They've been around for decades, but only recently have kettlebells been gaining popularity.
by POPSUGAR Fitness
They've been around for decades, but only recently have kettlebells been gaining popularity. You may be thinking, "What's so great about kettlebells? They seem like dumbbells with handles, so why not just use dumbbells?" Your answer comes when you pick up a kettlebell; you'll notice that it's much harder to handle, which is what makes it more effective for strength training. The off-centered weight forces you to engage multiple muscle groups at once in order help stabilize your body. Your body as a whole will become stronger, especially your core. When using a kettlebell, you can execute the same exercises you can do with dumbbells, plus many more that involve swinging, pushing, and balancing the bell.

These cast iron weights come in a range of sizes from two pounds to 100 pounds (for the really strong ladies and gents). Proper use of kettlebells requires strength and coordination, so it's best to start off with a light weight at first. If you are a healthy and fit female, begin using one that's about 15 pounds (8 kg). If you haven't strength trained in a while (or ever), start with a lighter bell, such as five or eight pounds. To figure out if you've chosen the right size, try these three exercises after you read more