettlebells. And they have done so, in spades. The list of individuals contributing is long and fabled. Some of them are Keith Weber of "Extreme Kettlebells" dvd's, Brian Copeland, Mark Reifkind, Jeff O'Conner, Steve Gould, John Heinz, Brett Jones, Paul Daniels, Keira Newton. Many of the writers are professional fitness experts, owning their own gyms. Each individual has from 2 to a dozen pages of instructions in their workout or program. The programs and workouts vary from strength, to aerobic conditioning to fat loss. Each program is well marked for its target audience and expected use. The last "a bonus section" is advice from Brett Jones, Master RKC, as to how to prepare for and pass the RKC.Geoff has collated and edited these very well. All instructions are easy to follow. All pictures are illustrative of the individual writing that chapter, not instructive in the techniques. But, again, the expected level of the reader is such that instruction in the techniques should not be necessary. The brief bio's of each author are excellent, pointing out their qualifications to be included. Good directions for each program are well laid out and very clear.This book belongs in the library of and should be used by, any individual using Kettle bells at an intermediate or advanced level. The references to the various authors' other books and dvd's, available through Dragon Door, are excellent.

Like other reviews, this is not an introduction to exercises and techniques. However, there are some plans in here that are beneficial if you've taken time off of exercising.Overall, this is a great resource for advanced users and beginners alike. Mind you when I say 'beginners', I refer to someone who is at least familiar with the proper technique for KB movements and corresponding nomenclature, but maybe is not as strong or conditioned as the rest of us. Below are a few notes of why it got 5 Stars:1) All of us can fall into monotony, and I think this book does a great job of giving you a foundation to organize your own training. It's like cooking in that you follow recipes for a long enough time to where you can get creative on your own.2) This book consolidates a lot of different figures in the KB community who are now spread to the winds in the blogosphere. They all offer different and great perspectives.3) There is a lot of content for just workouts, or some of the programs. Some people have success built on following a routine strictly, and I personally am always adding to a multitudinous fitness philosophy.4) Presentation is great, easy to navigate, and inviting. Also, I think there is something for everyone (runners, fighters, etc). Remember, I think this is a great resource to amplify any aspect of personal wellness.5) Lauren Brooks.I hope this helps, and I would definitely purchase again and for a friend.

This is NOT an introduction to kettlebells or a beginners book. Please purchase  Enter The Kettlebell! Strength Secret of The Soviet Supermen  by Pavel or  The Swing!: Lose the Fat and Get Fit with This Revolutionary Kettlebell Program by Tracy Reifkind if you are new to the wonderful world of kettlebells!Quick background:I have trained with kettlebells for a couple years, but only got serious about a year ago. I learned the basics (from the outstanding Enter The Kettlebell) and attended an HKC (Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification) that focused on the swing, goblet squat, and turkish getup. I am currently preparing for the RKC and figured this book would provide some assistance in learning more workouts and would be fun at the same time.I could not have been happier! This book is phenomenal! It is a collection of workouts and training tips from the best of the best!There are programs for every goal! Fat burning, check. See Josh Hillis' program! Workout built around swings, Check. Mark Reifkind has an outstanding program guaranteed to build your posterior chain into cables of steel! In a hurry? Check. Lauren Brooks has a 20 min workout that will leave you gasping! You have tons of workouts to choose from. Yes, you need to know the exercises and form because this book touches on a few key points, but is not meant to teach how to do a snatch or a perfect getup. It has pointers and outstanding advice! I recommend it to anyone that has a foundation to build on!Strength and Honor!Randy

As a Strong First certified instructor, I can state with confidence that this book is a must have for anyone new to kettlebells, or advanced in their practice. The sheer number of kettlebell professionals represented, along with their training protocols of choice, make this a #1 go to on my shelf.

Good information but not what I was expecting as far as enough programs written for 6-8 weeks.

Great book for intermediate to advanced kettlebell practitioners. I gave it 5 stars because the workouts and programs have been amazing. I will say though this is not a book for beginners. There are some very advanced exercises and programs in here that will not benefit a beginner. For a beginner I would suggest Enter the Kettlebell by Pavel or go find an RKC or SFG instructor. If you have experience with kettlebells then definitely grab this book

Awesome book, with some crazy intense workouts in it! Hands down the best KB workout book. It is breath taking, literally.

Endlich mal ein konkretes wie auch umfangreiches Trainingsbuch für die Kettlebells. Im Buch finden sich Programme für jedermann, jedoch hauptsächlich für Fortgeschrittene oder KB Experten, ausgetüftelt von RKC Mastern. Man muss schon wissen was TGU bedeutet, ansonsten empfehlt es sich den Begriff über youtube nachzusehen. Die Trainingsprogramme sind tough, viele sind eine echte Herausforderung. Kann das Buch nur jedem KB Anhänger, der weiterkommen will, wärmsten empfehlen.