Thought this would be a good channel to ask why some people (in online content) keep their elbows up while holding kettlebells in the "rest" position. Is It just for enhanced activation of shoulders and more time under tension before and after a jerk or press? Another question, is there a way to increase rotation in a straddle z press? I tried to increase rotation yesterday by rotating on the side of the pressing arm but is that the only way?

This is the foundation. If we’re serious about building raw, transferable power, we start with the sandbag. Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s fun. Because it tells the truth. A sandbag exposes your hinge, your posture, your ability to produce force without perfect balance or mechanical assistance. You can’t cheat it. You either load correctly, brace correctly, and move it with intent or it folds you. That’s exactly why it matters here. I’m not interested in working around it or skipping ahead. It’s non-negotiable for this academy. The sandbag teaches you how to use your back, hips, and core the way they’re supposed to work together. Once that’s in place, everything else opens up. Kettlebells get sharper. Clubs and maces make more sense. Landmine work becomes explosive instead of sloppy. But without the sandbag first, you’re building on sand. So here’s what I need from everyone before we move forward. Comment and tell me what you have access to. 50 lbs. 75 lbs. 100 lbs. If you don’t have one yet, say that too. This isn’t gatekeeping. It’s standards. We start here, we earn the right to branch out, and we build real strength from the ground up.

Training is not just about getting stronger muscles. It is about building a nervous system that can handle pressure, responsibility, stress, and uncertainty. Most people are not weak physically. They are overloaded mentally. Constant noise. Constant comparison. Zero recovery. Then they wonder why motivation disappears and discipline feels heavy. Here is the truth. Movement is regulation. Strength training gives your mind boundaries. Sets. Reps. Breath. Effort. Recovery. That structure bleeds into real life. When you train with intention, you remind yourself that discomfort is survivable, effort is optional but powerful, and quitting is a choice you do not need to make today. This academy is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about showing up anyway. Train on the good days and the bad ones. Especially the bad ones. Drop a comment with the word STRONG and tell us one thing you did this week that moved you forward, even if it was small. That is how momentum starts.

Hi all, I'm Antti from Finland. Been long dormant from active lifestyle and developed too much excess weight and other bad lifestyle choices. I'm a father of one sparky little 5 year old and spouse to a remarkable woman who has been a bit worried for me not making to my 50's. I'm former enthuastic climber and now even more enthuastic mountain biker. Found my way here for following kettlebell content. Not much of a gym goer mainly because of other people and the time it takes. Got some bells and maces which I found to be addictive form of strenth training.