The Hammer Cast

Get my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge HERE =>  https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com   On this splendiferous episode with the great Clif Harski we dig deep into:  Limitations of Only Training the Fundamentals Critique of the "inch wide, mile deep" philosophy when it becomes a narrow trench Analogy of digging a foundation but never building the house Indiana Jones / Holy Grail analogy for strength that only works under ultra-specific conditions Over-Reliance on the "Big Six" Kettlebell Lifts Why double front rack squats aren't the ultimate lower-body lift for strong lifters Geometry and grip limitations with heavy kettlebells Need for asymmetrical stances, different holding positions, and varied loading strategies Form vs. Getting Strong Critique of obsessing over perfect form at the expense of progress Example: Difference between cleaning a light bell vs. a heavy "beast" and why they can't (and shouldn't) look identical How rigid standards in cert environments differ from what's safe and productive in real-world training Single-Leg & Unilateral Work Value of lunges, single-leg hinges, and kickstand variations for strength and athletic carryover Why lunges are often unfairly maligned in the kettlebell world How bringing up weaker single-leg patterns can improve bilateral lifts Power, Explosiveness & "Construction Man Muscles" Cliff's argument that training for power maintains strength better than grinding strength maintains power Story of high-rep double beast cleans and the toll on grip/skin vs. systemic fatigue Separation between muscles that make you "look jacked" or lift heavy (back, traps, grip) vs. muscles that make you jump higher and move faster (legs and hips) Aging, Athleticism & Movement Quality How loss of explosiveness is an obvious sign of aging Using kettlebells for safe high-volume power work vs. the limitations and risks of high-volume jumping/sprinting Examples of explosive non-kettlebell work (clap pushups, box jumps) and how kettlebells complement or substitute for them Why Kettlebells Are Uniquely Suited to "Athletic" Training Kettlebells as tools for multi-directional, explosive, and athletic patterns Comparison with barbells and dumbbells for the same purposes Critique of treating kettlebell training like "barbell lite" (purely bilateral, anti-rotation, simplified patterns) Dogma, Branding & Narrow Messages in the Kettlebell World Discussion of how simple, rigid branding (e.g., "just the basics," "Simple & Sinister forever") can overshadow nuance How organizational culture, "good soldier" behavior, and seeking approval from "upper echelons" feed dogma Aleks's example of pushback on his hike-position power swing despite praise from Mark Reifkind Variety, Programming & Long-Term Progress The "magic" of any new focused program for 1–3 months and why people keep thinking each new program is "the one" Concept of maintaining baseline strength while rotating focus to new qualities (jumping, unilateral strength, new skills) Limitations of kettlebell progress without access to very heavy bells and why variety in stance and load is essential Training Frequency & the "3x/Week for 30 Minutes" Meme Cliff's concept of "founderitis" and selection bias in program marketing Why 3x30 works great for novices or detrained folks, but isn't a universal, permanent solution Discussion of when and how to add more days or volume intelligently Science vs. Art in Strength & Hypertrophy Training Hypertrophy chat: 5 reps vs. 20 reps, and why individual response and enjoyment matter Argument that training is as much art as science, especially for long-term adherence How personal preference, fun, and life context shape effective programming Inclusivity vs. Tribalism in Fitness "Death is winning, do something" – why almost any modality is better than doing nothing Caution against dismissing other methods or modalities (Pilates, etc.) that genuinely get people moving The real goal for most people: health, broad capacity, and resilience—not niche over-specialization Bell Fest: Kettlebell Festival & Community Origin story of Bell Fest and how Cliff got involved Description of Bell Fest as a kettlebell party: community vibe, variety of styles, supportive environment Shift from purely brutal workouts to more education-focused sessions Lineup highlights: Cliff Harsky, Dave Whitley, Denis Vasilev, and others Practical info: dates, Austin location, CEUs, pricing, and discount code via FKT Emphasis on Bell Fest as a place to see many different kettlebell styles coexist in one event Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cliff Cliff's social media: @cliftonharski and @functionalkettlebelltraining https://www.instagram.com/cliftonharski?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  Website: functionalkettlebelltraining.com 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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com   Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Sometimes, despite your ambitions, your body simply pushes back against your attempts to get stronger.  For some exercises finding an alternative is easy. For instance, if your shoulders can't yet handle military presses, you can always knock a home run out of the ballpark with pushups and lay the foundation for military pressing strength later on down the line.  But what do you do when you can't do even the most fundamental of movements, like crawling?  I give some insights on how to work around - and then barrel through - this conundrum in this short episode.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com   Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Got a labor-intensive job?  Good news: you can still train and make gains. You just have to approach your training correctly.  This episode will tell you how.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com   Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin PS: if you're interested in my Morning Recharge guide (mentioned on the show), here are some more details about it: https://go.alekssalkin.com/the-morning-recharge-lp     

Today we bid farewell to a legend in the kettlebell world, without whom the entire movement almost certainly would've petered out and faded into fitness obscurity more than two decades ago.  I give my thoughts about it on this episode.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

In this episode I dish on: [0:02:00] Seppuku & Why Machines Can't Make Poetry [0:03:00] Is AI Going to Replace Coaches? [0:04:30] Why Programming Is More Than an Algorithm [0:05:40] Real-World Coaching Example [0:06:20] Psychology & the "Rationalizing Animal" [0:07:10] AI Coaching Fails: Pistol Squats & Kettlebell Swings [0:08:30] Content "Inbreeding" & Soulless AI Output [0:09:40] Human Connection & Why Clients Choose Coaches [0:11:00] Being "AI-Proof" as a Trainer [0:12:00] Strength Legends & Experience vs. Science [0:14:00] My Programming Philosophy & Customization [0:16:00] Where AI Fits in Fitness & Its Limits [0:18:00] Be More Human: Final Takeaways Tune in, chill out, and enjoy!  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Wanna get freakishly strong like the Cirque du Soleil acrobats or old time strongmen? I dish on how to do exactly that in this episode.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

"Eliminate frustration and speed ahead." Who doesn't want this?  When it comes to strength training - and calisthenics in particular - many ambitious and well-meaning enthusiasts jump right into a laundry list of progressions... And fall flat on their tushes.  If you want to feel like you're positively speeding through the various and sundry progressions that lay at the heart of each and every advanced calisthenics movement, you must first dominate their prerequisite movements.  This is the sure-fire path to things such as:  One-arm pushups Pistol squats Nigh on effortless pullups much, much more In this episode I dish on:  [0:00:28] Natural Movement and Standardized Exercises Discussion about learning basic movement patterns, balancing standardized exercises with natural human movements, and recommendations such as crawling, carries, and gait pattern work. [0:02:36] Handstand & Prerequisite Example from Social Media [0:05:00] Personal Anecdote: Prerequisites in Practice [0:06:27] Progress with Handstands and Sequential vs. Simultaneous Training [0:09:16] Lunge Program Leading to Improved Pistol Squats [0:10:32] Embracing the Foundations Valuing foundational, repetitive practice (particularly of prerequisites) across fitness skills.  [0:11:06] Closing   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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

If you want to radically speed up your mastery of the ballistic kettlebell lifts - no matter WHERE you are in your training journey - you need to throw conventional training tactics out the window and use a sleek set of little-known drills to amp up your mind-muscle connection almost instantly.  My best-selling book, Tamers of the Lost Arc, can show you how.  Check it out here => https://a.co/d/a1cNsCl 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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

If you're looking to trim up, get lean, and drop some unsightly flab, here are some first steps that will help you toward that end.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

There seem to be two sides of the proverbial coin in the fitness world when it comes to stretching:  Side 1: it is mission critical that you do it.  Side 2: you damn well better not even think about it - especially before you lift! The truth - as you might imagine - is somewhere in the middle.  I dish on this in this mighty fine episode. Tune in, chill out, and enjoy.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

There are a great many systems out there promising to deliver movement quality - and probably a lot of them can make good on that promise.  Even still, this is why I choose Original Strength... 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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Get your own free copy of my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge here => http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  I'm joined on this episode once again by none other than kettlebell superstar Zack Henderson to talk about his annual Lift-A-Palooza event held each year during the last week of January.  Here's a list of all the fun stuff we talked about (according to the super genius AI cyborg type thing that I politely but firmly demanded to put together a list of topics for you to be able to pick and choose from): [0:00:02] Introduction to the episode and hosts. [0:00:23] Discussion about nicknames and owning your name online. [0:00:50] Acquiring personal domain names and issues with name spelling. [0:02:05] The importance and impact of using one's real name versus a nickname. [0:03:18] Screen names, social media identities, and meeting online connections in person. [0:04:16] First impressions of meeting people from social media in real life. [0:06:19] Tactical size and body image perspectives in fitness. [0:07:24] History and organization of the "Lift-a-Palooza" fitness event. [0:10:00] Online versus live (in-person) events post-COVID. [0:12:12] Structure and promise of Lift-a-Palooza: hands-on experience, guest instructors. [0:14:30] Details on guest coaches: Brett Jones (kettlebell training) and Jen Thompson (powerlifting). [0:17:57] Do coaches attend each other's sessions? Conference logistics and memorable past guests. [0:19:02] Reflections on last year's event and interactions between renowned coaches Dan John and Ed Cohn. [0:22:35] Changes in fitness culture: from niche to mainstream, impact of social media, and knowledge sharing before the Internet. [0:24:16] Visiting iconic gyms, the value of legacy in strength sports, and exclusive education from experts. [0:25:34] Social media's impact on fame and niche celebrities. [0:28:13] Comparing attention/fame pre-internet and today, value of in-person learning, and boundaries. [0:31:24] The value of deep learning, goal-setting, and fitness as culture. [0:32:35] Event logistics: ticket availability and group size at Lift-a-Palooza. [0:34:45] Where to find more information: www.ZackHenderson.com, YouTube. [0:35:00] Podcast closing remarks and mutual appreciation. Check Zack out at https://zackhenderson.com/  On YouTube you can find him at https://www.youtube.com/@ZackHenderson  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

It's easy to blame your environment for your circumstances. But is it really so hard to act positively in spite of them?  I dish on exactly this in this episode: Introduction  The Importance of Environment and Personal Habits – [0:02:00]  The Influence of Social Circles & Success Sayings – [0:03:30]  Torah Talk: Noah's Righteousness and Decision-Making – [0:05:00] Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" – [0:07:30] The power of choice between stimulus and response. Learning Languages in Non-Conducive Environments – [0:09:41] My experience learning Italian and Hebrew. Building consistency through daily, small commitments. How environment can both help and hinder language learning. Environmental Influence on Fitness Goals – [0:12:00] (approximate) Strategies for finding excuses to succeed with fitness in challenging environments. The story of a women's fitness group in Jerusalem and daily micro-commitments. Final Motivation – [0:16:00]    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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Over the past few years (more, really) there has been a discussion over the seemingly outsized importance of grip strength for not just your overall strength, but also your longevity.  But is it really true?  What impact DOES grip strength have on your overall strength, health, and longevity?  I give you the must-know info in this short podcast.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Let's face it: even though strength, youthful athleticism, and pain-free movement may be your top priorities, EVERYBODY wants to look good as well. Fortunately, it ain't an either/or proposition. You CAN have it all.  I dish on how in this episode.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

On this episode I dish on the power of CARRYOVER to make your training more effective, time efficient, and frankly fun (who DOESN'T like getting more gains for their efforts?)  Tune in and enjoy.  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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on this episode by Marc Miller: founder of Happiness Quarterly Magazine and The Gunnar Project - dedicated to helping children and young adults learn to find happiness outside of the constant dopamine drip of their cell phones, social media, and other modern-day pursuits.  In this episode we discuss:  [0:02:40] Marc Miller's Origin Story and the Gunnar Project [0:05:40] Concept of Happiness vs. Happy ("happy" vs. "happiness" and brain chemistry) [0:11:02] The Role of Social Media and Dopamine in Modern Happiness [0:14:00] Strategies to Reduce Screen/Phone Addiction, Living in the Moment [0:19:11] Self-Image, Present Living, and Psycho-Cybernetics [0:22:52] Generational Wisdom, The Phone in Our Lives, and Societal Conditioning [0:25:13] Human Attention, Peer Pressure, and Social Fears [0:28:02] In-Person Connection, Phone as a Tool, and Moderation [0:31:59] Building Skills for Moment Awareness and Happiness [0:36:06] Parental Advice on Encouraging Happiness in Kids [0:38:35] Conclusion and Resources: Happiness Quarterly Magazine   Check out The Happiness Project online at Magazine — Happiness Quarterly

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 dismiss, but actively and consistently badmouth Hardstyle - the kettlebell training style pioneered by the Father of the Modern Kettlebell Revolution, Pavel Tsatsouline, a former SPETZNAZ physical training instructor and founder of the Russian Kettlebell Challenge and later StrongFirst.  But do their arguments have any merit? And which style is REALLY the best?  I dive into this and a number of other topics on this very episode. In it I cover:  History of Kettlebells: Ancient origins from Iran, China, and Greece Kettlebell Sport vs. Hard Style: A comprehensive comparison Origins of Kettlebell Training in Russia Legendary Strength Athletes and Their Kettlebell Training The Development of Kettlebell Sport Competitions Pavel's Hard Style Kettlebell Methodology Athletes Trained Using Hard Style Techniques Critique of Kettlebell Sport Enthusiasts' Attitudes The Versatility of Kettlebell Training for Different Fitness Goals Historical Use of Kettlebells for Strength and Conditioning   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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

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 kettlebell training complexity 0:08:42 - BA Method of Training Explanation of Be Able, Be Athletic, Be Adaptable approach Importance of variety in strength training 0:13:37 - Real-World Strength vs. Gym Strength Discussion of athletic movement and adaptability Indiana Jones analogy for strength training limitations 0:17:15 - Injury and Training Cliff's knee injury and kettlebell training approach Maintaining athleticism through specific training 0:44:55 - Training Philosophy Discussion of minimalist vs. varied training approaches Importance of trying new training methods 0:55:38 - Kettlebell Community and Certifications Discussion of RKC, Strong First, and kettlebell training evolution 1:01:21 - Single Leg and Bulgarian Training Cliff's experience with Bulgarian cleans Benefits of single-leg and power training   Follow Clif online at:  Instagram: @Clifharski @Painfreetraining 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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

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's just 9 minutes long, and it's designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here:  http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin