Why I Started Swinging Steel
Nov 04, 2024Swinging around a steel mace or club wasn’t on my fitness radar when I started working out. I have done traditional strength & conditioning with a “tactical” bias (AKA functional fitness) since 2016ish. Before that, I followed pro bodybuilder workout plans.
Anyway, sometime around 2017, I saw someone swinging a big metal stick around their head on Instagram. I was FASCINATED by this. Totally mesmerized. Thinking back, I believe it was the circular pattern that really got me. Something about circular training just makes my brain go nuts.
After doing some research on WTF that metal stick was, I found out that the steel mace, or gada, is an ancient tool that warriors used to develop full body strength, coordination, and mobility. It was used to train soldiers for war, then eventually used to train wrestlers and MMA athletes, as many of the movement patterns translate there. Brilliant.
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So I did what any curious person would do: I bought one. What I initially noticed was how different it felt from traditional dumbbells and barbells. At first glance, it may seem like it just targets the shoulders, but that is not the case at all. Swinging maces and clubs is a full body workout, every single time. It forces you to engage your legs, trunk, grip, and all of your stabilizer muscles in ways no other tool does.
But what was even cooler was the amount of mental focus it requires, and each swing is a test of my resilience and control. It’s also very humbling - there’s no cheating a steel mace. You either have the technique down, or it will show you exactly where you need work.
This combination of physical and mental challenge keeps me coming back and has made it an essential part of my fitness routine. It keeps things fun, challenging, and honestly, it’s quite therapeutic.
✅ Action Item:
Try adding something new to your training this month. Pick a new training tool or new movement that interests you and start by working it in 2-3x per week. Maybe you’ll like it, maybe you won’t. But there’s a good chance you’ll learn something from it.
Shameless plug: Check out my company, CK Maceworks.
We build top notch, handmade, plate-loadable steel maces and clubs with a lifetime warranty.
