Everything old is new again. This is definitely true of kettlebells. These "bowling ball with a handle"-shaped weights have been around for more than a century, used primary in Russia as a military training apparatus. They're recently become popular again as a full body training tool. In fact, recently a famous professional cyclist (and the face of LiveStrong) was photographed training with one.

Naturally, any exercise that promises to challenge both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, total-body movements is intriguing to me. But, after an unsuccessful search for group classes that offer kettlebell training, I just purchased one on sale. I decided to go for the lowest weight, just to be safe. After watching the accompanying DVD and then trying a 30-minute workout, all I can say is O-M-G. I was winded, my heart rate was up considerably and my arms were burning after just a few reps. It's an excellent workout. You'll feel your core tighten and the recruitment of your glutes and hamstrings as you swing the k-bell.

Before attempting the kettlebell on your own, I do have a few tips:

1.Watch a DVD or online video one time through without doing the exercises to understand what the movements are. This will ensure you'll have good form.

2.Once you start working up a sweat, it can become slippery when gripping the handle. Weight training gloves will take care of that.

3.Kettlebells to purchase often come in kilo increments. Make sure you do your conversion to pounds, and consider starting with a lighter weight, working up to more reps, and then moving up to a heavier bell.

Once you get started, you'll become addicted to the quick results. And if you get bored and move on to another trend, you'll still have a great doorstop!

-Ashley Ceaser