Kettlebell Simple & Sinister: Revised and Updated Edition (2nd Edition) Kindle Edition

Personally, I found Pavel’s writing style to be engaging as well as entertaining. His instructions are easy to follow. He also lays out the research to back up his claims. As far as the program itself goes, it’s just like the book says: “Simple, not easy.” In my own experience, this holds true. I’ve been running S&S for almost a year now and I am working toward the Timed Simple challenge. This program is a solid foundation for beginners interested in strength/conditioning. The program includes only two main exercises: the hard style kettlebell swing and Turkish get up. There are some warm up exercises as well i.e. goblet squats, hip bridges, and shoulder halos. To move up in weight, you utilize a concept called “step loading” where weight is increased slowly over time to prevent fatigue. This also allows you to “practice” (Pavel makes it very clear this is not a workout) almost daily until you reach the goal of Timeless Simple, which is when you are able to complete 100 swings and 10 Turkish get ups with a 32kg bell (24kg for women). Once you reach this benchmark, the practice volume dials down to 3-4 times a week (should you decide to continue), with a timed challenge on Fridays where you grind through 100 swings in 5 minutes, take a 1 minute break, and then perform 10 Turkish get ups in 10 minutes without sacrificing form for speed. I am by no means an experienced weight trainer, but I found the simplicity to be liberating. There isn’t much to think about - just commit to the practice for around 45 minutes a day and that’s it. Move on with your day. I enjoy the repetitiveness of the program as well - practice becomes very meditative. As for the results, I probably lost some strength gains but I made up for it by gaining some much needed cardiovascular endurance. Prior to S&S, I felt powerful but I would get winded easily. I also leaned out a bit, which my wife appreciates. I almost forgot possibly the best part about this program - you’re not burnt out so badly that you can’t do other physical activities the rest of the day. You put in some hard work but still have gas left in the tank, to paraphrase Pavel. I highly recommend this book.

The book is well written and shows great modifications for the workouts. You can skip to the workout itself, but the other content provides a lot of nuance and context behind the mindset and philosophy of the workout. You can hear Pavel's voice as you read through the book (if you're familiar with him). I have the book and my three kettlebells and have been doing the program for the past two months. My deep squats and hip mobility have improved drastically and my functional strength has improved so much so playing with my 3 year old and 1 year old feels SO much better. Amazing practical and efficient workout that can be done daily! I recommend this to all busy and working dads needing a mindless but effective workout!

I've been following this program as written since the book was released, and I've never felt better. Having been a fitness hobbyist for years, mostly for the feel-good factor, I've explored many programs: Couch to 5k, Stronglifts/Starting Strength, Crossfit, some bodyweight training and gym rock climbing, etc etc. None has ever had such a positive impact on my fitness and feeling of wellbeing as S&S has. I am no devotee of StrongFirst or Pavel's, my only involvement has been reading a few of Pavel's books (Naked Warrior, Enter the Kettlebell, Power to the People) and experimenting with those programs a bit. No one has asked me to write a review. That said, this book blows away the totality of fitness literature I've read up until now with regards to directness and completeness of the content.Here's what to expect from the book: a general physical preparedness program to follow every day with a single kettlebell (though ideally you'll want two sizes to start) in 20-30 minutes, including a warmup, two primary exercises to practice, and some stretches. Detailed explanations and progressions for every movement. Some material on the history and philosophy of kettlebell training, with deep insights drawn from martial arts, military, and powerlifting applications. Several chapters on cultivating tension/relaxation control, breathing exercises, tips on how to progress to higher weights, and when and how to challenge yourself or take it easy.This is a complete book, and a complete program. If a total beginner, with literally no experience in fitness training, were to ask me for a "magic bullet" one-stop solution to develop strength, explosiveness, balance, coordination, mobility, injury resistance, and maintain good general health for life without overworking themselves, this is the book I would hand them. And I truly believe they would be well taken care of if they did nothing but follow it to the letter.Doesn't that sound like generic hyperbole?How can I keep a straight face while affecting the same salesman mentality that's shilling so many silly books on the same topic?The reason is because this book is NOT, in fact, a "magic bullet" or a workaround in any way. The advice is frank: to be strong, you have to apply yourself honestly. You have to learn to listen to your body, to acknowledge the smallest sensations and gauge your energy levels. In my opinion, the greatest value of this book is not the specific exercises prescribed, though they are phenomenal and I have no inclination to change anything about the program as I continue to practice it. The greatest value of this program is the mentality that comes with it: fitness is an internal pursuit, not a game to be won or cheated, and fitness training done well exposes your personal weaknesses and vulnerabilities every day. You become stronger, in body and in mind, by that process.I can't speak to the usefulness of this book for athletes, law-enforcement/military, or fitness professionals, since I am none of them - other reviews here might be more helpful if you're looking for that perspective. I'm a musician, and fitness training is a hobby that helps me feel good, keep my energy levels up, maintain good health, and prevent injuries. That said, I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not taking away something deeply helpful. Pick it up, the price is right. It's a quick read, but I've already read it 5 or 6 times now. Enjoy.