Ep. 473: Paul McIlroy Reveals the SECRETS of Perpetual Strength
Release Date: 12/23/2024
499: Old Time Strongman Secrets for Eye-Popping Strength (at ANY age!)
The Hammer Cast
Wanna get freakishly strong like the Cirque du Soleil acrobats or old time strongmen? I dish on how to do exactly that in this episode. 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 just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge. As the name indicates, it’s just 9 minutes long, and it’s designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it actually...
info_outline
Ep. 498: Conquer Advanced Calisthenics Skills by Doing THIS 1st
The Hammer Cast
"Eliminate frustration and speed ahead." Who doesn't want this? When it comes to strength training - and calisthenics in particular - many ambitious and well-meaning enthusiasts jump right into a laundry list of progressions... And fall flat on their tushes. If you want to feel like you're positively speeding through the various and sundry progressions that lay at the heart of each and every advanced calisthenics movement, you must first dominate their prerequisite movements. This is the sure-fire path to things such as: One-arm pushups Pistol squats Nigh on effortless...
info_outline
Ep. 497: Conquer Kettlebell Ballistics by NOT Doing This 1 Common Thing
The Hammer Cast
If you want to radically speed up your mastery of the ballistic kettlebell lifts - no matter WHERE you are in your training journey - you need to throw conventional training tactics out the window and use a sleek set of little-known drills to amp up your mind-muscle connection almost instantly. My best-selling book, Tamers of the Lost Arc, can show you how. Check it out here => https://a.co/d/a1cNsCl On that note, 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,...
info_outline
Ep. 496: Get Lean the (Almost) Easy Way
The Hammer Cast
If you're looking to trim up, get lean, and drop some unsightly flab, here are some first steps that will help you toward that end. On that note, 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 just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge. As the name indicates, it’s just 9 minutes long, and it’s designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them. Even cooler: Many find that it...
info_outline
Ep. 495: Will Stretching Before Training KILL Your Gains?!
The Hammer Cast
There seem to be two sides of the proverbial coin in the fitness world when it comes to stretching: Side 1: it is mission critical that you do it. Side 2: you damn well better not even think about it - especially before you lift! The truth - as you might imagine - is somewhere in the middle. I dish on this in this mighty fine episode. Tune in, chill out, and enjoy. On that note, 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...
info_outline
Ep. 494: Why I Choose Original Strength
The Hammer Cast
There are a great many systems out there promising to deliver movement quality - and probably a lot of them can make good on that promise. Even still, this is why I choose Original Strength... On that note, 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 just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge. As the name indicates, it’s just 9 minutes long, and it’s designed to be done WITH your current...
info_outline
Ep. 493: Kettlebell Superstar Zack Henderson Talks About 'Lift-A-Palooza'
The Hammer Cast
Get your own free copy of my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge here => I'm joined on this episode once again by none other than kettlebell superstar Zack Henderson to talk about his annual Lift-A-Palooza event held each year during the last week of January. Here's a list of all the fun stuff we talked about (according to the super genius AI cyborg type thing that I politely but firmly demanded to put together a list of topics for you to be able to pick and choose from): [0:00:02] Introduction to the episode and hosts. [0:00:23] Discussion about nicknames and...
info_outline
Ep. 492: Triumph Over Your Environment and Succeed Anyway
The Hammer Cast
It's easy to blame your environment for your circumstances. But is it really so hard to act positively in spite of them? I dish on exactly this in this episode: Introduction The Importance of Environment and Personal Habits – [0:02:00] The Influence of Social Circles & Success Sayings – [0:03:30] Torah Talk: Noah’s Righteousness and Decision-Making – [0:05:00] Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” – [0:07:30] The power of choice between stimulus and response. Learning Languages in Non-Conducive Environments – [0:09:41] My...
info_outline
Ep. 491: Is Grip Strength REALLY All It's Cracked Up to Be?
The Hammer Cast
Over the past few years (more, really) there has been a discussion over the seemingly outsized importance of grip strength for not just your overall strength, but also your longevity. But is it really true? What impact DOES grip strength have on your overall strength, health, and longevity? I give you the must-know info in this short podcast. On that note, 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...
info_outline
Ep. 490: How to Take Your Physique From 'Weak' to 'FREAK'
The Hammer Cast
Let's face it: even though strength, youthful athleticism, and pain-free movement may be your top priorities, EVERYBODY wants to look good as well. Fortunately, it ain't an either/or proposition. You CAN have it all. I dish on how in this episode. On that note, 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 just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge. As the name indicates, it’s just 9 minutes...
info_outlineHot diggity dayum, this was one HECK of a jam-packed episode. It's also my longest to date, and for good reason.
Paul and I dove deep into a topic near and dear to both of our hearts: building perpetual strength
1. Introduction and book promotion
- Paul's new book "Perpetual Strength" (which you can - and should - check out here: https://www.dragondoor.com/products/perpetual-strength-paperback/)
- Aleks's 9-minute kettlebell and bodyweight challenge (which you can get for FREE at http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com)
2. Paul's background and early experiences
- Martial arts and strength training
- Experiences with UFC fighters Matt Hughes and Robbie Lawler
- Predicting Rashad Evans' victory over Chuck Liddell
- Natural strength and athletic abilities of Robbie Lawler and his twin brother
3. The importance of variety in training
- Historical approach of old-time strongmen
- Integration of wrestling, gymnastics, and other forms of training
- Modern specialization and lack of overall strength and adaptability
- Being 90% good at many things vs. 100% at one specific thing
4. Comfort zone expansion in training
- Defining comfort zone expansion
- Limitations of training to failure
- Benefits of sub-maximal training for long-term muscle growth
- Paul's experience with the 40-kilogram kettlebell press
- Psychological factors in training
5. Strength cycling and programming
- Principles of strength cycling vs. traditional intensity cycling
- Importance of training in relative comfort and gradually increasing load
- Paul's approach to programming and making strategic adjustments
- Role of the central nervous system and making "grand gestures"
6. Practical applications and personal experiences
- Applying comfort zone expansion in Paul's own training
- Adapting training programs to individual needs
- Insights gained from working with different athletes and coaches
- Importance of consistency and long-term planning
7. The role of science and art in training
- Balance between science and practical experience
- Limitations of scientific studies and the need for a holistic approach
- Impact of stress and psychological factors on performance
- Understanding and applying the underlying principles of strength training
8. Professional bodybuilding techniques and hypertrophy
- Ronnie Coleman's emphasis on the lower portion of the lift
- Biceps, triceps, and rear delts and their relation to hypertrophy
- Barbell curl as the "king" of bicep exercises
- Importance of consistent progress over going to failure
9. Loaded stretch and programming
- Loaded stretch not the primary driver of hypertrophy
- Importance of exercises with high poundage potential
- Incremental weight jumps and their impact on programming
- Combining various exercises for overall strength and hypertrophy
10. Paradigm shift in training approaches
- Lifter A vs. Lifter B and their different training approaches
- Lifter B's higher volume leading to greater progress despite lower growth stimulus per set
- Challenging the traditional view of training to failure
11. Real-world applications and practical insights
- Mail carriers and mechanics as examples of sub-maximal training
- Anecdote about chopping trees with an ax
- Arnold Schwarzenegger's intuitive training methods
12. Critique of sports science and modern training
- Limitations of sports science studies and the need for contextual understanding
- Learning from the best in the field, such as Charles Poliquin
- Practical, real-world experience in training
13. Historical strength training and its relevance
- Impressive feats of old-time strongmen
- Necessity of avoiding injury and the conservative approach to strength development
- Potential benefits of historical training methods in modern training
14. The role of comfort zone expansion in training
- Consistent progress and reduced risk of injury
- Adapting training methods to individual needs
- Avoiding the pitfalls of overly aggressive training
15. The impact of aging on strength and training
- Examples of athletes who improved with age
- Adapting training methods to maintain progress as one ages
- Importance of consistent progress and training quality
16. The importance of practical training methods
- Informing modern training with historical and practical approaches
- Critical approach to sports science and a focus on practical insights
- Learning from the best in the field and applying practical methods
17. Final thoughts and recommendations
- Practical training resources, such as "Perpetual Strength"
- Importance of long-term progress in strength development