Kettlebell training for serious fitness

More to come on this subject. Kettlebell training is a form of fitness that is gaining popularity, particularly among athletes. But it shouldn't only be relegated to those who are already somewhat fit.

A kettlebell is basically a cast iron ball with a thick handle, and it can be used for a variety of exercises, starting with the swing (an excellent functional training exercise to strengthen the entire body, with a major cardiovascular component). Many kettlebell exercises are derived from powerlifting-type exercises, such as squats, snatches and various presses. Kettlebell training, one day, will be a part of gyms the way stability balls are today -- they used to garner funny looks, and now they are commonplace. Kettlebells, however, are a little less on the soft and fuzzy side. More like brute strength.