The most basic of moves becomes more difficult with kettlebells. Certified fitness trainer Lori Johnson, at Prairie Life, says that's because not all 15 pound weights are created equal.

"This one is going to stay centered with me throughout my range of motion. Being off centered, it's going to throw my body off balance and force me to use more core muscles to stabilize my body."

Combine that with a greater range of motion, and exercisers accomplish more in less time. It's just one of the things that certified trainer Sarah Perrings' clients like.

Sarah says, "It's a lot more explosive -- burns a lot more calories. Your heart rate goes up. You just get a lot more out of them in 30 to 40 minutes."

Dan Boscardin felt the difference after just two sessions.

"As you could see, I was huffing and puffing," he said. "And I work out all the time. It's just something different and exciting and that always reenergizes your workout when you do something different."

Before anyone runs out and gets kettlebells, our fitness expert recommends training. Improperly jerking muscles can lead to a shoulder or back injury but used correctly, kettlebells add a new dimension to strengthening and toning.

Kettlebells are not for beginners. Along with training, exercisers should be lifting weights regularly.

Prairie Life offers small group kettlebell classes for anyone interested.