The Hammer Cast

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com One of the criticisms I often hear about calisthenics training is "you can't strengthen your legs with your bodyweight only". To be fair, I'll say the criticism is half true. Ultimately I think that you DO need added weight to build your legs up to their full strength potential, BUT you can absolutely get a dynamite strength workout in with just your bodyweight alone. The 3 moves profiled in this episode can give your legs just the boost they need.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com "Are high reps any good for strength training?" A mighty fine question indeed. The short answer is "hell yes". They're actually a must, in my correct opinion. This is for a variety of reasons, which - surprise of surprises - I actually cover in depth in this episode. Listen, enjoy, and apply.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Calisthenics training for serious strength is really not much different than language learning. That may sound strange, but consider this: A language has a structure, a grammar, formal and informal styles, a vocabulary, common words and phrases, etc. Calisthenics training has principles, practices, certain 'lead-in' exercises to work you toward harder ones, progressions, programs, workouts, etc. What do they have in common? Well, if you've ever tangled with either and got defeated, I can practically guaran-damn-tee you that you approached it from the wrong end! I'll show you how to approach it from the RIGHT end on this podcast. Listen in and enjoy.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There's a saying I like that goes a little something like this: "Don't let your mouth write checks that your fists can't cash" In other words, mind your Ps and Qs and don't start trouble with people whose tush you can't whoop. The same goes for your body: don't write checks that your body can't cash! I talk at length about what that means - and how to avoid needless pain - in this podcast episode. Stop reading this damn description and tune in already, will ya?

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com There are a great many questions out there that can help expand your mind: Who are we and where do we come from? What is the meaning of life? What makes Teflon stick to the pan? For some questions there are no easy answers. For others, things are markedly easier. Here's a good question I get asked not infrequently: "what builds more strength — going heavier or doing more reps?" Well boy oh boy, do I have a good answer for you. Listen in and enjoy.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com When it comes to strength training, one of the common rallying cries against calisthenics is that you can't use it to strengthen your legs (no one questions bodyweight training's ability to build epic upper body strength, however). The reality is that that is only partially true. You absolutely CAN make your lower body stronger with just bodyweight exercises, though you'll definitely get the best results by combining bodyweight and weighted exercises. Unless you're already strong as an ox (but hopefully prettier), you might need a little help - and I aim to give it to ya.

One of my favorite drills for happier knees and heavier squats is what I like to call the heels-elevated hip thrust (or hip bridge, whatever you wanna call it). Basically, it works like this: you lay on the floor near some sort of an elevation (a couch works great), and provided you first have your spouse's permission, you put your feet up on the couch and then bridge your hips toward the sky. It looks a little something like this: https://youtu.be/p6zml5Z7ghM So what are they good for? Well, quit reading this description and go listen to the episode already!

On to the million dollar question: Is creating your own program a waste of time? My answer is not a hard "yes" or "no", but "probably", and this is why:

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Oh yes indeed, it is that most wonderful time of the year again - CALentine's day! Here are a few tips on how to boost your strength with calisthenics the simple and ALMOST easy way.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com I'm a big believer in sticking to the basics in your programming — a push, a pull, a hinge, a squat, a gait-pattern movement, and a few other in-between moves like twisting and lunging. This will always come in handy and together all these moves are about all you need to get as strong as you want. There is, however, a caveat. While these movements — done in just the standard way — will get you super duper crazy strong (a technical term, obviously) for a very long time, there are a lot of nooks and crannies in your body that they will miss — nooks and crannies that serve as the mortar that ensures that you stay not only strong, but resilient — that is, less prone to injury. There are a few ways you can address this. What are these ways? Listen in and I shall regale thee.