🔩 Mastering the Two-Handed Front Pendulum with a Steel Club
Looking to add a dynamic, full-body movement to your steel club training? The two-handed front pendulum (also known as a cross-body clean) is a powerful movement pattern that improves grip, posture, balance, and coordination — and it’s a favorite in my own workouts!
Let’s break down how to learn and master this exercise safely and effectively.
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🧠 Why I Love This Movement
* Builds upper body coordination and control
* Challenges your posture and core stability
Great crossover for kettlebell users (similar to the cross-body clean*)
* Scales well with weight and stance progression
* Adds variety and intensity to steel club training
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🏋️♂️ Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Start with the Basics
✅ Begin with a *lightweight club** to learn the mechanics
* 👣 Feet together to simplify balance
🤲 Use an *offset hand grip** (one hand higher than the other)
📍Start in a *guard position**: club to one side, proud chest, abs tight
2. Learn the Push–Pull–Catch Rhythm
Think of it like a *pendulum** swinging across your body
After each rep, return to your *“home base”** (guard position)
* Keep your chest up and avoid collapsing forward
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🦶 Progressing the Movement: Staggered Stance
Once you’ve nailed the rhythm:
Step into a *kickstand stance** (staggered feet):
* Front foot flat
* Back foot lightly touching the ground
The *top hand determines the starting side**
* Example: Right hand on top = start on right side = right foot goes back
This variation adds *balance and coordination challenges**
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🛠 Pro Tip: Grip and Club Length
Keep your *pinky on the pommel** for better leverage and control
Helps manage *ground clearance** if you’re using a longer club or arc
* Adjust hand placement as needed, but stay close enough to maintain power and control
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🔁 Kettlebell Comparison
🎯 For kettlebell users, this is very similar to the cross-body clean:
* Kettlebell version = single-hand movement
* Steel club version = two-hand movement
Club offers more *clearance** and freedom of motion
Can potentially go *heavier with steel clubs** due to control and comfort
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🧠 Key Reminders
* Start light and nail the form before increasing weight
Always return to your *guard position** between reps
Use the *offset grip** for better control
* Pay attention to foot positioning when progressing to staggered stance
* Don’t let the club hit the ground — use your grip to control clearance
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🙋♂️ Final Thoughts
This is one of the most versatile and scalable movements in club training. Whether you're a kettlebell enthusiast or new to unconventional training, the two-handed front pendulum offers a lot of bang for your buck 💥
Got questions? Drop them in the comments on the video — I’d love to help!
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