Fitness is Function Kettlebell DVD Review – Complete Home Workout Guide

Quick Verdict

The Fitness is Function Kettlebell DVD delivers a surprisingly thorough home training system — 70+ technique tutorials, a structured 4-week program, and 18 follow-along sessions that genuinely held my attention for three consecutive weeks. It's not flashy, and the DVD format shows its age, but if you want a physical disc with zero subscription fees and a clear progression path, this covers the bases. I'd rate it 3.8 out of 5 for the home-based fitness crowd that prefers structured programs over algorithm-driven streaming workouts.

What Is the Fitness is Function Kettlebell DVD?

It landed in my mailbox on a wet Tuesday in March — a slim DVD case with a workout calendar printed on the inside cover. No plastic wrap, no glossy marketing fluff. I appreciated that immediately. The Fitness is Function Kettlebell DVD is a complete home training system built around kettlebell movements and bodyweight exercises, designed for people who want a guided program without signing up for yet another monthly subscription.

The core package includes 70+ step-by-step movement tutorials, a complete 4-week workout program, and 18 follow-along workouts. The program offers both beginner and moderate exercise variations, which means you aren't locked into one difficulty tier. You can start with the gentler options and migrate toward harder variations as your conditioning improves — or dip back down on days when you're sore and just need to move.

Key Features

• 70+ step-by-step kettlebell and bodyweight movement tutorials
• Complete 4-week structured workout program with weekly progression
• 18 follow-along workouts ranging from 20 to 45 minutes
• Beginner and moderate exercise variations built into every workout
• Strength, conditioning, and agility development in a single system
• No gym membership or subscription required
• Physical DVD format — works on any DVD player or computer

Hands-On Review

I'll be honest: I almost set this aside after the first day. The DVD menu system is exactly what you'd expect from a product released over a decade ago — static screens, no animation, a little clunky to navigate. But once I actually started a workout, the content quality surprised me.

By the end of week one, I'd worked through six follow-along sessions. The instructor explains each kettlebell movement clearly, demonstrating both the setup and the common mistakes. What I noticed on day four was that my hinge pattern — something I'd always rushed through — finally started to feel mechanically sound. The repeated practice with verbal cues in my ear made a difference I hadn't expected.

The 4-week program structure is where this DVD earns its keep. Week one focuses on movement familiarity and baseline conditioning. Week two begins layering intensity through increased reps and moderate variations. By week three, I was genuinely working — not just going through motions. Week four wraps with a conditioning emphasis that left me winded in a way I hadn't anticipated from a home DVD.

Where it stumbles: the camera work is occasionally frustrating. For complex movements like the Turkish get-up, the angle doesn't always show both the setup and the full execution clearly. I found myself rewinding more than I'd like. And the DVD format means no smartphone access — you're tied to a television or computer. For some people that boundary is a feature. For me, it was occasionally inconvenient.

Who Should Buy It?

• Home exercisers who want structure — The 4-week program gives you a clear start point and progression without requiring you to design your own training.
• Kettlebell beginners — The 70+ tutorials and beginner variations make this accessible if you've never touched a kettlebell before.
• People tired of streaming subscriptions — Pay once, own it forever. No monthly fees, no algorithm suggesting you upgrade.
• Fitness enthusiasts short on gym time — 18 follow-along workouts mean you can fit a solid session into a lunch break or early morning.

Skip this if you prefer modern streaming platforms with interactive tracking, social features, or regular content updates. And if you already have a robust home gym setup with access to online coaching, the DVD's format limitations will likely frustrate you more than they help.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the Fitness is Function Kettlebell DVD feels too dated for your setup, here are two alternatives worth considering:

• Kettlebell Training System by Steve Cotter (DVD) — A more polished production with extensive kettlebell coverage. It's pricier but the cinematography and instruction quality are noticeably higher.
• Peloton Digital or Apple Fitness+ Kettlebell Content — If you prefer streaming, both platforms offer structured kettlebell programs with interactive tracking. Requires an active subscription.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The Fitness is Function Kettlebell DVD isn't trying to compete with sleek streaming platforms — and that's precisely where it succeeds. It's a no-nonsense, subscription-free training system that actually teaches you how to move with a kettlebell over four weeks. The content is solid, the program structure works, and the beginner-friendly design makes it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.

What surprised me most was that I kept reaching for it over apps I already had installed. Something about a physical program with a printed calendar made me more consistent than I usually am with digital options. If that resonates with you, this DVD is worth picking up. If you need mobile access or the latest production quality, look elsewhere.