Return to the The Ultimate Isometrics Manual

I always joke that the discus throw is my mistress. We have had a long relationship and she is my temptress, my muse and my passion. At times, she is warm and sometimes she is cruel.

Most people don’t know that I have another love affair: Isometric training. When I first discovered weightlifting (in 1965…and that’s no typo!), the isometric training rage was still burning brightly. I grew up in a home with the Bullworker and the Exer-genie; my brothers burned holes in these devices with overuse.

Later, Dave Turner fixed my clean recovery issues (in the Clean and Jerk) with Dead Stop Front Squats (at a precise 34 inches). I taught throwers the key positions in the throws with isometric holds followed by a vigorous shake out and then the full technique. Isometrics ALWAYS worked for me as a coach and athlete.

And, I always wondered: why doesn’t the whole world love them. I mean, it’s simple: we train the nervous system, we attack the muscles at literally 100% effort and…well, the magic happens.

As often happens, there was a lot I didn’t know. Until I found out!

Paul Wade takes us on a journey of isometric enlightenment here in "The Ultimate Isometrics Manual." We receive a graduate level course in much of the history of strength training…far beyond just isometrics. We meet many of my heroes, including Bill March who sent me the original photos from some of the articles discussed in Coach Wade’s book. We go on the journey of why isometrics were so exciting to the world of strength and conditioning.

So…gentle reader…why did isometrics "die?" For the record, many great ones still use it and it continues to intrigue the smart professionals. I had no idea how simple the problem turned out to be:

Measurability
Loading Reflex
Convenience

What isometrics needed "to work" for everybody was ALL three! I have a world class gym in my garage and a wife, Tiffini (whose middle name is NOT "Long Suffering" no matter how many times people say it!), who puts up with all kinds of weird things (and people) filling her home and yard.

Simply, I could overcome most issues and make isometrics work. For me.

Coach Wade’s book will let you in on how YOU can use this underappreciated tool kit. Isometrics, done correctly can do amazing things for your health, fitness and performance. After reading Coach Wade’s book, I discovered that it can help with longevity, too. Isometrics make the whole Cardiovascular system step up and, no, I didn’t know that before I read this book.

I had a chance, years ago, to interview Dick "Smitty" Smith, one of the pioneers of isometric training. He drove to Bill March to train with isometrics in a three-hour round trip three times a week when the "modern" methods were being developed (this is the bulk of Wade’s Part III: the Drills). Smitty was honest and candid to a fault.

He told me honestly that NOTHING has ever worked as well as isometric training. But he added those dreadful two words: "Done correctly."

This is the beauty of this book: you will learn the skills and drills to enjoy isometric training "done correctly."

You have in front of you an encyclopedia of knowledge. There is a lot on warming up and cooling down. You will get calisthenic drills, bodyweight challenges and a host of fun levers, hangs and holds. The directions are clear; the progressions are logical.

Rediscover the value of isometrics. Improve your strength, fitness and body composition with the "secrets" you find in this book. Listen to Coach Wade and enjoy the benefits of isometric work.

Done correctly!

Daniel John

Return to the The Ultimate Isometrics Manual

Based on 2942 reviews
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RKC Kettlebell
CJ Wagner
Best Kettlebell on the Market

The feel and weight distribution of this kettlebell is the best on the market.

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RKC Kettlebell
Anthony Cotrufello
Love RKC kettlebell

I'm not sure if I got a one off but the new finish is inferior to my older RKC Kettlebells. The others have a nice matte finish where my newest one has a shiny finish and looks like a cheaper version. Still a good bell, well balanced and probably still better than most. Got a 7/10 for that reason. By the way, I'm not a weekend warrior, I'm in the fitness industry: trainer for 15 years. I may know something.

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RKC Kettlebell
Alexander P
A product I love to snatch

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RKC Kettlebell
Carl Gauthier
Repeat customer

I keep coming back for more and can't imagine buying kettlebells anywhere else!

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RKC Kettlebell
Chris Nordeen
Unmatched quality

I have used many different brands of kettlebells and will only buy RKC. I have a pair of the 24s that are used almost everyday, they will humble you and empower you. Handles are the perfect size and are breaking in nicely. Another great product from RKC.

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RKC Kettlebell
Philip L
Best customer support

I would like to share my experience with the dragon door company. I ordered a few kettlebells with dragon door online. A subset of the kettlebells had minor defects with the e coating. Mr. John Du Cane went beyond the typical customer support to resolve my issues. I am extremely satisfy with dragon door and Mr John Du Cane customer support. I will definitely purchase from them again in the future. Thanks you

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RKC Kettlebell
David Arroyo
24kg Russian Kettlebell

Great quality, excellent Kettlebell. Great customer service. Will eventually purchase more kb's from Dragon Door.Don't hesitate to buy from Dragon Door.

I feel downright bulletproof

Kettlebells are a really great workout. I've been doing some basic swings based on an hour of training and I already feel fantastic.

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RKC Kettlebell
SPC John Langford
RESULTS GUARANTEED

My name is John Langford and I am currently serving in Iraq. I want to say thank you to Pavel and Dragondoor for allowing me to review this product. I have only been using KB'S for about 7-8 months. When I first got the 24kg KB I could only press it with each arm 1 time. So I started doing swings and turkish get ups. Now I can press it for multiple reps.If I could only have 1 tool to train with well..it would be a 24kg KB. I have been following Pavel's Enter the Kettlebell book for about 2 weeks now and I'M loving it.I would suggest beginners to KB'S purchase Enter the Kettlebell. It goes into great detail on how to properly do the excercises. Its amazing to me how much stronger I've gotten just using this simple tool.I could go on and on, but I won't. I will just say try a Kettlebell and hey if you don't like it you have 1 year to return it to Dragondoor. If thats not enough guarantee then I don't know what is.

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RKC Kettlebell
Marco Guanilo
a MUST HAVE for any KB enthusiast!

What more can you say about the 24KG bell? Along with the 16KG, this is THE bell to have for any male looking to progress their strength and endurance!

A great KB

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RKC Kettlebell
Bob Munds
My new favorite toy

I've been working with a 35# kettlebell for about 10 months. I'd gotten to the point where this was too light. I looked at several sites, both in local sporting goods stores and on-line for a bigger KB. None of the local stores carried anything larger than 35# so they were eliminated. I've purchased several books and DVD's from Dragon Door and have always felt they were well done. The 53# KB I purchased was no exception. It is well crafted and is my new favorite toy. My only regret was I wasn't at home when it was delivered to see the look on the UPS delivery man's face!

Portable Improvements

Since getting my kettlebell I have gained strength and muscle mass. It is not only one of the best things to use for excercise it is also fairly portable. I have been able to take it with me on road trips and not have to miss my workouts.

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RKC Kettlebell
Bart Holschuh
Great !

The 24kg kettlebell got here quick.Its been a real challenge to master.It was a great investment for my physical well-being.

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RKC Kettlebell
Scott C. ,
Love my 16kg, so had to get a 24.

I bought my 16kg about a year ago, was nursing a bad separated shoulder, had been doing mainly powerlifting type of lifts, ended stopping all lifting to let heal for about 8 mos plus.. anyway a month or so back just concentrated on ETK type work out with 16kg, have been feeling so good and getting stronger (and looking a lot better) so wanted to get the 24kg. I can press it but not for a lot of reps yet so still staying with 16kg for main workout until I put the time in and get my volume up with more ladders.. I love the quality of the Dragon Door Kettlebells. Happy that I bought the best. Really enjoying the concentrated workout that I get with the kettlebells, helping my flexibility, cardio/vascular, and strength all in very few minutes per day. Not having pulled a dead for about a year, the other day I did a test after just about a month of swings/TGU/C+P/few high pulls/snatches.. I did a few singles conventional style deadlift and pulled 315lbs like it was nothing. The hip snap that I am acquiring from working swings really helps at the top of lift.. A huge side benefit (or maybe main benefit ) is that I no longer get out of breath walking up hills around my neighborhood. As a footnote I am 52 years of age.. Stomach muscles are starting to show thru again, haven't really lost any weight just changing body composition.., so thank you Pavel for a great product!

In-Depth Review Below

Big, heavy, and spherical sufficiently describes Dragon Door's 24kg kettlebell. No extensive review necessary. If you desire powerful hips, a strong core, and superior conditioning, this is the tool.

Now I have two 24Ks Hot Dog!

Glad I made the decsion. I got it in a timley fashion.Very satisfied. At 61 yrs of age and a life time of bar bellsKbs are all I use now

It's just right

I used a cheaper introductory weight kettlebell to learn the basics while developing my strength, and as expected I was amazed by the quality of the Dragondoor 53 pounder when it arrived. It's balanced just right and has a good coating on it. I'm sure it will last for many years as my primary workout tool. It arrived very promptly as well.

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RKC Kettlebell
Capt. Justin Dumais
Awesome!

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One of the best kettlebells I have

I recently graduated to the 24 kg kettlebell and what a difference! Great kettlell - much better than the ones at my gym. My only complaint is the handle could be a bit 'rougher' to allow for a better grip.

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RKC Kettlebell
Freddy Bauhof
No-frills strength pursuit equipment

I absolutely couldn't wait for the 24kg bell to come to my door when I ordered. Dragondoor gives you crazy good quality for the price! I tried pressing the 24kg bell for reps when I was done with the 5X5 ladder using the 16kg, and sadly found out that I could only do I rep on either arm, although to be able to press the 24kg was a significant accomplishment for me then. Now, 2 months later, I am using the 24kg in conjunction with the 16kg for 40kg front squat ladders, switching the bells out on either arm to get an even distribution on the legs, along with working the BUP for ladders with the 16kg so I can get to pressing the 24kg easier. Can't wait to be able to press the 24kg for reps! Love Dragondoor and their products!Note: The ladders I am doing for the front squat and the BUP (bottoms-up press) I am following from the light-medium-heavy plan in Enter The Kettlebell.

Excellent product!!!

It's a smooth and solid kettle bell. It has helped me double my workout strength in just a few workouts

nicely made

solid, nice finish

J
RKC Kettlebell
J Zuniga
worth every penny!

Great product and Great service! Quality unsurpassed.