The Hammer Cast Ep. 482: Clean Your Way to Heavier Snatches (feat. Gil Reves, StrongFirst Elite)
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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 this episode we discuss:
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Importance of the kettlebell clean in martial arts and defense positioning
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Benefits beyond just moving the bell to the rack position
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Improving overall strength, technique, and movement quality
Gil's Clean Training Journey:
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Focused on double kettlebell cleans with 40kg bells
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Progressed from 150 to 400 weekly reps
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Reached 200 reps in a single session with 40kg bells
Unexpected Benefits:
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Improved double snatch performance without direct snatch practice
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Enhanced back health and posterior chain strength
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Better timing and control in ballistic lifts
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Increased grip strength
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Improved endurance with lower intensity compared to snatches
Performance Gains:
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Went from 32kg to 40kg double snatches
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Maintained clean technique with 48kg bells
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Developed better arc control and bell path
Follow Gil on Instagram => @gil.reves