Simple Methods. Complex Strength.
Learn from the legends of the Iron Game. Build lasting health and antifragile strength through youth-restoring calisthenics, kettlebells, dumbbells, and barbells.
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27 Old-School Kettlebell, Dumbbell & Barbell Training Principles from 1910
This remarkable serialized article by Ivan “Uncle Vanya” Lebedev appeared in Russian Sport in 1910. It is a rare early example of principle-based strength-training advice: not simply a catalog of exercises, but practical rules governing tension and relaxation,...
![Arthur Saxon: Two Dumb-bells—Simultaneous Clean Lift [1908]](https://simplexstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/arthur-saxon-dumbbell-clean.jpg)
Arthur Saxon: Two Dumb-bells—Simultaneous Clean Lift [1908]
This, the last of the old championship four, is a much more difficult feat to some lifters than the two-handed bar-bell, although I believe that Mr. Caswell has lifted more in this lift (and with unequal dumb-bells to boot) than he could manage with the bar-bell....
Thomas Inch: The Bent Press [1947]
The Bent Press. Three positions are shown: 7A—The commencement, with elbow well upon the hip, right leg straight, left hand ready to cross over. 7B—The arm straight, right leg still straight, left leg bent, left hand on left knee instead of crossing over to the other...
![N. P. Laputin & V. Gorbunov: Individual and Partner Kettlebell Juggling [1971]](https://simplexstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/laputin-torbunov-kettlebell-juggling.jpg)
N. P. Laputin & V. Gorbunov: Individual and Partner Kettlebell Juggling [1971]
Individual Juggling Stand with the kettlebell placed between the feet at a distance of 10–15 cm. Bend forward and grasp the kettlebell handle with an overhand grip. With a sharp extension of the trunk and flexion of the arm, raise the kettlebell to chest level. As...
Siegmund Klein: “Fun with Kettlebells” — The One-Arm Get-Up [1960]
The one-arm get-up (Figs. 8 to 12) is a general test of strength which had considerable appeal to most strongmen of yesteryear and was practiced by most of them, even those who did not use it in their public appearances. It has always made a hit with the theatrical...
Old-Time Strongman Secrets for Modern Strength Breakthroughs [PODCAST]
"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 the StrongFirst methodology, how kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, and bodyweight work together, and...
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