A kettlebell, also known as a girya, is a spherical iron ball, with an attached handle that used for kettlebell workout routines. Kettle bells originated from Russia in the 1700s. The use of them in sports and competition in Russia was very common in 1940s. At this time, they were measured in poods, and are still measured in poods today.

For a long time this highly effective training device, however, was forgotten. Within the last few years, though, it has made a strong comeback and it is making a name for itself for those looking to lose weight and tone up.

Even though the rusty-anarchic charm was big in Eastern Europe, it was the Americans who were so fascinated by the kettlebell workouts along with the versatility and effectiveness of the training sphere.

Most of the bells are cast in iron, either hollow or solid, but they're also available in rubber or with a neoprene or vinyl covering. Sets of hollow cast kettle bells are all the same size, each progressively heavier piece being less hollow than the previous. The consistency of size automatic to this form is often preferred over the solid cast, and therefore differently sized, versions and the adjustment from one size piece to the next seems to be the major differentiation. The type of bell someone finds to best fit them depends solely on that person's preferences or what their workout needs are. There is no better or worse version of them, only what may or may not work for each individual.

So how would you recognize a good kettlebell if you were just starting out? There are three areas to look for:

Handle. It should be so wide that you can hold it with two hands; Distance. The ball / handle must be large enough so that the ball rests on the forearm, but not the wrist bone and make sure the handle is relatively smooth (otherwise it will rip the skin) and that the handles circumference is slim enough for you to hold properly and securely.