The Hammer Cast

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  I'm joined on this fine episode by my one-time colleague and long-time Hammer Head (i.e. follower of my training philosophy) Mark Reinke: a high-level trainer in a chain of gyms based out of the East Coast who has since transitioned into a job in the corporate world. On this episode we talk about how the he stays jacked and fit despite his new and busy schedule- and how my programs have helped him do that. 

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  Without a doubt, when it comes to kettlebell training, a heavy military press is the peak of achievement for most people.  It signals that you are a serious trainee, that you have put in a lot of effort, and that you deserve all those jealous stares you’re getting from strangers as they watch you hoist heavy kettlebells aloft in your yard or at the nearby park.  But a lot of people never reach that peak and are instead forever mired in a purgatory of handling light to moderate weights.  What gives?  Well, keep this in mind: a good peak is only as strong as its base. And what you might need is some more MUSCLE, pal.  This episode dishes on 3 of my favorite kettlebell moves for doing exactly that. 

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  I'm joined on this episode once more by the great and powerful John Brookfield - creator of the Battling Ropes system, trainer to high-performing athletes and regular folks alike, and all-around fitness industry innovator.  On this episode we talk about one of his best-kept secrets: the Wall System.  A system of training he developed years ago and has kept largely under wraps, both John and I joined forces recently to put together a course, The Swift and the Strong, to show you how to combine his unique and high-yield wall drills with your favorite kettlebell drills to build the ultimate strength and conditioning program. We talk at length about it in this can't-miss episode.  Check John out online at https://swiftnstrong.com/  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’ freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get thee thine own copy here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  At some point or another, we all have to ask the tough questions in life. Mountains or Beach? Boxers or Briefs? The Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Some of these are conundrums with no easy answer (except for the Stones vs. Beatles. The Stones win hands down any dayum day of the week). Other questions are a bit easier, such as: “Can you really get objectively strong just using bodyweight exercises? Or can you only build general fitness?” I reveal all in this episode.

Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com  There comes a time when we all must ask tough questions: Where do we come from and where are we going? What is the meaning of life? Who are you and how did you get into my house? For some questions, there are no easy answers. Others, however, are a tad easier to answer. One that gets asked more and more these days is: “Do I really NEED a personal trainer?” The answer to that — like most things in this field — is... Well, I'll tell you all about it in this episode!

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.