The Iron Monkey Deep Six Challenge

Many years ago, StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor Jon Engum published an article using his Deep Six practice that tested an instructor candidate’s readiness to pass the SFG Level I Certification. The plan is simple: 3-5 rounds of a complex composed of the six fundamental kettlebell skills: swing, snatch, clean, military press, squat, and get-up. The […]

The SFG Clock—A Guide for the Swing, Clean, and Snatch

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”—George Harrison Over my years as a coach, I have seen many people demonstrate a variety of kettlebell movements with differing degrees of success. Perhaps they are unaware of the mechanically advantageous groove for a movement, or they’ve just never really appreciated that […]

Easy Reg Park: A New Program to Train Your Basic Six

Looking for a new kettlebell training program? This one hits it all. You'll need access to a few bells and coaching from an SFG Instructor, if you aren't one already.

The SFG Level II Preparation Guide

You asked for it, so here it is: a step-by-step approach to preparation and training for the SFG Level II. This is not a plan you can just follow, though – it requires assessment, planning, and analysis of your own.

An Olympic Weightlifting Approach to Coaching the Kettlebell Clean

The kettlebell clean is tough for people to “get." I've found using weightlifting techniques makes coaching the kettlebell clean simpler and more effective.

Mind the Drop—Tame the Arc for Better Snatches

A few weeks ago after seeing StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor, Pavel Macek, do a Goblet Squat with a kettlebell equal to his own bodyweight I had a great conversation with him about achieving such impressive results. He said, “I am stubborn, patient, and I think a lot about the stuff I do when I practice.” […]

Get Stronger with Odd-load Kettlebell Training

Life is unpredictable. So training that helps us withstand and react to asymmetrical loads and stresses goes a long way in making us more resilient. Kettlebells are perfect tools to help with that—especially when we add specialized odd-load varieties in our training. Not only are these moves great for those without matching doubles, but they are […]

The 3 Cleans: The Relationship Between Form and Function

Let's talk about architecture as it relates to the kettlebell clean. Really? Yes, really. Architecture, form, and function are important. The type of kettlebell clean (form) sets the structure for the goal exercise (function).

Understanding Center of Mass in Kettlebell Training

Dumbbells center the weight with your hand, but a kettlebell’s center is six to eight inches from the handle and changes depending on the exercise. Understanding center of mass can be used to your advantage.

SFG Level I Certification: 3 + 6 = Excellence

The SFG Level I Certification digs deep into the six movements that test your skills, strengths, and weaknesses - and even your mental strength.