Joe Kenn on Strongman Training, Strength Development, and Velocity-Based Training

In this deep-dive episode of the Physical Preparation Podcast, host Mike Robertson sits down with Joe Kenn, a legendary figure in strength and conditioning with over 25 years of experience, now fully immersed in the world of professional strongman. Joe shares his journey from collegiate and NFL coaching to becoming the head strength coach for Tom Evans, a top-tier strongman athlete, and details their remarkable 2025 season that culminated in a podium finish at the Arnold Strongman Classic and a historic first international podium at the World's Strongest Man. The conversation dives into the intricacies of strongman training, emphasizing the importance of event-specific preparation, capacity versus push phases, and the critical role of triceps strength in overhead events. Joe also reveals his groundbreaking approach to velocity-based training, advocating for peak velocity over average velocity as a more accurate measure of intent and force production. He introduces his 'pivot' training model—featuring accommodating resistance, pause reps, and purposeful intent—that has led to significant strength gains, including a 60-pound increase in squat max over a year. The episode closes with Joe's vision for future coaching resources, including a new book on conditioning for strongman and a forthcoming comprehensive guide on his elite-tier training system. Key takeaways include: (1) Every rep in heavy lifts should be performed with an RPE of 10—maximum intent and effort; (2) Peak velocity is a superior metric to average velocity for tracking true force and intent; (3) Strongman training requires a dual-phase approach: capacity building (separate event work) followed by push phase (full event simulation); (4) Triceps strength is the unsung hero of strongman success, especially in log and dumbbell presses; (5) Purposeful intent—training to move the bar as fast as possible regardless of load—drives superior force and performance gains. Joe’s philosophy centers on mental toughness, data-informed practice, and rejecting outdated paradigms in favor of innovative, athlete-centered models.