The Hammer Cast

In this episode, I talk with Montreal's official StrongFirst Team Leader Louka Kurcer - a man who has seen and experienced more hardship and triumph in his own young life than most would experience in two. We talk about: * Why he was sent to prison for 7 years * How his time behind bars transformed who he was and saved him * How he discovered Pavel, kettlebells, and old school strength training while incarcerated * much, much more Be sure to visit Louka online at: www.hardstylekettlebellpro.com www.hardstylekettlebell.ca https://www.facebook.com/hardstylekbmtl/ And if you haven't already, be sure to get on my email list, where all of my top-shelf, grade A material goes out (NOT on social media). (It's also the only place you can gain access to my courses, programs, challenges, and more) Hop on board here and get my free 8-week kettlebell & bodyweight challenge! https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/

2x your strength in 20 minutes a day with the 8-week kettlebell and bodyweight challenge -> https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/ With the explosion of the fitness industry over the last few decades, countless tried-and-true exercises have been bastardized, belittled, and betrayed in favor of newer, flashier (yet largely lackluster) exercises. One such move that's been mistreated and overlooked is the pushup. In this episode I talk about: * Why strongmen and wrestlers from years past to the modern era loved the pushup * How a proper pushup can help improve your military press * Its utility as a muscle-building exercise * Much, much more Tune in, listen closely, and enjoy!

1st things 1st, as I mentioned in the intro and outro, be sure to join my email list & get your hands on my popular 8-week kettlebell & bodyweight challenge by clicking here: https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/ 2nd, in this episode I cover my reflections on 11 1/2 years of kettlebell lifting: how I got into it, what I've learned, and how you can model your own journey off my mistakes, mishaps, and musings. Enjoy!

I'm joined on this monumental episode by none other than the one and only Dave "The Iron Tamer" Whitley - a man who has served as a Master kettlebell instructor in not one, but TWO different international organizations, and has worked as a performing strongman under the direct tutelage of some of the most legendary strongmen of the day - Bud Jeffries, Denis Rogers, and Slim "The Hammer Man" Farman. We discuss loads of different topics, including the importance of seeking out the best sources of information, the art of the kettlebell AND the dumbbell, breathing for greater performance and resilience, and much, much more. And be sure to check out Dave's awesome and ambitious new project, The One Dumbbell Challenge at https://www.theonedumbbellchallenge.com/optin28180822 Also, if you haven't already, be sure to get on my email list for all of my daily, no BS tips, tactics, techniques, and strategies for strength, health, and all-around epicness at https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/

Joining me on this episode is Luke Atchley - a former Marine, fitness business owner, and - as of recently - a first-time dad. In this podcast, we discuss: * His background in fitness, from childhood through now * Why he chose to join the Marines * The #1 reason why he and most gym owners prefer to work out OUTSIDE their gym * How to stock your own no BS home gym * Much, much more! Be sure to check out Luke Atchley at his website: https://lukeatchley.com/ and give him a follow on his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtueBR/ Also, if you haven't already, be sure to join my daily email list, where I send out my best tips, tactics, and techniques to get stronger, fitter, and healthier in the time you have by learning the old-school secrets of strength (oh, and you'll get a pretty sweet 8-week kettlebell and bodyweight program, to boot: https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/)

"Every dead person on Mt. Everest was once a highly motivated person" There's no denying it: we're a culture obsessed with motivation. We watch motivational videos, listen to motivational speeches, and get encouraged to motivate others while complimenting our friends for "being so motivating". The truth is, for as nice as motivation is, it's as fleeting as any other emotion, and is the last thing you should rely on if it's real, lasting change you're interested in. In this episode, I dig into why motivation is a sucky catalyst for self improvement, and what you SHOULD be focusing on instead. Also, be sure to sign up for my email list (and get a super sweet 8-week kettlelbell and bodyweight program to boot!). It's where all my best, most no BS knowledge bombs on strength, calisthenics, kettlebells, and movement go out - NOT on social media. Click here to climb aboard => https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/

Click here to get my world-famous 8-week kettlebell and bodyweight challenge! => https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/ Your body is a temple. We've all heard it before. Well, the reality is that your body is NOT a temple, it's a little more like...something else. Something that I will reveal in this episode. (you didn't REALLY think you were gonna get away with reading the show notes and not patiently listening to the podcast, did you?) Kick back, take notes, and enjoy.

I'm joined on this episode by Franz Snideman (of https://fsathletics.com/fitness/) one of California's top personal trainers and an internationally recognized expert on the topic of safely training for strength and speed at any age. In this episode Franz and I talk about: * why 'dynopenia' - the loss of the ability to produce power - is the unaddressed elephant in the room for people over 40 * how (and why) to safely train for speed and power * training general population vs. training athletes - the differences and the similarities * Franz's favorite non-kettlebell exercises to kick start your body's ability to move quickly and athletically * much, much more! And if you haven't already, be sure to hop on my email list - https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/

https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/ - Get on my email list here. In this episode I dive into the topic of why focusing on WHAT you want to accomplish and letting that determine HOW you do it is far more effective than the reverse.

In today's episode, Pat "The Pat" Flynn and I team up to give you some insights into how (and why) to be a more interesting person. It's simpler than you think!

I'm joined on this episode by the one and only Pat Flynn of Chroniclesofstrength.com. On this episode we dive headfirst into topics such as: Fasting: is it really all it's cracked up to be? Can eating make you virtuous? Why you should (probably) avoid fitness culture at all costs Pat's (and my) background in electronic stringed instruments My hilariously traumatic piano lessons story The #1 thing you have to be willing to do to be a good coach or trainer So much more. Also, if you didn't know, Pat has a book out, How To Be Better at (Almost) Everything. It's very green! Listen, absorb, and enjoy

Joining me on the podcast in this episode is one of the most experienced personal trainers in the US, Master SFG Mark Reifkind. Mark has competed at a high level in 4 sport: gymnastics, triathlon, bodybuilding, and powerlifting, and is one of the highest ranking StrongFirst kettlebell instructors in the world. In this episode we discuss: The education of a coach: Mark's history of training - and competing against - the best athletes in the world His insights into the difference between training competitive athletes and training 'Average Joes' Training vs. Exercise - why most people need one and not the other Most important things to factor into a student's training Training like an athlete - a recipe for disaster? Much more! Be sure to check out Mark's website at www.GiryaStrength.com

What does it mean to be a man? Is 'toxic masculinity' really a thing? And if it is, is it REALLY masculinity? Or is it just a collection of the bad behavior of the world's worst and least virtuous men? Tune in and find out!

Of all the annoying, virtue-signaling phrases that get bandied about in the world of fitness, "What's Your Excuse?" plastered near a handicapped athlete or fitness enthusiast is probably the worst. In this episode, Pat, Som, and I talk about our thoughts on this phenomenon.

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Hammer Cast with Yours Jewly, Aleks "The Hebrew Hammer" Salkin. Today I'm joined by none other than the one and only Pat Flynn. We kick this podcast off in earnest with some fun and frivolity. Enjoy!