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The Hammer Cast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Aleks Salkin
A show about strength, health, fitness, learning languages, and becoming a more interesting person.
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago9 min
Ep. 525: Momentum beats Motivation
No matter where you train, one thing remains the same: how *real world strong* you get is what determines how useful your training is. If your workouts only get you sweaty and sore, then do nothing to make you more formidable in the real world, what good are they? I put together a 15 minute challenge that will not only show you just how real world strong you are, but will help you figure out how to fill in gaps that may have crept in along the way. Best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get started here: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin
- 3 weeks ago8 min
Ep. 524: The UGLY Truth about Personal Training
Personal training ain't all wine and roses, folks. There's an ugly side, too. I dish on it in this episode. Now, maybe YOU don't care too much about personal training because you're more keen on training at home. Frankly, I'm the same way; most of my own training since my 20s has been done at home, NOT in a gym. No matter where you train, one thing remains the same: how *real world strong* you get is what determines how useful your training is. If your workouts only get you sweaty and sore, then do nothing to make you more formidable in the real world, what good are they? I put together a 15 minute challenge that will not only show you just how real world strong you are, but will help you figure out how to fill in gaps that may have crept in along the way. Best of all, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get started here: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin
- Oct 1, 202654 min
Ep. 523: Boost Your Testosterone NATURALLY (with Logan Christopher)
See how Real World Strong YOU are with my Real World Strong Challenge: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com Introduction to Logan Christopher — [00:00–00:04] Why testosterone may be declining — Logan's views on environmental chemical exposure, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and infertility trends. [00:05–00:10] Soil depletion and micronutrients — How modern farming may affect nutrient density, and why zinc and other micronutrients matter for hormone health. [00:10–00:13] How hormone pathways work — Cholesterol as a precursor to steroid hormones; stress, cortisol, and the "pregnenolone steal"; testosterone's relationship to estrogen and DHT. [00:13–00:19] Potential downsides of TRT — The conversation covers suppression of the body's own testosterone and sperm production, increased red blood cell counts, and possible estrogen-related effects. [00:19–00:25] Lifestyle steps before higher-level interventions — Sleep, stress management, and other foundational habits, including Aleks's experience improving his testosterone after addressing sleep and weight. [00:25–00:28] Training for recovery and vitality — Balancing challenging workouts with recovery, and avoiding chronic overtraining when other stressors are high. [00:28–00:34] Diet, carbohydrates, and natural foods — The discussion considers dietary fat, carbohydrates, ketogenic diets, and choosing less-processed foods. [00:34–00:40] Herbs and supplements — Logan describes his views on pine pollen, Tongkat ali, zinc, and the proposed ways these may support hormone function. [00:40–00:48] Supplements as part of a broader approach — Why the conversation emphasizes building healthy lifestyle foundations rather than relying on a single supplement or intervention. [00:48–00:51] Closing takeaways and resources — A recap of sleep, training, nutrition, micronutrients, toxin exposure, and where to find Logan's work. [00:51–00:54] Follow Logan's work at: https://legendarystrength.com/ https://lostempireherbs.com/
- Sep 10, 202650 min
Ep. 522: Franz Snideman on Sprinting Like a STUD at ANY Age!
Thou shalt get my Real World Strong Challenge here: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com I'm joined on this episode by the mighty Franz Snideman - an early adopter of the kettlebell, student of Pavels, and sprinter extraordinaire who teaches men and women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond to restore their ability to sprint WITHOUT destroying their bodies in the process. In this episode we cover: 0:00:02 Intro & Guest Reintroduction 0:04:27 Franz's Origin Story: From Track to Sprinting Mentor 0:06:25 Discovering Kettlebells & Early RKC Days 0:09:03 What Kettlebells Changed for His Clients 0:11:56 Hardstyle vs Kettlebell Sport (GS) 0:14:20 Sprinting at Any Age: Principles & Prerequisites 0:15:07 How to Build People Up to Sprinting Safely 0:18:46 Tendons, Cells, and the Language of Force 0:20:17 Role of Heavy Loading, Isometrics, and Classic Strength Work 0:24:00 Foot Health, Surfaces, and Overuse Prevention 0:27:14 Sprinting vs Jogging: Different Mechanics, Different Demands 0:30:47 Integrating Kettlebells, Strength Training, and Sprint Drills 0:34:34 Consequences of Living in Only One Quadrant 0:36:17 Speed and Locomotion as Skills 0:39:10 Staying Explosive Into Your 50s and Beyond 0:40:26 Practical Progression Guidelines for Older or Deconditioned Athletes 0:41:23 Where to Fit Sprint Drills in a Busy Schedule 0:42:21 Performance, Safety, and Real‑World Scenarios 0:45:04 Power as Freedom and Optionality 0:48:49 Where to Find Franz Online Substack: "The Longevity Project" https://franzsnideman.substack.com/p/why-men-over-40-should-sprint-again Socials: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franzsnideman * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franzsnideman/ * TikTok: Franz Snideman 0:49:26 Closing & Application to Midlife Athletes 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 might like my Real World Strong Challenge. It shows you just how strong you are in a wide array of real-world activities, 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: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin
- Aug 31, 202644 min
Ep. 521: Geoff Neupert on the Triumphant Return of Kettlebell Muscle
Find out how REAL WORLD STRONG you are with my Real World Strong Challenge! https://www.RealWorldStrong.com In this episode Geoff and I discuss: [0:03:10–0:07:00] Why Kettlebell Muscle Was Written [0:07:00–0:08:22] Why the Book Went Out of Print & Why It Came Back [0:08:22–0:13:57] Kettlebells vs. Barbells/Dumbbells for Muscle [0:13:57–0:18:27] Why Complexes Are So Effective for Muscle [0:18:27–0:23:29] PEDs, Classic Bodybuilding, and Real-World Training [0:23:29–0:29:41] Research vs. Real-World Practice [0:29:41–0:33:38] Why No Lunges/Rows/Floor Press in the Complexes [0:33:38–0:37:41] Complexes Beyond Hypertrophy: Conditioning, Strength, Technique [0:37:41–0:42:35] What's New in the Updated Kettlebell Muscle [0:42:35–0:44:03] Geoff's Broader Direction & Final Thoughts Contact / links: Main site: ChasingStrength.com Book site: KettlebellMuscle.com Email: support@chasingstrength.com What good is your strength if it starts and stops in the gym or your home's courage corner? Strength is supposed to help you conquer the world around you - namely by dominating any challenge it throws at you, leaping into action to protect your family and loved ones, and commanding the respect and awe of those who matter to you. See how well your training has prepared you by taking my Real World Strong Challenge. Even cooler, it's free. How free? I'm talkin' freer than the 4th of July, my friend. Get started here: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com Have fun and happy training! Aleks Salkin
- Aug 24, 202610 min
Ep. 520: Those with the Worst Physiques Have the Loudest Mouths
Forget 'gym strong' - get REAL WORLD Strong! Test your own real world strength here: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com Beware people quick with criticism and slow with solutions (particularly when they see you lapping them in lifting and life).
- Aug 23, 20269 min
Ep. 519: Can Turkish Get Ups REALLY Increase Your Military Press?
Forget 'gym strong' - get REAL WORLD Strong! Test your own real world strength here: https://www.RealWorldStrong.com On this episode I'm tackling the age-old question: can Turkish Get Ups actually increase your military press? The answer might surprise you - paticularly if you've been drinking the kettlebell Kool-Aid for a tad too long. (Side note: if you want to read more about Get Up Domination, go ye here: https://go.alekssalkin.com/get-up-domination-lp)
- Aug 9, 202615 min
Ep. 518: SNEAK PEAK at the Bottoms Up Kettlebell Crash Course
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.AleksSalkin.com [00:00] Sneak peek: Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Crash Course [02:45] Why Bottoms-Up Training Matters: Faster Progress, Fewer Reps Key benefits: faster progress, fewer reps, lighter loads, joint-friendly Ideal for busy people who need to get in, get out, and get strong [03:25] "Jumping the Path" – Hebrew Bible Inspiration for Strength Training Deeper message: when your end goal is right, the path can shorten [05:25] From Cardio & Machine Work to Kettlebells & Calisthenics Making "10 years of progress in months" and releasing the brakes on your body [07:05] The 3 Meta Skills of Supreme Strength How stacking these feels like "jump to hyperspace" for gains Why serious trainees eventually hit a plateau even with better tools [08:45] Going Deeper, Not Just Harder: Unlocking Dormant Potential [09:35] Why Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Training Is The Bees Knees No need for complicated cues, "woo-woo" drills, or fancy equipment [10:45] The Formula for Warp-Speed Strength Gains How the Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Crash Course is designed around this formula [11:55] Student Success Story: Holly's StrongFirst Level II Press Holly's shoulder issues and pressing limitations Using mostly bottoms-up pressing to prep for SFG II Passing her military press test in person for the first time [12:45] Aleks' Experimental Bottoms-Up Protocol & Pavel's Approval [14:00] Final Thoughts & How to Get the Bottoms-Up Crash Course
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About The Hammer Cast
A show about strength, health, fitness, learning languages, and becoming a more interesting person.
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