Kettlebells have been the the “big thing” for a while now and a lot of claims have been made about them. According to reasearcher John Porcari, PhD of the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Exercise and Health Program, a 20 minute kettlebell workout of swings and lifts will burn 400 calories, which the researchers attribute to the interval-style of kettlebell workouts. That intensity improved maximum oxygen uptake and achieved high heart rate values in the test subjects. The  study indicates effectiveness for fat loss in a minimal amount of time, like the 20 minute session.

You can read the overview of the study and the benefits of kettlebell training at WebMd and a more detailed account from ACEFitness.

Kettlebell classes are springing up all over the world and a major part of the popularity is that it combines your strength training and cardio training in one short, but intense workout. While it is not the be-all, end-all to optimum fitness, kettlebell training gives a very high rate of return for the short period of time invested in it.

If you are already doing a regular workout, but still have a few pounds you would like to shed, mix in one or two 20 minute kettlebell sessions and see if that doesn’t make the difference.