Description
BUILD YOURSELF INTO A FERRARI WITH PRIUS MILEAGE.
Discover a method that makes the impossible come true.
Born decades ago, in a country that no longer exists, AXE used to be the exclusive domain of Soviet athletic elites. At last, it is here to take you to the next level in your sport of choice—or simply get you in the best shape of your life, and maybe even add years to it.
- Build muscle
- Boost power
- Lose fat
- Multiply work capacity
- Burst with energy
The “A” in “AXE” stands for “aerobic.”
The “X” refers to type IIX fast muscle fibers.
“E” is for “exercise.”
AXE will install aerobic power infrastructure in your fast fibers.
While simultaneously making these fibers bigger and more powerful—the ancient conflict between strength and endurance finally resolved.
With AXE, you will sprint faster and hit harder—over and over—while producing less soul- and performance-crushing lactic acid.
Improve your health and boost your energy. A friend of the author, a military and federal law enforcement veteran who lived at the tip of the spear for four decades and has the mileage to show for it, said after starting AXE: “I feel 15–20 years younger.”
A Kettlebell Axe training session feels like a lumberjack’s labor: powerful, unrushed, relentless.
StrongFirst applied AXE to our go-to exercise, the kettlebell swing, and developed a bulletproof progression. Follow it two or three times a week and be unstoppable.
Do it as standalone training—just add your favorite upper body work—or combine it with almost any athletic training.
(Note: The AXE swing protocol is not for beginners and this book does not teach kettlebell skills. Start with Kettlebell Simple & Sinister.)
Take a kettlebell AXE to your training and behold your power!
Ryan Johnson (verified owner) –
Once again Pavel delivers!
As with all his books, it is the same same, but different. He deftly explains the science, lays down the principles in easy to digest format, then gives you YEARS of work in a simple blueprint.
If you just want a practice, it is layed out simply.
Do you want to add the principles into your personalized goals, the principles are easy to decipher and extrapolate from.
JM (verified owner) –
Como otros trabajos de este autor, para mí lo mejor es la claridad y simplicidad del programa (que no quiere decir que sea fácil).
Pablo (verified owner) –
Pavel T. Is one of the best. His genius is taking all his knowledge from the Russian S&C experts and explaining it to hard working blue collar types, like myself. His dedication and expertise shows in every one of his books. I am in mid-50s and above average strength for age. Had I had access to Pavel in the 80s and 90s, I can only imagine how far I would have gotten. Strictly kettlebells for me now because of military/tactical mileage. And Pavel is my go-to trusted source. Thank you sir.
Justin Dee (verified owner) –
Long awaited book, worth the wait! So much great information on how to approach training and a training regime. One of the authors you can truly feel grateful for
Shawn (verified owner) –
Axe is another outstanding product from Pavel. I’ve been training with A&A principals for the last few years and the book taught me a lot that I thought that I already knew. This morning’s session after reading Axe was very smooth using the 1 hand swings and a 36kg bell and rounds of two. I’ll be owning the 36kg bell for rounds of six by the end of the year with these new principals. Thanks again Pavel for producing another great piece of work.
-ShawnM
M. Vikas Reddy (verified owner) –
Accessible protocols for the everyday Joe/Jane, who wants to build strength and cardio. Also explains the science behind why the protocol is suggested in a simple manner.
Carl P (verified owner) –
Always worth reading and much copied, Pavel’s methods are proven and tested in the real world.
This book is worth getting for the information on the Strongfirst ‘Stop Signs’ and Step Loading alone but it has so much more.
Another classic from Pavel.
Scott K (verified owner) –
True to form, Pavel has distilled complex information into an understandable and actionable book. His techniques and teachings continue to be refined and his writing style is concise, like a good math book.
handsome dan (verified owner) –
off all the myriad voices in the fitness universe, Pavel’s stands at the absolute top- he synthesizes complex ideas into usable concepts- this is another crucial addition to his oeuvre
the stop signs chapter alone is worth the purchase price- but the whole package is brilliant- concise and chock full of his typical brilliance- this is a MUST HAVE PURCHASE
MR P LIGHT (verified owner) –
The introduction of anti-glycolytic training has transformed my fitness and ability to perform in my martial art. The book builds on the tried and tested philosophy of A+A training, refining it, and focusing on the improvement of athletic performance and health.
There is a main focus on the kettlebell swing however many other exercise options are reviewed and the science gives you the knowledge to apply confidently. How to incorporate this training approach with other exercise is also covered.
Pavel’s humour and enjoyable writing style makes it an pleasurable read.
Jacques Merlo (verified owner) –
Une fois encore avec Pavel, on en a bien plus que pour son argent!
Le livre est rempli de références scientifiques orientées force, endurance, santé, avec exemples concrets à l’appui. Tous les outils sont donnés pour appliqués ces principes, avec en plus un programme d’entraînement au swing.
Pavel explique comment coupler cet entraînement avec d’autres.
Un livre extrêmement bien fourni qui en fera progresser plus d’un.
C. Schwartz (verified owner) –
As with all of Pavel’s books, what makes this great, aside from the results it produces, is the elegance and overall vision of the program. It has a design and an aesthetic identity. It knows what it is doing and what is best covered by other means.
If you’ve covered the basics of kettlebell lifting, then this is a good program to sink into for a long while.
Glen D (verified owner) –
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Pavels books I have read up to this point. S&S, Q&D, and now this new AXE book. I love the combination of reference to anecdote, research, coaches, and personal experience, and how they are all combined in a way to create a better rounded education on these topics. As somebody trained in molecular bio and working in healthcare in an MSK profession, I admire Pavel’s ability to communicate these concepts so clearly on all of these levels. I always re-read these books multiple times.
Looking forwards to using AXE in my upcoming training plan.
Samantha Galama (verified owner) –
Pavel has done it again!! This book is a pure gem, for anyone interested in simple straight to the point S/C advice, or a deep dive into the science about the advice in the book. Pavel has our done himself.
In the first part of the book Pavel gives a deep dive into energy pathways and and the how and why of how every part of this system works. All in a manner that is understandable to a the laymen.
The second part is a step by step guide on how to implement the system. You can literally purchase the book and be set and ready to train in 30 minutes. The first page is literally a layout of the chapters to read if a person doesn’t want the science, and would just like to begin training.
Book is amazing and highly recommended for any person interested in strength conditioning or just improving there overall health.
KarateGuy (verified owner) –
This book may be focusing on the kettlebell swing, but You can change it to many different types of exercises. Once again Pavel gives us the science behind this protocol that can be applied by people of any age or fitness level, to reach much higher power and strength and endurance in there sport or fitness.
I am 57, and this to me, looks scalable to even my fitness level and age.
Exercise to me is not just about fitness anymore, it’s also about longevity too!
This gives you the best of both worlds.
Aaron (verified owner) –
This is a great read on how to improve your energy systems to increase your power endurance. The first part of the book focuses on the science behind it and explains it in the unique Pavel approach. As simple as possible without over simplifying to illustrate the concepts behind it. Along with some great analogies that help clarify the concepts behind it for those of us that aren’t well versed with the krebs cycle.
The second part shows the “low tech” implementation of the protocol.
I went through it a couple times and now I have a clear idea of how to implement the protocol into my existing PL and Strongman training regiment using the tools that I have available to me.
If you struggle with running out of gas in competition, this is a great tool to add into the toolbox.
It is well written, direct, and well put together. I’d highly recommend it for any athlete that needs to improve their endurance.
Ctoos (verified owner) –
My favorite book from Pavel to date. The last 3 books (S&S, Q&D and now AXE) have been on the cutting edge of the strength and conditioning world and put in a concise and simple (but not easy) routine. Will truly enhance strength, power, aerobic capacity and work capacity all at the same time! Foolproof triple progression and a powerful and meditative practice almost designed to put you in the flow state (more info on that in the book). The Strong Endurance concepts are a game changer!!! This is the way!
M. JEFFREY MCMAHON (verified owner) –
I’ve been studying the kettlebell techniques and approaches of Pavel Tsatsouline for close to ten years now. In his most recent book, Kettlebell Axe, he makes a persuasive argument to avoid training to failure. Instead, go to 80% of your max and keep your sets high and your reps on the low side. For example, you might do 10 sets of kettlebell swings (he favors the hand-to-hand swing over the others) at 10 reps though he does allow for up to 20 reps per set. He also recommends resting between 45-120 seconds between sets.
In his anti-glycolytic approach, he is essentially discouraging you from getting lactic acid buildup, which is deleterious to muscle strength, growth, and overall health. Because you’re going heavier and doing relatively lower reps, you should only do these workouts 3 days a week. Because I like to train with kettlebells 5 days a week, I do this heavier “anti-glycolytic” method for 3 days and do a lighter kettlebell workout with higher reps on the other 2 days, but even on those higher-rep days, I don’t max out to failure in order to stave off lactic acid buildup.
One surprise in the book is that Pavel warns of drinking caffeine right before a workout; to be charged-up with caffeine actually puts you at odds with a calm, steady workout required to do anti-glycolytic training. So for me, I’ll have my coffee at least 3 hours before my workout.
One thing Pavel stresses over and over: “Don’t let your workout own you; you own it.” You achieve this by working out in a calm manner without fatigue and stress of being over winded or fatigued by lactic acid buildup. One of the most powerful points Pavel makes: Approach your workout more like you’re practicing the correct form and go for purity of movement with a calm mind.
Another great Pavel book for anyone who is serious about their kettlebell training.
Mike Torres (verified owner) –
There’s a lot of confusion in the fitness industry. Not quite as bad as nutrition… but getting closer by the day.
The push to treat every workout as a “metcon” or a “smoker” is prevalent in the majority of the big fitness chains, and the popular alternative is doing 3 sets of 10 on various machines combined with scrolling on your phone… while pedaling slowly on the recumbent bike.
Pavel presents an alternative to working so hard you can’t walk the next day… or barely working at all.
Kettlebell AXE takes complex biochemistry and breaks it down with applicable context. Perhaps more importantly, Pavel outlines a very approachable and SIMPLE progression using the kettlebell swing, one of the best all-around movements for generating power.
As someone who has been training using these principles for several years now, I’ve seen numerous benefits including improved cardiovascular fitness and a new barbell deadlift 1 rep max (that was a pleasant surprise!) And as is the case for many of Pavel’s programs, the time commitment is minimal and the training can be done in your living room with a single kettlebell.
Highly recommended!
Ross Bradley (verified owner) –
This is a pretty quick read, but the information is long lasting. Very informative and a training program unlike what you would typically find. Worth it.
JH (verified owner) –
At 72 I need strength and cardio. This a Great workout for me for a long time. Some of Pavel books are hard to understand this one was not
.
EL (verified owner) –
Another very worthwhile book from Pavel. Much to learn about the biochemistry of stress by exercise in this, definitely something new internalizing understand as you go ahead and your fitness life challenges
calvin13 (verified owner) –
Easy to understand and implement. Science backed. Like all of Pavel’s programs it is very simple. Great program to graduate to after simple and sinister.
ANDREW H S TAY (verified owner) –
Pavel has systematised how to work with your body, and your mind, to achieve levels of power, endurance and health that we commonly think of, incorrectly, as requiring exceptional sacrifice, favourable genes and unlimited time.
So efficient, so benign, so accessible. A life skill.
Jake (verified owner) –
Pavel’s work does just that: cut the crap.
There’s nothing extra here. It’s laid out simple, yet explained in thorough depth.
This is a program worth sticking to. I’ve tried other plans. A short while in, I am cutting the extra weight and end up with nothing. I’d rather have nothing than something that tethers me like most exercise programs do.
This is intuitive training. It’s smart and sharp. It’s a bullshido-free straight right. Train like a kid, a dangerous kid: free, playful, focused.
If you’re not sure, get Simple and Sinister. Invest in the three recommend kettlebells and start the journey. Get strong or, at least, get not-weak.
Again, this is training you can stick to, for years, decades. I have tried some other programs, but I always come back to Pavel’s work, cause it just feels good.
Feel good (and earn a respectable handshake).
Good luck.
James (verified owner) –
Another phenomenal book from Pavel, straightforward explanations, with examples to further illustrate the point(s). The quick start guide allowed me to read the bare minimum to start training and catch up on all the science afterwards.
Really helped me understand the “why” behind A+A, as well as some clarification of other StrongFirst programs that fall under the same umbrella.
I like that it leaves you/encourages you to add-in/follow along with a pressing program, as I’ve always struggled with my press and I found the TGU’s in S&S didn’t help my press numbers go up, as some test subjects reported (even though it’s a phenomenal exercise, that helped me in a lot of other areas).
Richard M. Freeman (verified owner) –
An excellent review of the essential concepts of metabolic processes in exercise physiology. If you want to train utilizing cutting edge information, get AXE by Pavel.
Richard M Freeman, MD
Kevin Halligan (verified owner) –
It’s basically grease the groove with 1 arm swings or the snatch. Pavel of course fires in the usual anecdotes and science but essentially it’s GTG with an emphasis on explosive reps and avoiding burn or congestion in the muscles. Again principles from the naked warrior.
Pat Sonti (verified owner) –
I’ve been studying and learning from Pavel for at least two-plus decades. To claim he changed my outlook on what strength training is and what it should be is an understatement.
That said, this book may feel “heavy” reading at times, but…but…but Pavel, as usual, manages to explain the complexities in simple understandable terms.
Take your time with it. Totally rewarding experience.
fraserlady (verified owner) –
Great read…very interesting quotes, heavily referenced, and the program itself is presented well. My highlighter is blue and I’m pretty sure the book itself is half blue now. Program starts tomorrow- and my new mantra is “Don’t die until death.”
Miguel Suñén Martín (verified owner) –
En un mundo donde el deporte parece complicarse cada vez más con ejercicios grotescos y novedades constantes Pavel aboga por un par de ejercicios clásicos y una programación simple y medible. Deja de complicarte y ríndete al minimalismo.
Viking 36 (verified owner) –
I used this book to improve my strength training. Great reference book that breaks it all down for you in simple terms. Easy to understand and you will improve yourself by reading this book and using what you learn.
Romain Fettes (verified owner) –
Lots of repetitions, 20% is the essence of the material , mixed feelings about the purchase. Also be aware that this is not a beginner’s program
james skeeler (verified owner) –
This book does an amazing job detailing the A+A method from StrongFirst in an easy straightforward manner. I would highly recommend this book.
Adam (verified owner) –
You should already be quite familiar with the kettlebell and passed Simple from Simple & Sinister….multiple times with increased awareness in your inadequacies.
If not, please read that first so you can swing the 32kg and respect the discipline.
Hand to Hand Swings are brilliantly implemented for AXE.
I’ve started with 36kg and perform them in the grass.
Enjoy the science.
Listen to the stop signs.
If you complain, you probably aren’t becoming the best version of yourself.
Thanks Pavel for keeping it simple and straightforward!
Sean Christopher Thomas (verified owner) –
First of all, this is not a body building program, if you want huge muscles this will not work as it is a fitness program. I’ve done crossfit, PX90 and multiple other lesser-know internet workout plans. This is cheap, simple, relatively easy, very effective, and by far the best program I have done. You need to scale it to your fitness level , don’t start out with the recommended weights unless you are very fit. I am a 170 pound male and I started with 15 pounds, moved to 25 pounds, then up to 35 pounds. I am trying to get to a 50 pound kettlebell within six months of starting. I really feel this is a program I can stick with and I don’t feel exhausted (and very hungry) afterwards unlike other programs. For the cost of the book and few kettlebells, you are really getting a lot for your money. I honesty feel that once I get to 50 pounds, I could get rid of all my other equipment and just have one bell.
Billy Larkins (verified owner) –
Good read. Builds upon “viking conditioning”.
SR (verified owner) –
This one is no exception. For the kettlebell enthusiast, you gotta have this book.
Eric Kenyon (verified owner) –
Excellent. You need to have read some Pavel books leading up to this one, and you need correct kettlebell lifting technique. For the qualified athlete or coach Kettlebell Axe is like pure gold.
40valves (verified owner) –
Loved the book, soaked it up in a couple hours. Pavel is the reason I picked up a KB in the first place, many years ago. Pavel, in all his publications, keeps things as easy and as clear as possible, which is what I like – yet is what some people complain about.
My only concern are the scientists and studies that Pavel references throughout the book, they are not as a recent as one would prefer, and some are quite old. But hey, sometimes the “old” way is the best way.
Anyway, I highly recommend this read.
Jordan Cimino (verified owner) –
Absolutely brilliant work on antiglycolytic training. Pavel delivers something spectacular and accessible yet again.
Albert D. (verified owner) –
J’adore le style de Pavel et son approche, simple, directe ! Très intéressant sur les notions de physiologie.