Ronny Terry is a Swindon-based personal trainer. He has previously worked as Performance Analyst with Swindon Town FC and on obesity initiatives with the NHS. Tweet your questions to @SWITCHFITUK or visit www.switchfituk.co.uk

Q My friend is trying to convince me to go to a kettlebell class. Can you tell me a little more about this way of training?

A The origins of the kettlebell are a matter for speculation, with suggestions they date back as far as Ancient Greece.

In 18th century Russia, kettlebells were initially used as a measure for weighing grains, before going on to become part of the nation’s physical culture as a means of promoting strength and general health.

In recent years they have emerged as a mainstream method of keeping fit, with a number of certifications available for fitness trainers and an array of classes on offer for casual exercise enthusiasts.

Kettlebells can act as a great tool for improvements in strength, power, speed, agility and even cardiovascular fitness. Used correctly, and alongside a suitable nutritional framework, they can also be an effective weapon in the war on fat by blitzing calories during the training and creating a raised metabolism afterwards.

With weights starting as low as 2kg, kettlebell training can be included in almost any exercise programme. The exact weight used may be exercise dependent and will vary from person to person, so the best way to find out is to go to a class and seek advice from a qualified instructor. If going it alone, start light and look for gradual improvements over time, focusing on correct technique.

Traditional exercises such as bench presses, arm curls and rows can give an air of familiarity to a new workout usin kettlebells, although the feel of the movements may change due the difference in weight displacement compared to a dumbbell.

Kettlebells really come in to their own with ballistic movements such as swings, snatches and jerks, working a larger number of muscles and developing power. Longer sets will also tax the heart and lungs to a greater degree, resulting in more calories burned and greater improvements to the cardiovascular system.