The Hammer Cast

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Despite its ancient origins, the kettlebell has managed to stand the test of time as a strength and conditioning tool par excellence - even inspiring the creation of a sport organized around the tool.  For the past few decades, many kettlebell sport practitioners have taken it upon themselves to not just...

I'm joined on this episode once again by none other than Clif "No Need For a Nickname" Harski.  We covered a boatload of ground on this one - so much so you might even want to whip out your favorite notebook and pencil to take some notes as you listen.  Here's a sneak peek at what all we covered:  0:06:16 - Kettlebell Training Techniques Cliff's double snatch with 44 kilo kettlebells Discussion of...

In this episode I dive into how to use LIGHT training to build some serious MIGHT.  On that note, if you like training that: · Gives you more strength than it takes from you · Improves your stamina and resilience simultaneously · Powers-up every nook, cranny, crevice, and corner of your Soft Machine Then you just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge. As the name indicates, it...

In this episode of the Hammer Cast, I celebrate the 14th anniversary of my journey into calisthenics training by sharing key insights and lessons learned over the years. Drawing from my own personal experience as well as that of my students from around the world, I dish on a comprehensive overview of how to successfully approach calisthenics - not just for short term goals, but for life. Oh, and I...

At the dawn of the modern weight training movement, one exercise quickly arose (pun intended) to prominence among the pioneers of the jolly ol' game of taming the iron:  The one-arm snatch. From barbells, dumbbells, and eventually kettlebells, it has found a place in the training of just about every serious trainee.  And if you're not currently training it seriously?  Well, this episode just might...

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined once more by my friend Gil "The Beast from the Middle East" Reves to talk about the most underrated (and overlooked) kettlebell movement of them all: THE CLEAN. Gil has done arguably more to master the clean than just about anybody else, and he has the spectacular results to show for it.  In th...

Lightning has struck ONCE MORE, and the Hebrew Hammer and Paul "Big Mac" McIlroy are back under one proverbial roof once more to talk about some more of Paul's most hard-hitting, no BS insights into how to keep the Gain Train constantly rolling into the station year after year, decade after decade. If you haven't already, I will encourage you once again to get: - Paul's new book "Perpetual Strengt...

Ep. 480: What To Train BEFORE You Train Turkish Get Ups On this episode I discuss the importance of training foundational movements and exercises BEFORE attempting Turkish get-ups at all - let alone trying to go heavy. In addition to patience, proper instruction, and all that jazz, one other thing that will likely help you a great deal is my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge.  Using som...

In this episode, I  welcome Antoni Poblocki to discuss his impressive strength achievements, particularly his recent half-bodyweight press of 40 kilograms. Antoni shares how he discovered my work through a friend's recommendation and his journey into kettlebell training. He also discusses his passion for historical reenactments, focusing on the early medieval ages in Europe, and how that has influ...

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on this episode once again by none other than Josh Harrs: One of my long-time Inner Circle students and the inaugural Inner Circle Member of the Year. Join us as we discuss how he's gone from "strong" to "stronger than ever" at the tender age of 53. In this episode we cover:  0:01:36 Josh Harris...

Here are a few videos of examples of PROPER form for pushups and one-arm pushups:  Pushups => https://youtu.be/iss7Ssiw828?si=d2E1iKBbHgREk8kN   One-arm pushups => https://youtu.be/U-Hm3ApX3b0?si=9Q97Dpk5coy8pJ2R   If you like training that: · Gives you more strength than it takes from you · Improves your stamina and resilience simultaneously · Powers-up every nook, cranny, crevice, and corner of...

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on this episode once again by none other than Dr. Justin Schooth: One of my long-time online students and the inaugural Hammer Head of the Year. Join us as we discuss how he's gone from injured and in agony to so freakishly strong, fit, and resilient that the young men on his volunteer lifeguard...

On this episode I answer an email from a fan asking how to blow past that seemingly insurmountable single pullup he's stuck at so he can get all the way to a mighty (and achievable) five reps.  Video footage of movements mentioned in this episode: Hanging: https://youtu.be/ZjlOujJtFfo?si=ggkJ5SUVzcTRmV_m Bodyweight Rows: https://youtu.be/fUBOKvXp2fw?si=kN7GukL9uxKCELYC   YTWLs: https://youtu.be/cG...

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...