If you haven't already seen the infamously hilarious Shake Weight commercials (check it out below), or seen celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Queen Latifah poking fun at the weight-lifting product, we'll clue you in. The Shake Weight for women is an "As Seen on TV" 2.5-pound dumbbell-like product with spring-action that supposedly targets your biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest, and claims you'll only need to work out six minutes a day to get the full muscle-toning benefits.

The men's commercial, seemingly aimed at wannabe bodybuilders, asks, "Would you like to get your arms ripped? Your shoulders pumped and your chest sculpted ... Do you hate working out for hours at the gym with big, bulky equipment, or boring, slow dumbbells?"

The Shake Weight for women commercial, meanwhile, is aimed at fans of Michelle Obama's arms. "Work out your entire upper body in just six minutes a day," the ad touts. "You'll get arms you'll be proud to show off. Feel free to go sleeveless."

The commercials go on to explain these claims are possible because of "dynamic inertia." The manufacturers assert that if men use the Shake Weight for just one minute it's equivalent to doing 240 repetitions of regular weight-lifting. For women, the commercial explains, "Scientific studies at a prestigious University prove that the Shake Weight increases upper-body muscle activity by 300 percent compared to traditional weights." All that for a price tag of $19.95 (plus shipping) for the ladies' version or $29.95 (plus shipping) for guys.

Medicine balls, also known as "med balls," are weighted balls about 14 inches in diameter and available in weights ranging from two to 25 pounds. They can be used for strength and agility training, physical therapy and injury rehabilitation, and fat-burning interval exercises. Medicine balls are also particularly valuable for training the core, as well as the shoulders and lower body.

Medicine ball training is an "old school" form of exercise that's making a big comeback. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates stuffed animal skins with sand so his patients could toss them back and forth. Today, medicine balls are generally covered in leather, vinyl or polyester. Firm medicine balls are ideal for resistance training, while the softer, polyester-covered models are great for throwing, catching, bouncing and partner exercises.

Medicine ball training is ideal for both beginners and advanced exercisers because the weight of the ball can be scaled to participants' fitness levels. Lighter medicine balls -- four, six and eight pounds -- are the best option for partner exercises like one-arm throws, chest passes, overhead throws and rotations. A 10- or 12-pound ball can be used for sit-ups, squats and lunges in place of dumbbells, and may even be more effective in getting toned than using dumbbells or weight machines.

Check out these 10 cool exercises with medicine balls for easy ways to incorporate medicine ball training into your workout routine.

A kettlebell workout is done with a kettlebell or traditional Russian weight used for strength training. The kettlebell, typically made from cast iron, can weigh as little as 10 pounds or more than 100 pounds and looks like a large cannonball with a handle on top. Called "one of the most effective means of strength development" by the Soviet armed forces, kettlebell workouts have been popular in Russia for decades and have recently caught on in the U.S.

There are numerous benefits from kettlebell workouts. Training with kettelbells builds strength without adding bulk by allowing users to develop lean muscles. Kettlebell workouts also increase explosive power, agility and stamina. Those who want to outfit their home gym without too much expense often turn to kettlebells, too. Just one or two kettlebells can replace tons of other equipment like weights, barbells, dumbbells and cardio machines.

Kettlebell workouts are effective for toning the entire body because multiple muscle groups are engaged throughout each exercise. These workouts can be customized to different fitness levels, but beginners should work with an experienced instructor to make sure they are using correct form. Like any other piece of exercise equipment, kettlebells that are used incorrectly can cause injuries.

Basic kettlebell moves include the swing, high pull, snatch, overhead press and Turkish get-up. Classic kettlebells can be purchased online and range in price from $47 to $218 each.

When you're ready to begin using kettlebells, you can pull together your own kettlebell workout.

Cassandra Forsythe-Pribanic, Ph.D., R.D., and co-author of "The New Rules of Lifting for Women"

That's Fit: Can you explain why "inefficiency" in exercising may help you achieve a leaner body?

Cassandra Forsythe-Pribanic: Think about it in the way gasoline fuels your car: If your car is really efficient, you can go farther on less gas (which is what most of us want for our cars), but if it's inefficient, you burn more fuel faster. In the case of your body, when it's "inefficient," when you start running out of fuel (i.e., food energy), your body will need to tap into other resources to help it perform. This sometimes will be your fat stores because they are the most energy-dense fuel in your body. However, you have to eat fat to help your body burn fat, otherwise it will use other sources in your body such as glycogen (stored carbohydrate) or muscle protein (not desirable when that's what you're trying to maintain or increase). So, try to avoid eating a fat-free, or ultra-low fat diet or your body won't be able to burn the fat within you that you're trying to get rid of.

Baring your butt on stage for all the audience to see is pretty powerful motivation. Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, had to reveal her rear during a scene in The Color Purple. She worked with a trainer to get her body in shape so that if anyone was shocked, they were shocked at how great she looked.

Williams kept up the workouts after her run in the play was over. Good thing, too ... I'm sure her fitness level will come in handy while performing songs from her new album, Unexpected. Besides the rigors of her performing schedule, Williams just plain feels proud of her physique. She says "I'll be brushing my teeth, see my arm in the mirror and think ... cool."

Even if your job isn't as revealing as Williams' (and I certainly hope it's not), you can take some tips from her workout. Her strength and toning routine uses resistance bands and dumbbells.

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Looking for a simple and fairly easy workout to incorporate into your at-home fitness routine? The STOTT PILATES® Toning Ball Power Pack could be just the thing. It's easy to follow, the equipment (two weighted balls) takes up very little room, and it's just over half an hour long, so you can work it in easily.

When I say it's easy to follow, I mean that in a couple of ways. The instructions are clear and simple -- as was the case with the STOTT PILATES® Mini Flex Ball, there is someone demonstrating and someone instructing at all times, so you can watch or listen (in English or French, for that matter). The transition from one exercise to the next is quick but very manageable.

In fact, that's how I could describe the whole workout -- as very manageable, and I think it would be for any level of fitness. I received the Power Pack to review, which includes two one-pound toning balls. To be honest, if I had my choice, I would probably opt for a heavier weight for more of a challenge (and they do offer two- and three-pound toning balls separately, so that's definitely an option).

No, no ... Drew Barrymore isn't chug-a-lugging at the bar every night. She got that out of her system at a very young age, sadly. This is a much healthier activity. Drew is a fan of the Bar Method.

The Bar Method, created by Burr Leonard, is a blend of Pilates, yoga and other exercises. The program is low-impact and helps to reduce body fat while toning muscles. Many of the exercises (here comes the "no duh" moment of the post) focus around bar work.

I think Drew Barrymore looks awesome; she's lean and toned without being skeletal like a few other celebs we know.

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Let's face it. Sometimes in the world of fitness and nutrition, we're just a bit too perky. "Exercise is fun!" "Just think how great you'll feel!" They may be true statements, but sometimes exercise is damn hard. Alexa Stevenson from Lemondrop just tried out Jillan Michaels' 30 Day Shred workout and it definitely fell into the damn hard category.

I love Alexa's review of the workout, because it's real. It doesn't get more real than admitting she was so sore the day after that "bending my legs to lower myself onto the toilet was nearly impossible." Hey, that's one way to know the squats were really working!

The 30 Day Shred mixes intervals of cardio and toning. Alexa says those short intervals kept her going; while each interval was undeniably intense, knowing she was going to be able to move on to something else soon kept her from quitting. Also, Alexa appreciated Jillian Michaels' trademark no-nonsense delivery.

As "stupefyingly hard" as Alexa found the 30 Day Shred, she's ready to try it again. (Well, as soon as she can raise her arms without passing out.) She's convinced me to try it. How about you?

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Do you have an extra 20 minutes? I know, I know ... this is a crazy, busy time of year. But if you really look at your schedule, I'm sure you can find 20 spare minutes a couple days each week. Put that time to good use and try this great butt-sculpting workout.

You'll need a stability ball and three to five-pound dumbbells for some of the moves. Each exercise is designed to whip your glutes into perfect shape, but the moves have added bonuses of working other muscle groups such as shoulders and core muscles.

AOL Health has more butt-firming exercises to try. And this gallery features cardio butt tips.

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Hips are one of those weird body areas where you want a little curve, but not too much. With the right exercises, you can keep your hips toned and dead sexy. Shape magazine has three moves that target your hips. The moves all use some special equipment, so you might not be able to do them at home. But keep them in mind for your next visit to the gym.

• Side-lying leg lift. This move that works your outer hips uses an ankle cuff and a low-cable pulley.
• Machine squat. This variation on a squat, using a hip abductor machine, works your outer thighs.
• Standing side leg lift. A cuff and a low cable pulley are also used in this move that works your inner thighs and outer hips.

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We all have those problem areas, don't we? Spots that we'd really like to focus on, tone up, and strengthen. Women's Health has taken some of the guesswork out of the exercise selection process with this great tool.

First you choose which part of your body you'd like to focus on: Core, Upper, Lower, or Total. The system will then suggest 12-20 exercises that you can do. Click on each exercise to review -- the tool shows you the exercise in motion and gives instruction. When you decide you want to add one just click "add exercise." What's really nice is the system will automatically remove exercise choices that are similar to one you've already selected. That way, you can be sure you're getting a well-rounded workout.

For more fitness ideas, visit AOL Health.

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I used to have legs that would stay fit and toned without much specific input from me. Sure they got their workout with cardio and other exercises, but I never did specific strength and toning exercises for my legs. My calves are still hanging tough for me, but the thighs ... well, they're not so agreeable. My thighs seem to be saying "You're in your late 30's and this joke's on you!"

So my thighs have been a target area of sorts for me. It may take some effort, but I'll show them who's boss. I found this series of 10 thigh exercises on Fitness Magazine and it's a good one. It's a good variety of squats, lunges, balance moves, and other exercises. All in all, my thighs are aching from the workout and I can't wait to see the results after including this in my workout routine for a few weeks.

AOL Health has more leg exercises for you to try.

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Sabrina Bryan, one-third of The Cheetah Girls recording act, really sets a positive, healthy role example for young girls. She's fit, toned, and at an appropriate weight. What's more, she clearly enjoys staying fit -- especially through one of her first loves ... dancing.

Bryan previously released a fitness DVD titled BYou. She shared a video of her top five fit tips with People Magazine:

• Do cardio. Bryan loves to dance, but any form of cardio you enjoy will do.
• Hit the dance floor. Even if it isn't your first choice of cardio, hit the dance floor and try different styles of dance, like Bryan did while on Dancing With the Stars.
• Try Pilates. Bryan does Pilates for strength and toning.
• Start swimming. Bryan recommends finding a pool or beach where you can swim outside in the sun.
• Eat healthy snacks. Her favorites include string cheese, apples, and almonds.

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Want to make your gluteus a little less maximus? Four simple exercises are the key to toning and firming your backside.

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I have a pretty good cardio routine that I like and never seem to tire of, but I'm always on the lookout for new toning and strengthening exercises to try. I'm quickly heading toward 36 (gah!) -- a number that's officially, undeniably, can't-fight-it-any-longer, my later 30's. So toning up and keeping fit is more important than ever to me.

Fitness Magazine share five flab-fighting moves. Using only a beach towel (or large bath towel) and a decent amount of balance, you can tone and strengthen your arms, core, and legs in this quick and fun 15-minute workout. I tried it out this morning and really enjoyed it. Give it a shot!

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