I was excited to hear that one of my mentors—and someone whose training knowledge and style have deeply influenced me—was featured on a major podcast.
Pavel Tsatsouline recently sat down with Andrew Huberman to discuss strength, endurance, and flexibility at any age.
While I don’t always agree with some of Huberman’s guest choices in the name of “science,” I do believe much of his content is valuable. Knowing that Pavel rarely makes appearances like this, I jumped at the chance to learn from the man who single-handedly popularized kettlebells in the U.S. and continues to share practical, effective strength-training methods.
The episode, which runs over four hours, is packed with insights on strength, endurance, muscle-building, recovery, and more.
While there are plenty of takeaways worth exploring, one key lesson stood out to me—one that many people might have overlooked:
Find what works for you.
Training Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Pavel is one of the smartest, most well-researched coaches on the planet. He has studied scientific literature, Soviet training methodologies, and Western strength systems.
He can cite research studies from the U.S., Germany, and the former USSR as if they were second nature.
But beyond the science, Pavel has something even more valuable—decades of hands-on coaching experience. He has worked with thousands of students, elite athletes, and special forces units worldwide.
And his experience has taught him something that no research paper can fully capture: There’s no single best way to train.
Some people prefer barbells, some kettlebells, and some bodyweight training. All can be effective. What matters most is finding the method that works for you—one that you enjoy, that fits your body, and that you can sustain long-term.
If you’re in it for the long game (which you should be), sustainability is the key to lasting progress.
Dismissing Dogmatic Coaches & Influencers
Many coaches on social media promote their system as the only way to train. Some even dismiss anything that isn’t backed by peer-reviewed research—ignoring personal preference, biomechanics, and individual circumstances.
Take dips, for example.
Some online coaches claim dips are safe and effective for everyone, citing research to support their argument. But countless people experience shoulder pain or injuries from dips.
Pavel refers to dips as “not very democratic”—meaning they work for some but not for all. If dips don’t cause you pain and you enjoy them, do them. But if they cause you pain and discomfort, there is no need to pursue them because a research paper or “science” says that they’re effective.
And while many coaches would argue “avoidance” is not the right approach to creating strength and resilience, I would argue that avoiding and adapting is the answer to sustained performance.
If dips hurt your shoulders or elbows, why force them? There are countless other ways to build strength.
Final Thoughts
I started my coaching journey with StrongFirst, and much of my early methodology was based on Pavel’s teachings.
Over time, I’ve adapted my approach, but I still deeply respect his wisdom—especially his insights on coaching.
Another mentor of mine, Dr. Kelly Starrett—who was also recently featured on Huberman’s podcast—shares a similar philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying your training and not being overly rigid in your approach.
It’s worth noting Kelly has also trained some of the world’s elite athletes, teams, and special forces.
It’s also worth nothing that despite Pavel’s company being called Strong First, he recommends getting mobile and symmetrical before pursuing strength training – something I’ve frequently recommended, especially as you age.
He also encourages to get strong enough to meet the demands of your sport or personal needs, then work to maintain it but focus on other pursuits once you have.
For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve found that while raw strength is important, mobility, strength endurance, and power endurance are just as—if not more—critical for long-term success on the mats.
Pavel’s work on anti-glycolytic training (AGT), which he references in the episode, is particularly relevant for grapplers. It’s worth researching if you’re looking to improve performance and longevity.
In 2023, I became certified in Pavel’s Strong Endurance™ system, and I’ll be writing much more on these concepts in future articles.
But for today, just remember this:
Find what works for you.
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