The Hammer Cast

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I like to poke fun at the various fitness gadgets and doodads out there - particularly the ab-related ones. But truth be told there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest; one piece of equipment and one drill that is worth EVERYONE'S time. I dish on that in this episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com On this episode of the Hammer Cast I am joined by Somnath Sikdar - Tae Kwon Do master, BJJ enthusiast, strength training phenom, and successful business owner on how he balances so many of these elements while still creating mega success in all of them. Find him online at http://www.dragongym.com and on instagram at @somnathsikdar

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Let's face it: everybody is obsessed with "hacks" and "short cuts" to get more gains in less time. While most of the paths they chase after in this quest are dead ends, there ARE legit shorter paths to travel down. But make no mistake: you still have to do work! You just arrive at your destination faster than you might otherwise think. I dish on some of these for your military press in this brief but informative episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Believe it or not, sometimes "more" isn't better...it's just more. If you want to GET more out of your workouts without doing endless numbers of reps, this episode will show you how to kickstart that process in no time flat.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There's a lyric in a Toby Keith song that goes "I ain't as good as I once was/ but I'm as good once as I ever was." My question: Who needs that? You need to be good all-around and more than just once - whether that means roughhousing with your kids, doing work around the house, or engaging in your favorite physical activities. Having enough strength for just one noble effort won't cut it - you need to be all-day strong. This episode dishes on that topic and gives you some ideas on how to apply it.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There are a lot of old-school strength movements that have fallen out of favor as time has gone on, and this is a big one (so big, in fact, that it used to be considered one of the essential upper body exercises before it was callously tossed by the wayside). Listen in and give it a go for yourself

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 Mark Reifkind - a seasoned athlete, coach, and physical culturist who has been there, done that, gotten the scars, and turned his broken body into a strength-producing machine once again. Find him online at: * Kettlebell Training, Classes, Personal Trainers, Fitness Instructors, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Mountain View, Woodside (giryastrength.com) * Mark Reifkind - YouTube

I'm pumped to announce the launch of my first-ever self-published book, The No BS Kettlebell and Bodyweight Kickstart Program! If you've enjoyed my podcasts over the years, I know you'll love this book. Get your own copy here: https://www.amazon.com/No-Kettlebell-Bodyweight-Kickstart-Program-ebook/dp/B0B8XV9MM6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P1OSFD9TIZMR&keywords=the+no+bs+kettlebell+and+bodyweight+kickstart+program&qid=1660133019&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C65&sr=1-1

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com On today's episode I'm happy to introduce my online student Dr. Justin Schooth - a large-animal veterinarian who - when not rasslin' with cows and horses - is hosting preposterous poundages in his kettlebell and calisthenics workouts. But it wasn't always wine and roses. A lifetime of athletic endeavors combined with a tough-as-nails job hit him with some debilitating physical issues - some so bad that at their worst he could barely sleep. Listen in as we talk about his origin story, his journey to kettlebells, and his triumphal ride out of pain and discomfort and into strength, resilience, and physical domination.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com In this nifty episode I'm gonna show you a few "back door" tricks to increase your strength with the hurryupness. You won't wanna miss it. And here are some video resources for you, to boot: Here's the link to the gymnastics tactic: https://youtu.be/GrRFVi7tQqY And here's the link to the kettlebell drill: https://youtu.be/QjdR1xek-Pc

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There aren't too many "hacks" out there that can help you get stronger faster, but believe you me, friend: these two showcased in this episode are some of the chosen few.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com If transforming your body is truly your raison d'etre and no other outcome will suffice, you HAVE to develop every nook, cranny, crevice, and corner of your body - forget about what all the 'gurus' say about certain exercises being pointless or wastes of time. That's horsesh*t. And if there's one bodypart that goes woefully undertrained and underdeveloped, it's the one I talk about in this episode. Listen in and get back into the Gainer Zone.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Frustrated at your stalled strength in your presses, pushups, and more? Feel like your shoulders are more brittle than brutal? Well, don't worry: this episode has got you covered. (Also, this demo video might come in handy for you as well: https://youtu.be/ANJH0JkzmfA)

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com If you've been training long enough - no matter how careful you are - odds are you've encountered the ubiquitous 'shoulder pain' issue. Well, fear not - while this episode is no panacea, one thing it WILL teach you is how to use your training itself as a hedge against future issues by including one very cool (and very underappreciated) kettlebell exercise into your repertoire. And to see a demo of this move, click here (and subscribe to my YouTube channel while you're at it, wouldja?): https://youtu.be/XPtTDOdO8WA

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Plateaus: we've all had them, and we all hate them. But how do you OVERCOME them? I dish out a few heaping helpings of plateau smashing on this fine and dandy episode that I am sure you will love so much you'll want to share with all your friends (WINK WINK, NUDGE NUDGE)

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com One of my favorite deadlift variations for a resilient low back and improved head-to-toe resilience is also one you've probably never even heard of. Well, let's fix that, shall we? This episode dives deep into the topic. And for your convenience, here is a video showing you the ropes: https://youtu.be/98SMUwkVQb0

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Strange though it may seem, sometimes you've gotta do a lot LESS of your favorite exercises to get more of that sweet, sweet strength you're after. I dish on how and why in this mighty fine episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com "Conditioning without strength is weak, and strength without conditioning is lame" - Albert Einstein (probably)

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com My friend Dr. Mike Musselman returns to the show at long last, where he puts to bed some of the myths and mysteries of neck position in your strength training, how to use Original Strength to build superior physical performance, and much more.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com The Soviets got a lot of things wrong: basic economics. Human flourishing. Not running out of food. The list is practically endless. But for a variety of uninteresting reasons, one thing they often got very right was strength training. And the tip I dish on in this episode is so head-slappingly simple, so undeniably potent, you'll wonder how you never thought of it yourself. Take a listen and give it a shot in your own workouts.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna radically ramp up your strength to new heights? You're gonna wanna 'flip the script' on your current training - I'll explain exactly what that means and how to do it in this short but jam-packed episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Love calisthenics? Love summer time? Love workouts that can be done outside in a small amount of time? Then you'll love this short but not-so-sweet workout designed to get you in, out, and STRONG in short order.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com In the fitness world there's a thought experiment that goes a little something like this: "If you only had 15 minutes 2x per week to work out, what would you do?" Your answer will vary based on your wants and needs, but all things considered, if building a classic upper body physique that is as strong as it looks is high on your agenda, this workout just might be what you're looking for...

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Big on ambition but short on equipment? Fear ye not, friend - this episode dives into how to build big strength with just one weenie-ish kettlebell.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Frustrated with your seemingly miniscule amount of upper body strength despite all your hard work? Your efforts MIGHT be better placed elsewhere - namely southward, where your ignored and untrained legs await the attention necessary to help you power up your entire body.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Shoulders in need of some revitalization? Try out these two moves and see if you don't feel light years better with the hurryupness! https://youtu.be/mCQAXIYp5dM

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ever been on an absolute roll with your training only to have one little change in your schedule or other circumstances throw a proverbial wrench in your progress? Don't worry - I've got you covered. In this episode I dish on a bodyweight-only workout I did once while traveling and having far less time to work out that - once I was back to my bells - made EVERYTHING feel easier.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna pack on some strength AND muscle? Of course you do. You don't need a huge list of exercises, but rather a skeleton crew of tried-and-true double kettlebell moves will do the trick. I dish on my favorites - the Fab 4 - in this episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ain't no two ways about it, friendo: the kettlebell is one of the most dynamic and interesting implements for strength around. But did you know there are still probably a boatload of drills you've never even heard of, let alone tried? In my humble (but correct) opinion, the one I describe in this episode should be high on your list. Give it a go and let me know how you like it.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I know, I know, "The basics" doesn't exactly sound like a lot of fun when it comes to your training; everybody wants to do cool, ninja stuff. But what if I told you that the KEY to that cool ninja stuff was found not just in the basics, but in the ADVANCED basics? Listen to why on this episode

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com In the ancient world, the Roman legions were the most feared army on planet earth. Not only were they strong beyond belief, but their conditioning was off the charts. How did they get so powerful? There is one movement in particular that they did day in and day out that helped build this real-world strength and conditioning - one that you can easily start doing in your living room. Tune in and find out what it is!

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Anchoring your success on motivation is basically like saying "I have to be in a good mood before I can take action". That's pretty no bueno if you ask me! A better approach is fixating on momentum as a means of succeeding. I dish on why in this episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Can there be any greater feeling than getting more than you anticipated? Regardless of whether it's a purchase at a store or your training, we all like to get more for less. Now, make no mistake, you'll ALWAYS have to train hard and smart, but why not get more out of your hard work and increase your abilities in things you've not even practiced? That is the topic of this episode, and it's one you're *not* gonna wanna miss!

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Nowadays, the truest status symbol of all is NOT having a big house or a fancy car or any of the other once-common trappings of having "made it" in life, but rather having a body that is lean, muscular, and athletic in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. As Ah-nuld Schwarzenegger himself said, a well-functioning and muscular body is the one thing you can't buy - you must work toward it. If you want to turn heads and induce jealousy, this podcast oughta get you started on the right foot.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com No one has ever said "I wanna move like an old-azz man/lady". So why do so few of us do anything to prevent it? And what CAN be done to move more youthfully without sacrificing our strength along the way? Well, friendo, you're in luck, as I'm gonna dish on exactly that in this episode. Enjoy!

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Wanna build "old man strength" at any age? You're in luck, because it's not about your age per se, but rather your choice of physical activities. And for my money, if there's one physical activity you can't afford to skip, it's the one chronicled in this short-but-action-packed episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Yes, friend, it's true: you can't move toward one thing without moving away from something else. But unlike in the physical world where you can't change the distance between the thing you're moving toward and the thing you're moving away from, in the world of training you CAN lessen the distance between the skill built in the old moves you've built up strength with and the new ones you wanna work on. I teach you how in this mighty fine episode (which you should share far and wide with all your friends and family members WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE)

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Quite often the standard-issue advice of "do XYZ kettlebell/bodyweight exercises to get in shape" are well-meaning, but can still fall short. There are certain skills you MUST have from the outset in order to maximize these great traditional exercises, such as the ability to recruit every muscle in your body all at once, and it is can often be difficult to feel how to do that without some practice. So how do you GET that practice? I reveal all in this short but action-packed podcast episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com We've all been there: endless ambition but limited time. So how can you build both strength AND conditioning when you are on a tight time budget? This episode aims to show you how.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ever wonder how you, a busy working parent, can get stronger, fitter, and healthier so you can maintain not only your own strength, sanity, and confidence in yourself, but also set a good example for your impressionable kiddos? This podcast dives into precisely this topic. You won't want to miss it!

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com On this episode I am joined by world-renowned kettlebell instructor and successful gym owner Gregory Dzemaili of Lebe Stark. In this action-packed interview we talk about: * Gregory's 'Origin Story': how he went from aspiring musician to world-class trainer * An early 'Red Pill' moment of the failure of the fitness industry - and a revelation on what he needed to do to fix it * How he discovered kettlebells in alien territory (literally!) and how they revolutionized his approach to fitness * How a devastating lawsuit threatened to derail his career before he even opened the doors of his gym - and how one fateful decision strengthened his resolve and led him to conquer the roadblocks that stood in his way * Much, much more! Whether you're a fitness professional or a die-hard training enthusiast, you will NOT want to miss this episode. Grab a bucket of popcorn (or better, a protein shake), kick back, and absorb the copious knowledge bombs. Be sure to follow ol' Greg on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/LebestarkCh_Official And at his website: https://www.lebestark.ch/startseite-english/ 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' "f*ck you, King George, it's July 4th and here's our Declaration of Independence" levels of FREE, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin #Lebestark #strength #strong #strongfirst #RKC #kettlebell #kettlebells #kettlebelltraining #kettlebellworkout #kettlebellworkouts #kettlebellstarkstyle #kettlebellcomplex #movement #movementculture #crossfit #fitness #fitnessmotivation #fitnessbusiness #fitnesslifestyle #fitnessaddict #fitnessaddiction #switzerland #switzerlandfacts #calisthenics #calisthenicsworkout #calisthenicstraining #gymnastics #gymnasticstraining #gymnasticsbodies #gymnasticsworkout #alekssalkin

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Fear ye not: I still love kettlebell swings. But tough love is still love, and I've gotta give you the advice that I think will help you the most - and in this case, it's that swings MIGHT not be in your best interest right now. I dish on why in this episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Here's a fun fact: you can only add weight for so long before you just can't add anymore. And then you're stuck. The solution? Before you add weight to any exercise - pullups especially - you should find ways to get STRONGER at them first. Then, adding weight will be like a walk in the park. I dish on how to do that in this fine episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com It should come as no surprise that just like there's more than one way to skin a cat (sorry, Mittens!) there is also more than one way to get stronger. I dive into why high-rep exercises can be very high value to your strength in this brief, no-nonsense episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There's an awful lot of 'misinformation' about calisthenics training floating around out there, friend, and I aim to fix it. This podcast episode oughta be a good start. (oh, and to check out that mighty-fine video I mentioned in the podcast itself, click here: https://youtu.be/ln4TjzKdEx4)

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Love long, meandering workouts? Who doesn't? The real question is, do you have TIME for them, not to mention the ability to recover from them. Work both smarter AND harder with shorter, more focused workouts. In this episode I give you some insights on how to do just that. And, of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that a great way to do just that is with my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge, which you can get here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Ever wanted to know this secret to the major upper body strength of gymnasts everywhere? Well, this episode will reveal it. Here are two routines for you to try out (if your body is ready for them, of course) 'A' Day Minute 1: Bent-leg L-sit — 5 seconds Minute 2: Pike handstand — 5 seconds Repeat x 10 'B' Day Minute 1: Bent-leg L-sit — 10 seconds Minute 2: Pike handstand — 10 seconds Repeat x 5

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com No question about it: it helps to have some weights laying around if you wanna build stronger legs. But what if you DON'T have any weights handy? Can you still build stronger legs? You betcha - I'll tell you all about how in this episode

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Just like there is more to bodyweight pressing than just doing a lot of pushups, so too is there more to kettlebell pressing than just doing military presses. One of my favorite, highly-underrated kettlebell exercises is the topic of this fine episode today. And if you wanna see a short video on how to do it, check this out: https://youtu.be/WRjUBK4QTho

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com You have heard it said that you must do EXACTLY what you want to get better at. But I am here to tell you…that ain't the whole story. Here is how you can press and squat more WITHOUT pressing and squatting more – with case studies to back it all up.