ELKHART — In a combination of cardiovascular and resistance training, kettle bells are becoming popular across the nation and locally. A kettle bell is a hand held weight that looks like a cannon ball with a handle.

"Kettle bell training started in Russia a couple hundred years ago and [was] used greatly by the Russian special forces and military," explained Boot Camp Team Training owner Lori Harris. "It's now sweeping the nation. It's becoming very mainstream."

Harris said kettle bells are safe for all age groups, including children, as long as they have the proper training.

"You don't want to just go buy a kettle bell, take it home and start swinging it around in your living room," she explained. There is definitely a risk factor involved and you want some professional training, at least to get started."

To add an even bigger challenge to the workout, participants are encouraged to remove their shoes. Boot Camp Team Training kettle bell expert Tracy Vaughn said being barefoot creates a balance factor.

"Kettle bell training is supposed to be challenging from a balance standpoint," Vaughn pointed out.

For more information on kettle bells and Boot Camp Team Training, visit their website.

You can also contact Lori Harris or Tracy Vaughn at (574) 370-0365. Lori's e-mail is bootcamplori@aol.com.

In their Why Weight? series, WSBT First Thing in the Morning personalities Kirk Mason, Cari Peugeot and Kelli Cheatham have already lost 21 pounds over the past 3 weeks. They're eating healthy and trying to get to the gym more.

Watch the video for this story for more details on their progress.

You can also get more information on the 12 Week Medical Weight Loss Program they're doing with Memorial Bariatric and Weight Loss Center on the health section of our website.