Millions of people around the world are looking for exercises to enhance their strength and fitness. While running, cycling, swimming, and aerobics are effective, sometimes changing a routine is necessary to get a mental break and to avoid plateau. For people who are stuck in a rut, a kettlebell workout could help you get motivated once again and help you achieve a greater level of fitness.

The popularity of kettlebells has increased tremendously in the last 6 years or so. This type of workout builds endurance and cardio. All you need to get started is: well, you guessed it, a kettlebell.

The use of the kettlebell actually began in Russia back in the 1700's. However, it didn't become a sport until the mid 1900's. This piece of equipment looks like a ball with a handle on top, and consists of cast iron. The handles are grasped firmly so the kettlebell can be swung or lifted. Initially it was a sport, but down the road it was used by Russia's military for fitness training.

This workout has a lot of benefits healthwise. For one, swinging kettlebells would help build strength. A very fundamental movement in this exercise involves swinging the kettlebell from a half-squat position, then using glutes and thighs to propel the body upward. Even a few repetitions of this exercise can lead to muscle development throughout several areas of the body. Doing a high number of repetitions and exercises without taking a break will get your heart rate up and burn a lot of calories. Moreover, the movements also will help strengthen your core muscles.

Kettlebell routines can be considered intense because you are moving around while carrying some weight. The ketllebell cardio workout has been praised by many runners and sprinters who experienced an increase of as much as 30% in their speed. What's also nice is that you can choose a kettlebell weight that works for you, and increase it over time as you get stronger.

For most people kettlebells are used for either circuit training or for cardio. You can mix in some kettlebell exercises with other strength and cardio during a workout. If you did kettlebell workouts for the next 2-4 weeks, you will achieve excellent results.

While using as an actual kettlebell is recommended, you can use a hand weight as a substitute. There are various kettlebell exercise DVDs that you can purchase. If your interested, then you might be able to sign up for some kettlebell classes if they are offered at your local fitness center or gym.