Build VO2 Max Without Running (Use Kettlebell Snatches)

The kettlebell snatch is one of the most powerful tools for improving VO₂ max, conditioning, and overall athletic performance. It’s a total-body movement that trains explosive hip drive, overhead stability, grip strength, and cardiovascular endurance—all at once.

Research and decades of real-world practice have shown that the kettlebell snatch can match (and sometimes outperform) traditional endurance training methods for improving VO₂ max. That’s why it’s a cornerstone of Wildman Athletica programming.

But there’s always been one major challenge: progression.

The Problem With Old-School Kettlebell Sizes

For years, kettlebells were only available in big jumps: 8kg, 12kg, 16kg, 24kg, 32kg

These gaps made progression extremely difficult—especially for a technique-heavy movement like the snatch, where even a 4kg or 8kg jump can massively change the difficulty.

When the 20kg and 28kg were introduced, it helped—but only a little. The jumps were still too large for many people to progress safely or efficiently.

The Game Has Changed

Thanks to collaborations between Mark Wildman, Bells of Steel, and Hephaestus Athletica, we now have adjustable kettlebells that increase in 2.5kg increments—all the way up to 40kg.

This changes everything.

With smaller, smarter jumps in weight, you can:

• Progress safely without compromising technique

• Build endurance gradually

• Increase your snatch volume intelligently

• Train consistently without hitting plateaus

• Improve VO₂ max with the right load for your skill level

• Avoid injury from big, sudden jumps in difficulty

These adjustable kettlebells open a new world of training opportunities—allowing beginners, intermediates, and advanced lifters to improve their snatch (and their conditioning) in a way that simply wasn’t possible before.

Why This Matters for VO₂ Max

To improve VO₂ max, you need a blend of:

• Repeated power output

• Sustainable effort

• Efficient technique

• A load that challenges you—but doesn’t break you

Adjustable kettlebells give you the perfect tool to dial in that load exactly, so you can train at the right intensity to drive real improvement.

Whether you're an athlete, a martial artist, or just someone who wants to move and breathe better, there has never been a better time to train the snatch.