
The Hammer Cast
511 episodes — Page 6 of 11
Ep. 258: 2 Drills to Press Your Best in 6 Minutes or Less
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com When it comes to the military press, true dominance of this move will go a long way toward making you freakishly strong. And while you have to do a lot of reps in order to build a lot of strength, the truth is that if your groove sucks, YOU will suck. This episode will give you some ideas on how to un-frick your pressing groove.
Ep. 257: 11-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Blitz That Builds Strength + Cardio
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com If you ever needed just a quick and dirty workout to rid you of your weakness and infirmity, "contrast workouts" are a great way to do that. So what IS a contrast workout? I dish on exactly that in this action-packed episode. Tune in and test out the workout for yourself. Have fun and happy training! Aleks
Ep. 256: A Old School "Trick" to Enhance Your All-Around Strength
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com It's been said that there's no school like the old school, and nowhere is that truer than with good ol' strength training. Believe it or not, the old schoolers often did such "unbecoming" things that we would now look at as being "beneath us", but many of their strategies have stood the test of time and are still every bit as good today as they were back in the olden days. This episode dives into one such example. Try it out - I know you're gonna love it. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. Probably.
Ep. 255: Unlock Your Upper Body Power with This Gymnastics Ring Move
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com When it comes to getting a stronger upper back, one of the finest moves of all is the face pull. All you need is a pair of rings and you're golden. In this episode I talk about why the face pull just might be the missing link your body has been craving, and how to mix it in with your training.
Ep. 254: An Epic Kettlebell/Calisthenics Combo for Brute-Strong Legs
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Let's face it: no one wants stick legs: not you, not me, NO ONE. And for as useful as a heavy barbell and a big ol' pile of weights may be, it's not necessary. You can make dynamite gains with just some kettlebells and your own fair flesh. I'll show you how in this episode. Video references: Hamstring curls: https://youtu.be/r4SRfCqoVF4 Front squats: https://youtu.be/T8xRwxBsdy4
Ep. 253: The #1 (Almost) Guaranteed Way to Get Stronger Faster
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Would you believe that a great deal of your strength training frustrations might very well be easily solved by simply making one head-slappingly simple tweak to your routine? No guarantees, of course, but I've seen it work more often than not. Listen in and find out what the tactic is.
Ep. 252: 3 Moves for Brutishly Strong (and Resilient) Shoulders
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna build some boulder shoulders that fill out your shirts, turn heads, and get respect? Look no further than the movements described in this episode. (Also, consider switching out the pike pushups for military presses if you lack the mobility/skill to get into position for the movement) Pike pushup: https://youtu.be/17ckzsrjBgM Wide grip ring rows: https://youtu.be/zQxSvcs2_rc Lateral raises: https://youtu.be/ANJH0JkzmfA
Ep. 251: 2 Reasons Why Your Strength Might Be Stalled (and How to Fix It)
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Frustrated by how you always seem to make such great progress at the beginning of a new workout routine, yet struggle to keep your strength gains coming as the weeks and months go by? Let me assure you: you are not alone. Fortunately, you can often KEEP doing those same exercises you love and get even better results. All you have to do is follow a few simple pointers in this episode and watch your gain train start rolling along again.
Ep. 250: Build 'Freakish Strength' (Without Looking Like a Freak)
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Scenario time: let's say you've spent a good deal of time working up to some mighty meaty strength gains in a particular movement, but the time has come for you to take the reigns of a new program that you really like, so you are now stuck with the dilemma: How do you maintain your gains while changing how you train?! Well, fear not, my little leibchen. This episode will provide some soothing answers to your burning questions.
Ep. 249: Don't Believe the BS — You NEED High Reps for Heavy Strength
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Believe it or not, high reps just might be the key to reinvigorating your heavy strength training. If you haven't tried it - or even considered it - this mighty fine episode will show you the ropes.
Ep. 248: Why (& How) to Build "Deep Strength"
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com If you want to get life-long strong, every inch of your body must be strong - NOT just those beach muscles of yours. This episode will show you how to build some much-needed 'deep strength'
Ep. 247: A 'Sneaky' Kettlebell & Bodyweight Short Cut for a Heavier Military Press
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com While it's true that if you want to get better at military presses you'll need to do quite a few presses, it's equally true that if ALL you do is military presses, you'll probably stall out and get frustrated by plateaus more quickly than if you were to mix up your training now and again. This episode will show you one of my favorite "short cuts" to greater gains in overhead strength. You'll still have to do a lot of hard work, but you just might get to your PRs a little quicker this way.
Ep. 246: #1 Kettlebell Move for Boulder Shoulders & Explosive Leg Power
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Is there any better kettlebell exercise for strength, muscle, explosive power, and all-out athleticism than the double kettlebell clean and jerk? Don't even bother trying to give a response because the answer is NO. Listen in to why they are so great on this episode here. And for a video demo, you can't do much better than this one: https://youtu.be/ye8zPleqJpQ
Ep. 245: The '2-in-1' Calisthenics Workout for Full-Body Strength, Muscle, & Power
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna get a freakish amount of strength packed into your body? Of course you do. Try out this workout (and listen to the episode for the details of how to do it right) Part 1: low-rep strength 5 pike pushups with feet elevated 5 L-sit pullups 5 Pistol squats per leg 5 L-sit leg raises 5 Back bridge pushups *Repeat for 3–5 rounds — rest as little as possible but as much as necessary between exercises and between rounds* Round 2: high-rep strength 10 ring rows 10 dive bomber pushups 10 hip thrusts 10 Cossack squats *Repeat for 3–5 rounds — rest as little as possible but as much as necessary to maintain proper form*
Ep. 244: The 'Old-School' Way to Get Stronger *Without* Lifting Heavier
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna know what to do with your lighter kettlebells and easier bodyweight exercises to KEEP getting stronger WITHOUT going crazy on adding more volume, more density, or heavier weights? This episode dives into an old-school technique that you just might find to be the key you needed to get ahead. Tune in, test it out, and let me know how you like it.
Ep. 243: A 'No Technique' Exercise for a Darn-Near Guaranteed Strength Boost
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Believe it or not, not every exercise has some super specific technique you have to learn in order to do it properly. Inf act, some have close to none at all! And wouldn't you know it? Those are often the exercises that give you the biggest bang for your buck. This episode dives deep into just one such exercise, and comes with a bonus: a video demonstrating a cool combo of variations of said exercise for you to put to good use. Check out that video here: https://youtu.be/vfUmN5nhea4
Ep. 242: TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY! Swedish Super Mom Lina Eveby on going from 'weak' to 'freak' with kettlebells & calisthenics
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on today's show by Lina "The Machina" Eveby to talk about her steady transformation from 'weak' to 'freak' with the help of kettlebells, calisthenics, and the programs of Yours Jewly. Hear how she has worked through never damage, muscle atrophy, and various other difficult circumstances to ultimately triumph and crush unbelievable amounts of weakness while soaring to dizzying heights of strength in this jam-packed episode.
Ep. 241: #1 Most "Taboo" (But Highly Effective) Way to Build Big Strength Fast
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com If you wanna break your PRs, eventually you're gonna have to realize you might need to break some rules. And not the iron-clad rules or principles of strength training. Oh, no! I'm talking about the "rules" that exercise ideologies like to place on your training regardless of their utility. This episode dives deep into breaking the misconceptions about one such set of rules, and shows you how to use a 'taboo tactic' to practically shovel new strength into your body. Here is a video demo of the moves mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/wj7GuF2L3cQ
Ep. 240: How to Do More Pullups The (Almost) Easy Way
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com In order to do more pullups, you must do more pullups. But let's say you're stuck at just a few measley reps and no matter what you do you just can't seem to add any more to your all-out best set. Are you stuck forever in pullup purgatory? Not quite, friend. The simple rep scheme I divulge in this fine episode can help take you from 'weak' to 'freak' at pullups in mere weeks. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.
Ep. 239: Top 2 Techniques for More Strength in Less Time
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Got big strength ambitions but little time to chase after them? Well don't worry - this episode has got you covered.
Ep. 238: The Top 'Non-Kettlebell' Move You Should Be Doing with Your Kettlebells
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com While there are certain moves the kettlebell excels at - and indeed can't really be well-replicated by other implements - there are other moves that are not kettlebell-specific that are still more than worth your time to do in your training. This episode dishes on one of my favorite "non-kettlebell" upper body movements that you can do with your kettlebells. Listen and learn!
Ep. 237: An Essential Element for Building REAL Upper Body Strength
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Don't fall for the idea that you have to limit yourself and your training in order to get stronger. If anything, you need to be GENERALLY stronger in order to have any hope ofgetting specifically stronger. If you're shrewd and discerning, the approach discussed in this fine episode of my podcast will ring true to you. And if not, well, then listen to it a couple of times until you internalize its magnificence. I insist.
Ep. 236: This Workout Will Get You Stronger — Come *HILL* or High Water
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com If your training is stalled, your workouts have more plateaus than PRs, and you're generally frustrated with how things are going, why not spice things up a bit? The brief, simple-to-understand workout in this show can be added to dayum near any program to great effect. All you need is a hill, a kettlebell or two, and some true grit and you'll be off to the races.
Ep. 235: 2 Tough (But Effective) Ways to Build Strength & Muscle Faster
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna work out without working yourself into the ground? Look no further than ladders and pyramids - a fantastic way of adding meaningful strength to your kettlebell and calisthenics skills WITHOUT collapsing in an absolute heap. Here is the workout described in the episode: Military press: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Front squat: 1, 2, 3/1, 2, 3 Pullup: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1-hand kettlebell swing: 5, 10, 15, 20/5, 10, 15, 20
Ep. 234: The Top 2 Kettlebell & Bodyweight Combos for Light-Speed Upper Body Strength Gains
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Frustrated at your snails-pace strength gains? Wanna boost your brute power while beefing up your frame at the same time? Look no further than the two classic kettlebell and bodyweight combos in this fine episode!
Ep. 233: How to Build Stronger Legs *Without* More Leg Training
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna build stronger legs WITHOUT more and more leg work? It can indeed be done, friendo. And the way just might surprise you. Listen in to this riveting episode as I dish on my mad methods (which were not pioneered by me, unfortunately, but by folks much smarter than me from years past) and put these tactics to the test.
Ep. 232: 3 Barely Known (But Bona Fide Badazz) Bodyweight Moves
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Need to spice up your routine? Sure you do, we all need it every now and then. But how are you gonna spice things up with the bland exercises you've been doing? Instead, pick out a few drills you've very possibly never done before and get started on the path to greatness.
Ep. 231: Avoid *This* Common Training Mistake and Speed Up Your Gains
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Just as important as good technique is good programming- and the road to good programming is avoiding many of the obvious pitfalls and road blocks that present themselves along your path - namely spending too much time working out, which is just plain impractical for most. This episode will show you one easy way to avoid that.
Ep. 230: A Tough-as-Nails, 21 minute Kettlebell/Bodyweight Workout
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com On this fine episode I dish on a workout that you can do if you're in a time crunch that will hit every nook, cranny, crevice, and corner of your Soft Machine in no time flat (well, 21 minutes to be precise). Here it is: Kettlebell: — 5 snatches — 3 single-side front squats — 1 military press to Turkish Get Down Repeat on the other side Calisthenics— 5 arched scap pull to pullup — 3 step ups per leg — 1 slow pike pushup
Ep. 229: 3 Tips to Make Your Kettlebell Snatch Easier
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Kettlebell snatch gotcha down? Hitting more plateaus than PRs? Then the 3 tips contained in this-here episode just might be what the doctor ordered. To see them all in action, check out this handy-dandy video here: https://youtu.be/-QClo5Ke6Us
Ep. 228: TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY! Josh Boccechiamp on going from 'Dad Bod' to 'Chad Bod'
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on this episode by Josh Boccechiamp, an online student of mine who sought out my training guidance to help him restore his lost strength and physical function. When we first started working together he could barely even put both arms over his head. Now, he is pressing double 32 kg (70 lb) kettlebells with ease, doing handstand pushups, weighted pullups, heavy front squats, and setting the example for his children that he's always wanted to. Listen in to his riveting story and you may well be inspired to take new and decisive action in your own life as well!
Ep. 227: A Potent (& Simple) Old-School Workout for Faster Strength Gains
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna get old school strong WITHOUT having to change your career to that of an old-time strongman? Well, you're in luck: this episode dishes a bit on how to do exactly that. Give the workout a try and let me know how you like it.
Ep. 226: The 2nd Most Effective Ways to 'Stack' Kettlebells & Bodyweight
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ever wanted to know how you can "stack" your kettlebell and calisthenics training in a way that allows you to potentially make faster gains in less time? This episode aims to show you just one of my wily ways for doing exactly that.
Ep. 225: 2 of the Finest Exercises You (Probably) Don't Even Know About
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com
Ep. 224: Friday Fit Tip: Use 'Jerky Ladders' for Faster Gains
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com One of the finest ways to get in top shape is to figure out how to do more work in less time while STILL remaining relatively fresh. A great way to do this is with Jerky Ladders, which I describe in great detail here.
Ep. 223: #1 'Olde Time' Drill for Brute Strength, Bulletproof Back, & Resilient Shoulders
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I don't know about you, but gimme some of that old time strength and resilience training any day of the week! One of the best ways to do that is with the kettlebell windmill, which I dish on in this episode. Check out a demo here: https://youtu.be/yIZkDNYEM4A
Ep. 222: "Can You Get Stronger Without Heavier Weights/Harder Exercises?"
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Can you REALLY get stronger WITHOUT adding more reps, doing harder exercises, or lifting heavier weights? If you play your cards right...yes. Maybe not forever, but it most certainly can be done. I dish on how in this episode. And for your reference, here is the sample workout mentioned in this episode: A1) Military press: 5 reps (@ tempo of 2 seconds up on each rep, 4 seconds down) A2) Pullup: 5 reps (@ tempo of 2 seconds up, 4 seconds down) A3) Front squat: 5 reps (@ tempo of 2 seconds up, 4 seconds down) One set on the minute — rest 1 minute before starting circuit over again. Repeat x 3 Total time: 12 minutes B1) 10 power swings One set on the minute x 10 sets
Ep. 221: A Faster Way to Build Upper Body Strength with Kettlebells
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Just like there's more than one way to skin a cat (a morbid thought if ever there was one) there's also more than one way to get stronger with kettlebells. In other words, the military press ain't the only game in town! If you've never tried it, the movement described in this episode just might work wonders at increasing your upper body strength AND in less time than you even thought possible. Listen in and find out what it is (and check out this demo in this video here): https://youtu.be/WRjUBK4QTho
Ep. 220: Improve Your Military Press with… Kettlebell Swings?
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Just like there's more than one way to skin a cat, there's more than one way to set up your workouts to get strong. Here are some of my favorite tactics for building big strength in little time.
Ep. 219: How to Make Predictable Strength Progress on an Unpredictable Schedule
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna slowly but surely charge forward in your strength training but have loads of obstacles and need to find a way to manage them while still making progress with what little time you have? This episode has got you covered!
Ep. 218: Make Your Squat Stronger WITHOUT Hurting Your Knees
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna squat big with less knee discomfort? This just might be something you'll find helpful. And here's a link to the video mentioned in the podcast: https://youtu.be/p6zml5Z7ghM
Ep. 217: 7 "Naughty-But-Nice" Kettlebell & Bodyweight Workouts
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ever bristle at the fact that you've got boundless ambition but are bound by a minimum of equipment and time? Well fear ye not - I've got you covered. These 7 naughty-but-nice kettlebell combos oughta do the trick. https://youtu.be/VqUHnw0l20I
Ep. 216: 4 ½ Essential Elements to Add to Your Strength Program
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There are a few truisms about strength that will always be relevant to your journey and to your goals. They are (in no particular order): "In order to be specifically strong, you must first be generally strong" "You get good at exactly what you practice (SAID principle — Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands)" This episode will show you some of the finest ways I know to ratchet up your strength in short order WITHOUT crushing yourself in the process. On a side note, if you enjoy this episode, please share it on social media OR with someone you know and love (or maybe don't love all that much but want them to become more lovable)
Ep. 215: 3 Powerful Techniques for Getting Stronger With Kettlebells & Bodyweight
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Believe it or not, there is more to getting stronger than just "pick the weight up and put it down" - whether that be with the iron or your own fair flesh. In fact, there are some ways to order your exercises and workouts that can potentially dole out far greater gains in less time than you thought possible WITHOUT doing more reps or going heavier (something you'll want to do eventually, of course, but don't have to start with right away). I dish on that in this fun-filled episode. Take a listen and give these tactics a try.
Ep. 214: Brett Jones on 'Iron Cardio'
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm joined on this episode by none other than Chief SFG Brett Jones - one of the original certified kettlebell instructors under Pavel and the man now responsible for the educational protocols in StrongFirst. We talked about a wide array of topics on this episode, including Brett's new and exciting Iron Cardio protocol, which you can learn more about here: Iron Cardio by Brett Jones – Strong And Fit Follow Brett online at Applied Strength
Ep. 213: #1 'Most Hated' Drill for Brutish Full-Body Strength
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There's probably no exercise more ignored, more maligned, and indeed more outright HATED than the kettlebell push press. Often viewed as a "cheating exercise", this is actually one of the finest ways to beef up your upper body strength, overcome psychological and physiological plateaus, and build some boulder shoulders and triceps at the same time. Check out this brief demo here: https://youtu.be/cTw46nGhb1U
Ep. 212: How to Get Stronger Without Getting Hurt
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ever get tired of making some great progress in your training only to get jacked up and have to start seemingly from square one? It's like being Sissyphus from Greek mythology: stuck rolling a boulder up a hill all day only to watch it tumble to the bottom each night. Well, break that annoying cycle, I say. Start implementing this ideas and all will be better in no time flat.
Ep. 211: Two "Old-School" Ways to Build More Real-World Strength in Less Time
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com That's right, friendo, you can build a lot more strength quickly WITHOUT resorting to silly "hacks" and tricks that require you to dole out a lot of money on dubious supplements. In fact, in general if you look to the old school you'll find a whole host of great methods of getting much stronger in less time. You'll have to work hard, of course, but the results will potentially be out of this world. I dish into 2 such methods in this fine episode.
Ep. 210: Pat Flynn on getting to long-term gains through short-term challenges
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com On this episode I am joined once again by my pal Pat Flynn, and the topic is one of utmost importance: building long-term consistency through short-term challenges. Odd and contrary to common sense though it may seem, one of the best ways to get long-term compliance and consistency out of a student is to first achieve short-term compliance and consistency - and there's arguably no better way to do that than with challenges. Listen closely as we dive in on exactly how this works, and how to use it to revolutionize your own life. And check out Pat's upcoming challenge https://www.chroniclesofstrength/kettlebell300
Ep. 209: 3 Most Heinous (But Effective) Kettlebell/Bodyweight Combos
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com One of the best things about kettlebells and calisthenics is the ease with which you can beef up your strength simply by picking the right combination of movements. I dive into that with some real-world examples in this very episode (and check out this video for demos on how to do them all: https://youtu.be/aO93Z92pPM0