An inspiring story and a kettlebell snatch training tip

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Subject: An inspiring story and a kettlebell snatch training tip

My StrongFirst Story

By Brian Robinson, SFG II, StrongFirst Director of Operations

Pre-diabetic. Kidney failure. High cholesterol and blood pressure. These were the circumstances I found myself dealing with one week after learning I would be a father. At first, I was confused. I lifted three times a week. I took creatine with whey protein and drank plenty of water. I never skipped the leg day. And, suddenly, I realized I was not mentally or physically strong.

So, I walked back into work and sat in my office. Annie, one of my top trainers at the time and a dear friend, noticed something was off. After hearing the news, she pondered for a minute, went into my wallet, took my credit card, and walked out of the room. Moments later, she returned to show me the e-mails confirming my attendance of SFG I and SFG II kettlebell instructor certifications…

This is how I was introduced to Pavel and the School of Strength. For the next three months, every fear of parenthood would parallel the snatch technique day. Every financial concern would happen to align with a heavy get-up practice day. The day I found out I was having a daughter was also the first time I passed the snatch test, in practice, on the fourth floor at Equinox in the Flatiron district in NYC.

Grease Your Snatch Groove and Make Your Test Kettlebell Feel Light

When I was preparing for my Level I SFG cert, I’d practice my snatch technique with a 28kg kettlebell every two hours, five reps with each hand. Going heavier than the test weight made the snatch test more manageable.

The certification weekend was…painful. Nothing physically hurt, but every dead stop swing was a reminder that I’d become complacent. Every time we were told to pause at the bottom during the squat practice, I realized I had fooled myself into thinking I was performing at an acceptable level.

On the eve of testing, I spent the night reading my manual, not drinking, and trying to figure out how I would face my wife if I failed. But, on a summer Sunday afternoon at Five Points Academy, as I watched Patrick Nard become a Beast Tamer, and a few gentlemen and ladies getting taped for the snatch test, something clicked. I was no longer weak. I had survived the most exhilarating weekend in my life, and I would be able to do it again in three months!

I passed my snatch test. The presses were not difficult. The goblet squats were second nature. The swings floated well. I kicked my heel during the get-up. Annie ridiculed me. I submitted the video the next day and I was an instructor. But I was more than that. I found a community of people all pushing to be the strongest version of themselves. I became StrongFirst!

In September of 2015, with some coaching from Senior SFG and brother, Hector Gutierrez, Jr., I passed my SFG II. It was more than another certification. It was a responsibility. Five months later, my oldest child and only daughter, Samira, was born. Exactly one year and 12 days later, my twin boys were born.

What happened in that doctor’s office set in motion a series of events that allow me to be here today. I paid off the credit card. I got out of “pre-diabetes and kidney failure” territory. I became a student of strength. I remain a quiet professional. I understand that strength has a greater purpose.

The School of Strength saved my life. And, on behalf of my wife and three children I am proud to be StrongFirst!

Write your own story of strength.

Sign up for a StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructor Certification today.