A LONG forgotten fitness tool is about to sweep the nation!

Heavy weights with a special handle, kettlebells are a strength tool used by Russians for many years, and Greeks and Romans 2,000 years before them.

The Russian Special Forces attributed their wiry strength, lethal agility and never-ending stamina to the kettlebell.

Recently celebrities such as Geri Halliwell have endorsed them. Now you can try them out!

Kettlebells are unique. Because the main weight is suspended below the handle, the gravitational pull towards the ground is increased. Therefore the intensity needed to perform the moves is increased.

They are awkward to handle, and so you develop better strength and grip by training with them as opposed to traditional weights.

Due to their design, it is not initially possible to lift anywhere near the amount of weight you might normally manage.

Kettlebell fitness routines help to build great strength, stamina, endurance, and hand-to-eye co-ordination.

They will help you burn up to 1,500 calories an hour because of the extra effort required.

You can do a massive range of exercise and because you are moving the weight around or swinging it, the whole body has to work hard to move and to stabilise it. This works far more muscle groups than almost any other exercise.

Even if you're like me and used to lifting heavy weights, they are a great challenge to manage. They can improve both upper and lower body strength, and will help build a lean, tight, strong body.

Kettlebells are ideal for women who want to be toned but not muscle-bound. They can be used at home and come in a variety of weights to suit everybody.

* Body of Evidence Personal Training is offering free half-hour taster sessions in kettle-bell training to the first four genuinely interested people to contact them.

For more information call 07932 539003, 01270 651430, or log on to www.bodyofevidence.co.uk