Steve Cotter's Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting Series 2 Review

Quick Verdict

Kettlebell lifting is one of the most efficient full-body training methods available, and Steve Cotter's Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting Series 2 delivers structured, professional instruction that genuinely earns its place on any home-gym shelf. The program scores a solid 4.2 out of 5 — it won't suit everyone, but for anyone serious about learning kettlebell technique properly, it's money well spent.

What Is the Steve Cotter's Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting Series 2?

I first heard about Steve Cotter through CrossFit circles about five years ago. The guy has serious credentials — a background in martial arts combined with decades of kettlebell coaching — so when this DVD series landed on my desk, I was genuinely curious whether it would hold up against the countless YouTube tutorials now competing for attention. The series covers fundamental kettlebell movements including swings, cleans, presses, and more complex Olympic-style lifts, all broken down into digestible lessons with clear demonstrations.

Each disc tackles a specific category of kettlebell lifting, building progressively from stance and grip through to dynamic ballistic movements. Cotter's teaching style is calm and precise — he explains the why behind each position rather than just barking cues. By the end of the series, you have a complete mental map of kettlebell technique from deadlift to snatch. Whether you're stocking a garage gym or want structured guidance without a personal trainer, this covers the bases thoroughly.

Key Features

• Multi-disc DVD curriculum covering 20+ kettlebell exercises and variations
• Progressive lesson structure moving from beginner to intermediate complexity
• Clear camera angles and slow-motion replays for technique study
• Training tips for common mistakes and how to correct them
• Includes warm-up and cool-down guidance for each session
• Workout programming suggestions for home training routines
• Steve Cotter's personal coaching insights drawn from professional instructing experience

Hands-On Review

Setting up the DVDs took about ten minutes — mostly because I had to dig out an old external DVD drive since my laptop lacks an optical drive. That's worth noting straight away: this is a physical product for a world increasingly living on streaming platforms. Once I got past the setup friction, though, I was genuinely impressed with the production quality. The filming is clean, Cotter demonstrates each movement from multiple angles, and there's none of the ambient gym noise that makes some training videos exhausting to follow.

What surprised me was how methodical the progression is. Too many kettlebell programs throw you into high-rep swings within the first five minutes. Cotter spends real time on hip hinge mechanics and breathing before adding load or complexity. I spent the first week just drilling the deadlift and goblet squat variations, which felt slow — but by week two, moving into swings felt natural in a way it never has after jumping straight into more advanced content.

That said, the series isn't without limitations. There's no customisation layer — you're watching pre-recorded lessons, not following an adaptive program. The DVD format also means no tracking, no reminders, and no way to jump to specific exercises quickly without navigating menus. After years of app-based training, I found myself occasionally frustrated by the friction. And if you don't already own kettlebells, you'll need to budget for those separately, which adds to the overall investment.

Who Should Buy It?

This series is worth considering if you tick at least a couple of these boxes:

• You're brand new to kettlebell lifting and want trustworthy instruction before forming bad habits
• You prefer structured, curriculum-style learning over hunting for random YouTube clips
• You have a DVD player or computer nearby and don't want another app subscription
• You already own kettlebells and want to maximise their potential with proper technique
• You're a fitness coach looking for a reliable reference resource for client training

Skip this if you exclusively train via smartphone apps, need personalised programming with tracking, or are already comfortable with Olympic kettlebell lifts. If you're training for competitive kettlebell sport specifically, you'll also want a program designed for sport-specific goals rather than general technique mastery.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the DVD format feels too dated for your setup, here are two alternatives that cover similar ground through different delivery methods:

• Kettlebell Kings Online Course — A streaming-based kettlebell program with comparable technique breakdowns but modern app integration and progress tracking. Better for users who want mobile access.
• Mark Wildman's Nerdfitness Kettlebell Series (YouTube) — Free, high-quality kettlebell instruction available on YouTube. Lacks Cotter's formal curriculum structure but costs nothing and works on any device immediately.

FAQ

Final Verdict

Steve Cotter's Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting Series 2 isn't flashy, and it won't try to sell you on a six-pack in 30 days. What it does is deliver exactly what the title promises: a comprehensive, technically sound encyclopedia of kettlebell lifting from an instructor who clearly knows his craft. The DVD format is the main caveat — if you're comfortable with streaming, you have cheaper options. But for reliability, curriculum depth, and teaching quality, this series holds its own against much of the competition. If you're building a serious home gym and want to learn kettlebell lifting the right way, check the current price on Amazon and see if it fits your setup.