Shit, I just wrote a long ass testimonial about my change from weights to kettlebells and it got lost. Here's the short. If you have limited space (I work out in about a 5x5 area or less), don't have weights and don't want to pay a monthly ass raping fee (to the gym) then I suggest kettlebells. They are great for Iraq and the Ghan.
www.dragondoor.com. (don't be put off by the russian guy that takes the russian thing too far ...it works)

Anybody else out there using kettlebells? What do you have to say about them?

Been debating it for a while. Just hit the gym for the first time in a LONG time this morning. I understand from several of our DoD SOCOM clients that kettlebells push your crossfit into overdrive.

I read something about using those once and though it looked like a good idea for training. Are you getting good results from using them?

Having been through two diffrent federal training academies, the first one 10 years ago when circuit training was popular, and the second in July 07. The instructor never took us to the weight room, but outside where there were plenty of kettelbells. He killed us with them, and I am better because of it. I am waiting for my own "bell" to arrive. I do reccomend a training class or find someone who has experience using them so you can learn the routines. Common sense stuff.

I've been using them off and on for quite some time(2000) when Pavel started teaching the Marines at Quantico.

They have advanatages but his marketing was over the type hype and turned cultish. Stay away from the hard style/long cycle arguing.

Keep your form tight and use a weight that allows you devlope good form. Whenever I start feeling tight or bored with free weights, I'll hit the KBs for a shock to the system.

They help with you range of motion and flexiibilty. Done right, you'll get a cardio and heart rate up bunring more calories.

Stick to the basics and you'll see some benefit in several weeks.