Strength is an Art
My time in Israel taught me many lessons, but one of the most lasting was about the true meaning of strength.
In the previous newsletter, I shared the story of the young men who were preparing themselves for military service. Every morning they ran, trained, performed countless push-ups, and challenged themselves physically. Looking at their training through today’s lens, many would probably classify it as “conditioning”. High mileage, high repetitions, and constant physical work.
Yet these young men were incredibly fit.
They were lean.
They were strong.
They were resilient.
It made me wonder:
How much do we really need to achieve our physical goals?
And perhaps more importantly:
Has modern science helped us better understand strength or has it sometimes complicated what used to be beautifully simple?
One day, while working in the tomato fields, we were preparing the irrigation system for the next harvest. Several of us were trying to open a massive water valve that resembled the steering wheel of a ship.
Four or five of us pushed with everything we had.
Nothing.
We tried in pairs.
Still nothing.
Finally, someone radioed another worker.
“This guy can open it.”
A few minutes later he arrived.
He wasn’t particularly tall, but he was powerfully built. His hands were enormous, and without much ceremony, he grabbed the wheel and turned it.
The water began to flow.
This man never trained with the younger athletes.
He didn’t lift weights.
He wasn’t counting sets or repetitions.
He wasn’t following the latest training protocol.
He simply worked.
Day after day.
Year after year.
His strength had been built through thousands of hours of meaningful labor.
Today we might simply call him farm-boy strong.
That experience has stayed with me for many years.
It reminded me that strength can be developed in many different ways.
Not every strong person comes from a gym.
Not every athlete follows the same blueprint.
Not every body tells the same story.
Years later, another experience reinforced that lesson.
One of my closest friends was an Olympic-level Taekwondo athlete. He was the alternate for the Mexican athlete who would eventually win Olympic gold.
His movement was extraordinary.
His timing was flawless.
His strategy was exceptional.
Ironically, he often joked that he wasn’t particularly flexible.
Yet somehow he could consistently kick opponents in the head, even those much taller than himself.
How?
Because flexibility was only one piece of the puzzle.
He understood how to move.
He understood timing.
He understood body mechanics.
He had mastered the art of movement.
That realization changed the way I viewed training.
Strength is a science.
Movement is a science.
Recovery is a science.
But there is also an art to all of them.
An artist doesn’t simply follow formulas.
An artist experiments.
Observes.
Refines.
Creates.
I believe our bodies deserve that same approach.
Learn the principles.
Respect the science.
But don’t become imprisoned by numbers, percentages, or the pursuit of perfection.
Your body is unique.
Your journey is unique.
Your movement should become your own masterpiece.
When I think about artists like Jackson Pollock or Pablo Picasso, I don’t see people trying to imitate someone else’s work.
I see individuals expressing themselves through their own vision.
Perhaps our physical journey should be approached the same way.
Paint your body with patience.
Shape your strength with intention.
Move with curiosity.
Train with purpose.
Become the artist of your own physical development.
That, to me, is what building the Inner Force is truly about.
Swing Into Summer Challenge Update
The Swing Into Summer Challenge continues to move forward with intention, consistency, and practice.
It has been incredible to watch everyone refine their kettlebell swings. Movement is becoming smoother, technique is improving, breathing is more efficient, and what once felt challenging is now beginning to look effortless. That is the beauty of consistent practice, what once seemed difficult gradually becomes second nature.
Many of you have been asking, “Where are we headed?”
Here’s the answer:
300 swings.
This week, we stand at 260 swings, and everyone has been rising to the challenge. Our EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) sessions have made reaching 260 swings feel surprisingly manageable, proving that intelligent programming and consistency can accomplish remarkable things.
More than anything, this challenge is about experimentation. It is an opportunity to be curious about yourself. How much strength can you develop? How much endurance can you build? How efficiently can you move while maintaining great technique?
Every swing is another step toward discovering your potential.
Keep showing up.
Keep experimenting.
Keep fighting for your goals.
I have no doubt that together we’ll reach 300 swings, and I can’t wait to celebrate that milestone with all of you.
Swing Into Summer Challenge Update
The Swing Into Summer Challenge continues to move forward with intention, consistency, and practice.
It has been incredible to watch everyone refine their kettlebell swings. Movement is becoming smoother, technique is improving, breathing is more efficient, and what once felt challenging is now beginning to look effortless. That is the beauty of consistent practice; what once seemed difficult gradually becomes second nature.
Many of you have been asking, “Where are we headed?”
Here’s the answer:
300 swings.
This week, we stand at 260 swings, and everyone has been rising to the challenge. Our EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) sessions have made reaching 260 swings feel surprisingly manageable, proving that intelligent programming and consistency can accomplish remarkable things.
More than anything, this challenge is about experimentation. It is an opportunity to be curious about yourself. How much strength can you develop? How much endurance can you build? How efficiently can you move while maintaining great technique?
Every swing is another step toward discovering your potential.
Keep showing up.
Keep experimenting.
Keep fighting for your goals.
I have no doubt that together we’ll reach 300 swings, and I can’t wait to celebrate that milestone with all of you.
Stretch & Mobility Session Coming Soon
As part of our Swing Into Summer Challenge, we’ll soon be hosting a special Stretch & Mobility Session for everyone participating.
This will be a great opportunity to come together, meet one another, share a few laughs, and maybe even compare stories about the “suffering” and victories we’ve all experienced throughout the challenge!
More importantly, we’ll spend time working on mobility, recovery, and movement quality… the perfect complement to all the hard work you’ve been putting into your swings.
The date will be announced very soon, so stay connected and keep an eye out for the upcoming details.
And if you know someone who would enjoy improving their strength, learning the kettlebell swing, or simply joining a supportive community focused on health and movement, please invite them to join us. Whether they’re interested in the Swing Into Summer Challenge or our upcoming Stretch & Mobility Session, we’d love to welcome them.
The stronger our community becomes, the stronger we all become.
Stay tuned… we’re just getting started.
