Enter the Kettlebell+ for the Army Combat Fitness Test

The Fall 2019 implementation of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) raised many concerns within my unit. The pushup, sit-up, and run events of the old Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) were replaced by six events: a three-rep max low handle trap-bar deadlift, a standing power throw with a 10lb medicine ball, a two-minute maximum […]

The SFG II Snatch: A Test Prep Program

“Only he deserves power who everyday justifies it”—Dag Hammarskjold, Swedish Diplomat Ain’t no two ways about it, friend-o: if you’re training for your SFG II Kettlebell Certification or recertification, probably the last thing you want to think about is preparing to tango once more with your long-time arch nemesis: the SFG Snatch Test (100 snatches […]

No Time…No Problem—Minimalist Training Solution

There are times in life where your circumstances do not allow for much training. I am in one of those times as I write this. The only way for me to allocate an hour at a time to train would be to cut into my sleep, which would be a poor trade off considering the […]

A Minimalist Kettlebell Program for Busy Professionals

I often describe that my personal training career took a fortunate turn in the road when I attended my very first kettlebell level 1 certification back in 2009. I had already been training for a number of years, held several nationally accredited certifications, and was three years out of grad school with a master’s degree […]

Lion’s Roar Kettlebell Snatch

“Hear me Roar!”—House Lannister Would you like to improve your kettlebell snatch technique and make your snatch test easier? The simple tip I’m about to share with you will help you to generate more force from the ground up, improve and solidify your overhead lockout, help you maintain a vertical plank during the drop and […]

The Snatch Walking Protocol for Ultra-Athletes

A growing population of endurance/ultra-athletes and coaches are moving towards StrongFirst programming. These athletes and coaches bring questions on program design utilizing Strong EnduranceTM protocols. In this article, I will share the snatch walking plan I’ve designed using one of these protocols. Most of my students use this plan at the end of many months […]

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.” […]

The Snatch Pyramid: Optimize Your Snatch Training

Kettlebell snatches are one of my personal favorite lifts. They are athletic and explosive. They can be done with a variety of weights, tempos, rep schemes, and in my experience, give more “what the heck” (WTH) effects than anything else. There is a unique and gratifying sense of completion when you lock out each rep […]

Never Quit

I am a SFG Level I candidate scheduled to attend the certification in Las Vegas in February 2021. In truth, my goal is to reach the StrongFirst Elite status which means instructor status in all three modalities that StrongFirst teaches: kettlebell, barbell, and body weight. The SFG Level I is the important first step in […]

Q&D for Senior Citizens

At 76, I’ve noticed that people my age come in two groups: those who let their vitality slip away without contest, and those who fight to remain strong and active. Growing old well takes courage and a sense of humor. Old folks are cranky because they’re usually in pain, and it’s easy for some to fall […]