I Stopped Working Out
A few years ago, I found myself in a situation I never thought I’d face. I had done a workout -- that included some plyometrics -- in the morning, and by that evening, I could hardly stand. The pain wasn’t immediate; it crept in throughout the day. By the next morning, I knew something was seriously wrong. My left leg was weak, slight tingling, and had an odd sensation. I couldn’t get out of a lunge. My back didn’t even hurt that much, but I knew something wasn’t right.
Weeks later, I found myself in the ortho clinic at UC Health. After I couldn’t produce a knee reflex, it was off to imaging. An MRI revealed the problem: a sequestered disc fragment pressing on a nerve, causing damage. The good news? My body would eventually reabsorb the fragment. The bad news? No one could guarantee I’d regain full strength or sensation in my leg.
What followed was five years of navigating constant doctor appointments, advocating for myself, and seeking solutions. Two surgeries later, I -- finally -- began to feel better. But I was determined to approach my recovery and training differently. After 15 years of training with barbells, I realized I needed a change. Barbells had served me well, but I often felt directionless after finishing another 6-week cycle. I needed something more meaningful -- something built on purpose, not just routine.
I wanted to reinvent my training, my approach to movement, and even my mindset. I drew inspiration from martial arts: mastery of basic human movement, precision, and a commitment to the process. That’s when I went ALL IN on kettlebells and heavy clubs.
The Problem With Just “Working Out”
Having been in the gym for over 20 years -- either training or training others -- I've come to realize something. Most people approach fitness like they’re chasing a quick dopamine hit -- a sweaty workout, racing heart, maybe a good pump. To be fair... who doesn't enjoy a good PUMP? It does feel good. But does it lead anywhere? Not really. Working out for the sake of working out is like running on a treadmill without ever moving forward.
What if, instead of chasing temporary highs, you pursued something deeper? That’s when I started to think of my training as a Movement Practice: a disciplined, purposeful approach to fitness. The goal wasn’t burning calories or chasing aesthetics -- those were just by-products. The real goal was mastery: committing to a process, knowing the destination, trusting the path.
And because I am who I am... I needed to construct my own path.
Martial Arts As The Blueprint
I've always been fascinated by the martial arts...particularly the legends of ancient Shaolin Kung Fu monks committing their lives to a practice -- both body and mind. In martial arts, you don’t just throw a few kicks and call it a day. You start as a beginner, declaring your intent: “I want to be a master.” Or, maybe that's a "black belt" (a ranking system that is a relatively modern development in martial arts). Your master gives you a roadmap and says, “Show up consistently, follow the plan; it’ll take five years.” Or... maybe a lifetime. But... Every session is deliberate. Every movement serves a purpose. Over time, you progress -- piece by piece -- toward mastery.
I wanted to take that philosophy and apply it to Kettlebell and Heavy Club training. With kettlebells, the journey itself becomes the goal. So, I developed a Kettlebell Mastery Path -- a roadmap to mastery, with five fundamental movements, each with three levels of progression:
1. Swing
Level 1: 16kg x 20 reps x 10 sets; strict 60-sec rest
Level 2: 24kg x 20 reps x 10 sets; strict 60-sec rest
Level 3: 32kg x 20 reps x 10 sets; strict 60-sec rest
2. Get-Up
Level 1: 16kg x 1/side x 5 minutes continuous (bell doesn’t touch the ground)
Level 2: 24kg x 1/side x 5 minutes continuous
Level 3: 32kg x 1/side x 5 minutes continuous
3. Clean & Press
Level 1: 16kg x 5-3-2/side x 5 sets; strict 60-sec rest
Level 2: 24kg x 5-3-2/side x 5 sets
Level 3: 32kg x 5-3-2/side x 5 sets
4. KB Squat
Level 1: 16kg/side x 10 reps x 5 sets (on a 2-minute interval)
Level 2: 24kg/side x 10 reps x 5 sets
Level 3: 32kg/side x 10 reps x 5 sets
5. KB Snatch
Level 1: For time: 16kg x 50 reps/side (5-minute time limit)
Level 2: For time: 24kg x 50 reps/side
Level 3: For time: 32kg x 50 reps/side
While those are the objectives, the true fun is crafting the system to progress toward those goals.
What Do These Levels Mean?
Level 1 on ALL: You’ve built a rock-solid base.
Level 2 on ALL: You’re fitter and have more capacity than nearly anyone you meet.
Level 3 on ALL: You’re an absolute beast -- this is kettlebell MASTERY.
The Results Of Pursuing Mastery
Leaner, stronger, more mobile.
Durable and capable.
Confidence through the roof.
And for me, personally… I've never enjoyed my training more.
Why It’s Different
Pursuing mastery transforms more than your body; it transforms your mindset. It breeds confidence. You don’t need “motivation” to train because you’re not just working out -- you’re following a purposeful path. You’re on a quest (what guy doesn’t want to be on a quest?) with clear goals and a system designed to get you there.
And the best part -- especially for my minimalist mindset? You don’t need a gym full of equipment. With two adjustable kettlebells and one adjustable heavy club, you have everything you need to pursue movement mastery. You don't need a gym membership. You don't need thousands of dollars of equipment. You just need the path...and you can train anywhere.
If you’re curious about heavy clubs and how they fit into the pursuit of mastery, let me know -- I’ll try to put something together and break it down for you.
The path is here, if you're ready to walk it.
PS -- That knee reflex? It, eventually, came back...thankfully. Have been told that doesn't always happen.