If you decided that you want to take your conditioning to a whole new level using kettlebells, then that begs the question, where can you buy good kettlebells and any other accoutrements you may need? After all, you’ll need some instruction as to what to buy, when and how to get started. We hope to answer some of these questions right here and now, and point you in the right direction so you can get started in this amazing workout regime.

Kettlebells come in many different “poods”. A pood is an archaic Russian form of measure. What you need to know is that for men kettlebells come in weights of 26, 35, 44, 53, 62, 70, 88 and 106 pounds. For the ladies, there are weights of 10, 13, 18 and 26 pounds. We’ll talk about what sizes to choose shortly.

First, assess your personal fitness level honestly with yourself or your trainer. You need to check your ego at the door right here, as if you make the mistake of starting out too heavy you WILL hurt yourself, and probably end up either abandoning your kettlebell training or at least setting yourself back a few months. Kettlebells are an extreme form of training, and not for the half-hearted. This is not meant to discourage anyone from taking up kettlebells, but rather to warn them that this is a serious workout. It’s not like going to the gym, walking for ten minutes on the treadmill and calling it a workout!

Most average men start out with a 35 pounder, but if you are a rank beginner or haven’t worked out in some time, there is no shame in starting lower. You’ll find that you can progress quickly. Most men make it to the 53 pounder, and the more advanced among us wield the 70 and 88 pounders. The 106 pounder is for the truly demonic!

Most women start out with an 18 pounder, but again, make sure this is not too heavy for you to start with. The goal here is to build you up, not tear you down.

The best place to buy Russian kettlebells is at the website http://www.dragondoor.com. Here you’ll find a complete line of the highest quality kettlebells available, as well as invaluable instructional videos, books and more. Feel free to comparison shop, but in the end you’ll end up here, so why not check it out first!

Prices on the more popular sizes of kettlebells range from $64.95 (+$13.50 S&H) for the 10 pounder, $82.95 (+$28.50 S&H) for the 26 pounder, and $109.95 (+$44.50 S&H) for the 53 pounder. As you can see, they’re not real cheap, but the good news is they’re practically indestructible.

There are deals for buying two kettlebells of the same weight (a set) and there are other packages available, such as kettlebells along with instructional videos, etc.

Make sure you try and use some wisdom in choosing the right weight to start with. You might even cheat a little and grab a dumbbell of similar weight so you can get a good idea of just what you’re going to be hoisting, and tossing around shortly!

Once you get your first set of kettlebells, (and understand, it’s not necessary to buy a set; it only makes things easier) take the time to understand just how to effectively use them, either through an instructional video or book you’ve just acquired, or through an instructor. PLEASE don’t dive headlong into this type of training without doing this! You will regret it!

All that said, kettlebell training is a marvelous, fun way to get your body in the kind of condition it’s only dreamed of before. Typically people who embark upon this type of training regimen and embrace it find their results sooner rather than later. Here’s hoping you’re one of those!