The Hammer Cast

It's the New Year. You're feeling newly invigorated and determined to make this your best year ever. If you're like most people, your fitness goals play a key role in your overall plans to better yourself; and why wouldn't they? After all, physically  taking action is the key to achieving anything in your life. What better representation of your determination is there other than to take the reigns...

I'm joined on this episode by none other than bona fide polyglot (i.e. speaker of many languages) and master language teacher Luca Lampariello - founder of the SMART Language Learning Academy and speaker of 15 languages (10 of them at a fluent level).  In this episode Luca and I talk about:  Luca's origin story and early struggles with language learning The differences between acquiring a language...

Hot diggity dayum, this was one HECK of a jam-packed episode. It's also my longest to date, and for good reason. Paul and I dove deep into a topic near and dear to both of our hearts: building perpetual strength  1. Introduction and book promotion    - Paul's new book "Perpetual Strength" (which you can - and should - check out here: https://www.dragondoor.com/products/perpetual-strength-paperback...

I'm joined on this episode by my ol' pal Pat Flynn to talk about his epic new book, Strong ON! In this episode we talk about: Release of Pat Flynn's new book "Strong On: 101 Minimalist Kettlebell Workouts to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Boost Flexibility" Defining minimalism properly , not just as "doing very little" The benefits of kettlebell training as a "fitness generalist" approach Incorporat...

On this episode of The Hammer Cast, Aleks and Al Kavadlo discuss Al's new book, "Ultimate Calisthenics," which is the culmination of his life's work in fitness. The program includes a full book and over 50 video tutorials, covering exercises with minimal equipment like parallel bars, rings, and an Ab wheel. We also discuss:  The challenges of creating the Ultimate Calisthenics program The role of...

I'm joined once again by my pal and founder of Original Strength, Tim Anderson, to discuss a whole heapin' helpin' of epic stuff - namely: * Tim's new facility and the expanded crawling space * Crawling techniques and challenges * John Brookfield's influence and training philosophy * Upcoming Original Strength events and workshops * Fuquay-Varina and the local community * The impact and effectiven...

I'm joined once again on my podcast by my pal Pat Flynn, discussing his latest article on his very humbly titled "Journal of Absolute Truth," entitled: "The only 11 Fitness Tips You'll Ever Need." You can (and damn well better) read all about it here: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/p/the-only-11-fitness-tips-youll-ever Also:  Pat's got a new book now available for pre-sale that I high...

Get your own FREE digital copy of the 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm sure this episode will rustle some jimmies, but you know what? Who really gives a shyt.  In this episode I cover:  * Reactions to hard style kettlebell training vs. reactions to Donald Trump * Overview of the origins and approach of hard style kettlebell training * Reactions...

I'm joined on this brand-new episode once more by my friend Mark Shropshire, a master instructor with Original Strength (OS). Now it's YOUR turn to join us as we discuss:   His upcoming OS workshops in Colorado the benefits of the OS system for various populations, including older adults and those recovering from injuries.  Shrop's personal experience of recovering from a hip injury using OS techn...

I'm joined once again for round 2 with the great and powerful Dan John. On today's episode we discussed:  Experiences and lessons learned from fitness events, including a memorable trip to Disney World for an RKC certification The evolution of workout culture, from the "burn" culture of the 1970s-80s to the rise of high-intensity training and functional fitness in the 2000s The influence of the in...

I'm joined once again on this episode by the great strength coach and track and field maestro Dan John.  Here's what to get giddy about in this episode:  Dan John discusses his new book "The Armor Building Formula" and how it takes a practical approach to muscle building The importance of having goals and working backwards to achieve them Agreeing points between different experts in the fitness fi...

I'm joined on this episode by Dr. William Moore - an SFG II and medical doctor who dishes on his simple, effective insights for life-long strength and health.  In this episode we discuss:  Bill's background in swimming, triathlons, and late discovery of kettlebell training Bill's preparation for his StrongFirst level 1 and level 2 kettlebell certifications Differences in recovery capacity as we ag...

I'm joined on this episode by city slicker turned farm girl Jenny Hendricks, who shares her incredible journey from being sickly, weak, and on the path to Death's Door, only to discover the power of eating as nature intended, which not only healed her various illnesses, but has also allowed her to make her life's mission helping others with seemingly undiagnosable ailments.  In this episode we als...

I'm joined on this splendiferous episode by none other than Mark Rosenberg, who has made a name for himself with his unconventional yet highly effective approach to lifting for freakish levels of strength. In this episode we discuss: Unconventional lifting techniques and their effectiveness for strength and entertainment Deadlifting records and techniques, including working with various equipment...

I'm joined on this episode by none other than Diego Reyes - a gut health specialist aiming to help Americans turn the tide on one of the "secret" afflictions that beguiles many, and often goes undetected, untreated, and unsolved. Listen in as we discuss one of the most important battlefields on the frontlines of human health! And be sure to check him out online at: Instagram:  https://www.instagra...

Riddle me this, friendo: How is it that old school strongmen in the 1800s and early 1900s managed to set a wide array of strength records that still stand TO THIS DAY - despite: Shorter lifespans More life-threatening diseases Inadequate medical treatment More expensive and often lower-quality food And a litany of other seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their path?  The answer:  they had a met...

I'm joined on this episode by athletic coach and fitness revolutionary Dave Daglow. In this episode we talk all about Dave's back story - from up-and-coming athlete to severely injured and in desperate need of figuring out how to put himself back together again. From this humble beginning, he came to a series of startling realizations about his own body, that of other athletes, and the entire noti...

I'm joined on this epic episode (epic-sode?) by none other than Master SFG and fellow bodyweight fanatic Karen Smith. In this episode we dive deep into a smorgasbord of spectacular stuff, including: her origin story and what got her into kettlebell training the fateful phone call she got from Pavel that inspired her to take on the challenge of nailing her first one-arm pushup the past, present, an...

I'm joined on this episode by my pal and yours, Pat Flynn. We decided to do this episode based on a very good question I got from an email subscriber, asking how Pat and I were able to work so well together despite our vastly different approaches to fitness.  Tune in for our stimulating, titilating, and riveting answer.  And be sure to follow Pat online at: https://www.chroniclesofstrength.com htt...

I'm joined on this episode by old school strength and physical culture enthusiast Brooks Kubik of Dinosaur Training.  Join us as we dive deep into the world of physical culture as it was before the days of widespread access to quality training information, insights on how the old schoolers trained, and how Brooks overcame crippling asthma and other physical maladies to become one of the greatest m...

I'm joined on this episode by the wise and brilliant Dr. Kathy Dooley - anatomy fanatic, chiropractor, and all-around strong gal. Listen in as she talks about how and why the study of anatomy can help you unlock new and untold levels of unrivaled brute strength by learning how to work WITH the natural design of your body rather than fighting against it.  Check her out online at https://www.immacul...

I'm joined on this episode by my colleague Sven Rieger - StrongFirst Team Leader and all around badazz lifter.  Listen in as we talk at length about his spectacular journey through the world of strength, culminating recently in successfully lifting the Dinnie Stones - a feat of strength few have ever conquered!  Wanna crush weakness and forge all-day strength, stamina, and resilience WITHOUT any c...

I'm joined on this episode by my friend and founder of Original Strength, Tim Anderson. In this fascinating episode Tim reveals some epic details on his spectacular new book, "A Simple Book of Strength," why it's his FAVORITE of the 10 books he's written so far, and how it can help YOU to change your life. Pick up your own copy here: https://a.co/d/afkbjMM   And be sure to follow Tim's magnum opus...

I had the pleasure of once again chatting with the great retired Master SFG Instructor Geoff Neupert - author of "Kettlebell Muscle" as well as a litany of other excellent books.    In this jam-packed episode we go head-to-head on the topic of various muscle, metabolism, and fat loss myths and facts, and how they impact the very real troubles many Americans now face: obesity.   Check Geoff out at...

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on this episode by none other than Master SFG Emeritus Mark Reifkind - a man who has been there, done that, and gotten the scars (and life-long training lessons) to prove it.  Come along for the ride as we discuss the highs and lows of training - and gaining - as you age, as well as how to keep...