EP 318 - Pressing the Beast, Front vs Back Squat, Combining Endurance & Strength, Pull-ups

·59 min·5 clips

Dan John reveals how he pressed the 48-kilo 'Beast' kettlebell 13 times the first time he touched it.

In episode 318, Dan John addresses fitness questions from listeners. He begins with Leroy's query about pressing the 48-kilo 'Beast' kettlebell, detailing his own background and a four-day program involving volume, heavy, practice, and doubles days. Next, Kip asks about combining running with kettlebell work despite back issues; John emphasizes technique over exercise blame and suggests double kettlebell cleans. Andrew inquires about training with the Utah Jazz; John recounts anecdotes about John Stockton's focus and recommends 'Easy Strength for Basketball' with dribbling walks. Neil questions front versus back squats; John prefers front squats for most athletes. Kieran, a 19-year-old runner from Northern Ireland, seeks a strength plan; John advises the '2-3-5' protocol and increased mileage. Dave asks about overcoming middle-age pull-up syndrome; John suggests alternating grips. Jared discusses blood donation timing; John recommends scheduling it on rest days. Jim queries workout splitting; John favors whole-body sessions. Jonathan shares success with simple habits; John reflects on why most people struggle to adopt them, citing Earl Nightingale's 'Lead the Field'. The episode concludes with a reminder to send questions.

As heard by us

A Beast press question opens into a grounded episode about focus, habits, and sustainable strength work.

Episode 318 of The Dan John Podcast turns listener questions into a practical conversation about strength, focus, and habits that hold up beyond the gym.

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Why you'd press play

You have a 48 kilo kettlebell goal, a stack of training questions, and a coach ready to answer them one by one.

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