Ep. 500: Why I’m not the least bit worried about ‘AI coaching’
Release Date: 01/16/2026
Ep. 518: SNEAK PEAK at the Bottoms Up Kettlebell Crash Course
The Hammer Cast
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...
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Ep. 517: Fabio Zonin on Using CLASSIC Bodybuilding for EPIC Strength & Resilience!
The Hammer Cast
Thou shalt get my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge here: https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com [0:00:00–0:02:05] Intro [0:02:06–0:03:39] Fabio’s work with “sustainable bodybuilding” [0:03:40–0:05:26] Authenticity, old-school bodybuilding, and Pavel’s influence [0:05:27–0:09:00] Fabio’s origin story and the evolution of bodybuilding [0:09:01–0:12:27] The cost of muscle-centric training and “fake fitness” [0:12:28–0:15:21] From extremes to balance: functional training vs. bodybuilding [0:15:22–0:21:31] Weak links, isolation work, and rehab as “necessary...
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Ep. 516: Original Strength for BRUTE Strength with Tim Anderson
The Hammer Cast
Intro & Episode Focus – [0:00:03–0:02:15] How people limit OS by using it only as a warm-up [0:04:06–0:06:07] Odd Pairings & Three OS Applications Between Sets – [0:06:07–0:08:38] Aleks’s 3 “use cases” for between-set OS: [0:08:38–0:10:13] Discussion: why smaller or slower ROM can release restrictions and be more effective for some people [0:10:13–0:13:06] Conversation about loading the head (advanced, not for beginners) [0:13:06–0:15:48] Honoring developmental patterns (rolling, rocking, crawling, gait) to improve real-world capability, plus Loading the Gait...
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Ep. 515: Convict Conditioning's Paul Wade Gives His Exclusive FINAL Interview!
The Hammer Cast
Get my 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.9MinuteChallenge.com To support Paul's work with the upcoming printing of his Convict Conditioning Box Set, go here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/titanpress/convict-conditioning-the-ultimate-collection/description In this episode of The Hammer Cast, I interview the elusive, mysterious author of the legendary Convict Conditioning book series - one of a rare few fitness books and series that has sold nearly 1,000,000 copies and changed the very landscape of the fitness world as we know it. Here's a...
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Ep. 514: Are You Prepared for Violence?
The Hammer Cast
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 amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more. And best of all, it’s free....
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Ep. 513: Secrets of Isometrics for Pure Power and Raw Strength (with Jon Haas)
The Hammer Cast
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.AleksSalkin.com [00:00:03] Martial arts monk & isometrics: John’s origin story, 80s martial arts culture, and his first “punishment” isometrics with horse stance and phone books. [00:04:47] Old-school dojo toughness & structural strength: Kyokushin stories, harsh training in Japan, long stance holds, slow kata, and building “martial power” and real-world toughness. [00:08:51] Slow is smooth, smooth is fast: Why modern “fast results” culture misses the point, GSP’s ultra-slow drilling approach,...
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Ep. 512: Zack Henderson on the Glory of Kettlebell Conditioning
The Hammer Cast
[0:04–0:07] Why Kettlebell Conditioning, Especially in Summer [0:07–0:11] Aleks’ 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge (9minutechallenge.com) [0:11–0:15] Zach’s Kettlebell Journey and Coaching Timeline [0:18–0:21] Audience Poll Results and the Case for Returning to Conditioning [0:21–0:24] Long-View Programming: Training in 2–4 Year Blocks and Filling Gaps [0:24–0:26] How Zach Programs Conditioning: Work:Rest Ratios and Density [0:26–0:27] Simple Conditioning Strategy: Intervals + Walking for Cardio & Fat Loss [0:27–0:26] Getting Zach’s Free 4-Week...
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Ep. 511: Pavel Macek on Old Time Strongman Secrets for Modern Strength Breakthroughs
The Hammer Cast
Get my 9-Minute Kettlebell & Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: https://www.AleksSalkin.com In this episode of The Hammer Cast I do a deep dive into old-time strongman training with none other than Master SFG Pavel Macek. We talk about its integration into StrongFirst's methodology, how kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, and bodyweight work together, and the necessity of building all‑round strength to TRULY become strong and powerful like the old time strongmen. In this episode we discuss: Pave's path from martial arts to StrongFirst and old-time iron culture The lineage from classic...
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Ep. 510: a SNEAK PEEK at my upcoming kettlebell challenge, "High Pull Noon"
The Hammer Cast
High Pull Noon – The Outlaw Kettlebell Lift That Saved My Shoulder and Skyrocketed My Strength [0:00–3:30] Origin Story & Shoulder Injury Aleks shares how a deadlifting mishap led to a frayed shoulder labrum and persistent morning pain. [3:30–7:30] The RKC Prep Program & High Pull Breakthrough [7:30–12:00] High Pole Noon & the Old West / Fitness History Analogy [12:00–15:55] Why the High Pull Was Wrongly Banished (and why kettlebell fanatics' shoulders and necks have suffered greatly ever since) [15:55–end] Call to Action & Free Resource Get my FREE 9 Minute...
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Ep. 509: Building a Better Kettlebell with Colin Lake
The Hammer Cast
Get your own copy of the 9 Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge FREE here: In this episode of The Hammer Cast, Yours Jewly, Aleks “The Hebrew Hammer” Salkin, sits down with Colin Lake of Great Lakes Girya Pro to dish on what actually makes a great kettlebell. Colin shares his journey from competitive soccer in Canada to top-level personal trainer, how a car accident payout accidentally funded his strength career, and why he became obsessed with building a better kettlebell. In this episode: [0:03:30] Colin’s origin story: soccer, injury, and getting into...
info_outlineIn this episode I dish on:
- [0:02:00] Seppuku & Why Machines Can’t Make Poetry
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[0:03:00] Is AI Going to Replace Coaches?
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[0:04:30] Why Programming Is More Than an Algorithm
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[0:05:40] Real-World Coaching Example
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[0:06:20] Psychology & the “Rationalizing Animal”
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[0:07:10] AI Coaching Fails: Pistol Squats & Kettlebell Swings
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[0:08:30] Content “Inbreeding” & Soulless AI Output
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[0:09:40] Human Connection & Why Clients Choose Coaches
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[0:11:00] Being “AI-Proof” as a Trainer
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[0:12:00] Strength Legends & Experience vs. Science
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[0:14:00] My Programming Philosophy & Customization
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[0:16:00] Where AI Fits in Fitness & Its Limits
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[0:18:00] Be More Human: Final Takeaways
Tune in, chill out, and enjoy!
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 amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more.
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: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com
Have fun and happy training!
Aleks Salkin