The Forgotten Tool: Your First 12 Minutes With a Heavy Club

Most tools load you in straight lines. Barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells are fantastic for strength and endurance, but they bias linear patterns—presses, pulls, squats, hinges. Heavy clubs add what those tools can’t: lateral and rotational movements that challenge your body to create, accept, and redirect force across multiple planes.

The benefits are huge—but just like with barbell training, only if you respect progression. Just as you wouldn’t open with a heavy deadlift set cold, club training starts with lighter loads and simple patterns, then layers complexity and volume.

In this week’s Wildman Athletica video, Mark breaks down the core movements you must master before chasing bigger swings and longer sets. Think: basic cleans, simple side to side movements, and core, hip, and spine mobilizers—all the pieces that make heavy club work both powerful and shoulder and spine-friendly.

Watch the video below and build the base that lets you swing harder, move better, and stay durable for the long haul.