Kettlebell Training for the Fire Service

I first became aware of kettlebell training in 2000 and began using them two years later, when I recognized their ability to make people more powerful and flexible. One of my driving forces was finding ways to fix my own shoulder issues, and when I saw the true potential of kettlebells firsthand, I knew this […]

It’s OK to Struggle

Professional “Learners” We were all professional “learners” at some point. Think about it. Your “job” for the first 18 years or so was to learn. First to learn how to move and walk, and then how to learn in school. This may have continued in sports (learning more movement) or onto advanced degrees (learning more […]

How I Achieved a 3 x Bodyweight Deadlift (and You Can Increase Your Deadlift, Too)

A few years ago, my deadlift was at a crossroads. I decided to use StrongFirst principles to guide a simplified training approach. Here's what I did and how you, too, can increase your deadlift.

How to Build a Skill: Using the Get-up to Develop the Press

It’s likely you’ve read dozens of articles on the get-up, how to do the get-up, and what effect you can create with it. That's all fine, but let me share the special reason that I do the get-up.

One Good Rep: How to Perform the Perfect Pushup

Done correctly, the push-up will give you great strength gains and can be done anywhere at any time. But first, we need to make sure you can do one great repetition.

Grounded in Strength

Three years ago, at the age of 50, I decided to find out how strong I was. It wasn’t an easy time in my life, and this new path started with a stumble and fall before I embarked on a tough climb. I had just left my 24 years marriage which had left me anxious […]

An Explanation of the Athletic Hip Hinge

Why the hinge? Because it is without a doubt the biggest bang for the buck you can get in the athletic world on every level: strength, power, resilience, health, corrective. And the more you own it, the more you get back.

When StrongFirst Meets Circus: How Plan Strong Helped Us Win Silver in Moscow

The principles of deliberate practice and desirable difficulties are widely researched and relevant to a range of sports. I will demonstrate their applicability to the field of circus performance, by way of a StrongFirst program.

The 2 Most Common Errors in Kettlebell Swing Set-up

Just like the set-up for any skill, the set-up for the swing is critical. Before the hike, we need to be in proper position for the hike. This attention to detail will allow you to begin and end each set powerfully and safely.

Practice vs. Performance: The Mentality of the Old-Time Strongmen

Attempting a maximal lift in front of a crowd for a show is the move of an amateur. Run “wide open” all the time and something will break. The thing that breaks ain’t gonna be a record.