A kettlebell feels extra heavy in the hands of fitness expert and martial artist Dasha Libin. After all, she's packed over a decade of work into into that seemingly simple workout tool. That's how long it took for Libin to develop her signature Kettlebell Kickboxing system, a method in which she draws on her background in martial arts and her masters degree in sports science to help people dramatically transform their lives.

Men and women can experience this unique workout through in-person classes in NYC and home fitness DVD programs. In both, an instructor calls them to grab hold of kettlebells—or dumbbells, if they prefer—and then guides them through motions that echo martial arts disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, French kickboxing, and martial arts yoga. The programs also incorporate basic nutrition rules and guidelines to help encourage lasting lifestyle changes. It's an approach that has earned Kettlebell Kickboxing praise from outlets including the Wall Street Journal and Shape Magazine.