SAN DIEGO -- It's a new year and for a lot of people that means it's time to get in shape. But if you're tired of crowded gyms, noisy exercise equipment and complicated aerobics routines, you might want to try a new calorie-busting exercise program with "Kettlebells."
A kettlebell is a cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. Russian athletes used them in the 18th century and now the kettlebell revolution has come to San Diego, 10News reported.
Sarah Lurie, from IronCore Strength and Conditioning, said, "They were the Russian man's tool for fitness and exercise to get very fit, very fast, very lean and very strong."
From Russia to La Jolla, kettlebell workouts can be found at IronCore Strength and Conditioning.
The workout may be hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, the workout is easy and fun.
"My routine was lift weights and then run or run and then lift weights. This is kind of everything at once," said Reynaldo Brathwait, a kettlebell user.
Brathwait is trying out for the NFL next month and was looking for an edge.
"I have a lot more energy. My legs are getting bigger," Brathwait said.
Robert Sylvester isn't into weights but he loves doing cardio. Now he's hooked on kettlebells, according to 10News.
"And I get a huge cardio workout while I'm building strength that I usually don't. The strength I'm building helps me in my running and swimming, also," Sylvester said.
Kettlebells are all about strengthening the body's core. It's called functional strength and at 67, that's what Bill Marshall's after.
"I'm doing this so I can ski. I love to ski and Mammoth's got 12 feet of snow right now," Marshall said.
Kettlebell participant Soledad Espinola said, "It's great!. (I get a) great workout. (It's) better than my usual running every day."
Kettlebell classes are available through IronCore in La Jolla.
Lurie recommends two to three workouts a week for best results.
Before your first class, you must attend a one-hour complimentary lesson. The cost for classes averages $150 a month.
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