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.

No Excuses Allowed: I Became an SFG II at Age 70

I recently passed the SFG Level II Certification. At seventy years of age, I was told I am the oldest person to pass. But I never let excuses stop me.

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.

A Long Way to Press: Work Capacity, Levers, and Tall People

For those of us in the business of getting people strong, we may need to reevaluate how we do that for each athlete. Let's look at the science of pressing for tall people.

The Pause That Comes Before a Successful Press

I failed the half-bodyweight press at my SFG Level II re-certification. Then I changed two things and re-tested successfully. Here are those two things.

The Big Bell Theory: Plans for Pressing Bigger Kettlebells

One of my students pressed the Beast after training for one year — and he started with 16kg. I hope my sharing of his journey will help you to increase your strength and press the 48kg Beast, too.

How Being Coachable Helped Me Tame the Beast

I recently trusted my Beast Tamer training to Pavel. The experience gave me renewed insight into what it feels like to be coached – and how to be coachable.

Six Weeks to Strong: The SF 930 Plan

The plan uses high reps of 8-12 per set and unheard of rest periods between them. It will build a lot of strength into your weighted pull-up and kettlebell press in just six weeks.

How to Build Your Slow Fibers, Part II

I present you with a plan that will increase your pressing strength and endurance by building up slow muscle fibers in your triceps.

Getting a Bigger Press: 3 Big Tips and 10 Ideas

Many of you are worried about being able to press your snatch bell with confidence. There are many things you can do to fix your weakness, and some might even be fun.