by Vanessa Arreola

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

Small weights - high reps, heavy weights - fewer reps. Weights before cardio, cardio before weights. When it comes to exercise and lifting weights, there is an overwhelming and often confusing amount of information. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the proper way to exercise these days, and over half of the tips are contradictory. Whether you are new to exercise, or an avid athlete, finding the right workout for you can be a daunting task. The truth is, there is no one right way to exercise. What works for one person, may not work for another. Workout routines are as unique as individuals due to differing abilities, metabolisms, and body types. Add to that a new trend in the weight lifting genre, kettlebells, and you may very well see some heads spin. If you attend a gym regularly, chances are you've seen these alien looking devices lined up along the wall in varying sizes, from small and wimpy, too outright humongous.

Kettlebells, no matter what your workout type, make for an awesome full-body workout. The shape of a kettlebell is what lends it a certain uniqueness. It is a cast iron ball with a handle centered over it. Originating in Russia, kettlebells offer the user a wider range of motion, and work more muscles than your traditional dumbbells. Kettlebells will increase muscle mass, as well as functional fitness. Functional fitness is the fitness that help us get around our daily lives, whether it be lugging around a toddler all day, or carrying in the groceries.

Kettlebells are meant to really work your core and back. Building muscles mass has many benefits, including increasing your metabolism and helping to fight the appearance of cellulite. Most of the movements done with kettlebells are fairly explosive and dynamic; they are not only meant to build muscle, but wind you as well, making kettlebells the workout of choice for on-the-go people with little time to workout. By keeping a small rest period between reps, it is possible to achieve a cardio workout during your weight lifting routine with kettlebells.

Many women won't go near a kettlebell, or other weight for that matter, with a ten foot pole for fear of bulkin up. This is an irrational fear. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, stamina, and discipline to bulk up; If not, we would all be walking around looking like California bodybuilders. So pick up a kettlebell, and let's take a quick look at a few of the many benefits of throwing around some kettlebells.

1.) Fat Loss - Training

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