Kettlebells

I'm looking to purchase some kettlebells because they seems like one of the best tools for all-round fitness. I"ve been able to find a few videos, but I'm looking for something like a kettlebell work out directory explaining many types of exercise with detailed pictures or video.

Here are some of the better sites I've found:

http://mikemahler.com/exercises_page.html

http://www.jerseykettlebell.com/

So I got a kettlebell today, god damn they are tought. 16kg is challenging for arm excercises, it's also smashing my forearm. Need to get better technique. My legs were really sore from squats the other day, so I didn't do a work out with them yet, but I think they live up to the hype.

From the pictures in the first link, it looks like you could pretty easily smash your knee with those. Could that actually happen?

Not really, your legs are supposed to be spread apart in a squat like stance. You smash your forearms up pretty good though. I'm starting to get better technique though so I'm smashing my self less and less.

How would you compare using these to normal dumbbells? I've recently started using dumbbells for bicep curls, squats, and a few other strength training exercises. Do they seem more effective? Are they more "fun" to use?

I'd say they are funner, they require more technique and develop cardio as well.. They are a lot different from standard weights because the weight is off-set, because you are holding the handle the centre of gravity isn't in your hand like with a normal dumbbell. You work a lot of stabilizer muscles, and your hamstrings a lot with the swings, getting full body workouts instead of isolating muscles. Apparently full body work outs, although they burn more calories due to the cardiovascular aspect, help build more muscle mass. Has something to do with your body going into a certain mode because your whole body is fatigued, pretty sure it's in on of pavel tsatsouline books. You can find most of them online for free.

Awesome, I may look into buying some.

Yeah, I can't say I highly recommend them as I have very little experience with it, but I'm sure I'll come to enjoy it very much. I've been reading into it a lot, and this guy seems to be the main man when it comes to kettlebells.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavel_Tsatsouline

Type any of his book titles into google and you can find a downloadable PDF file.

update: I fuckin love these things. Really need to get a solid routine going though. One set of musclegroups per day. Although it's kinda hard to do that with kettlebells because you are almost always working your legs and lower back.