AT my recent USC Cert, GR Hoff recorded some training going down at The Underground and put together a lil' highlight to motivate his athletes. My next USC Cert is around the corner in Ft Lauderdale, so if you're in Florida it's time to step up and make it happen! BOOM, sign up HERE if you're ready to turn your passion into profit and finally start doing what you love to do, there's no better feeling than doing what you love. You'll also see some of my wrestlers in action, just a small taste … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2011
Prison Strength Training & Convict Conditioning
MANY years ago (2005 or 2006) I took a trip to the prison where the movie Lock Up was filmed with Sly Stallone. I wanted to learn how the inmates trained. In a nut shell, I was hungry to learn from anyone who was strong, fast and powerful. I had seen a documentary on how inmates are training every day and I found out a friend of mine had a family member who was a LT working with "The Lifers". This friend of mine introduced me to her Dad who was open to bringing me in to chat with these guys … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Develop Speed & Explosive POWER
Wanna be explosive, athletic, agile, mobile and hostile? Step 1: Get STRONG as Hell. Strength is your foundation, you hear this all the time, and I would say this is almost entirely true. I have seen lots of guys, strong as hell, but also have little speed. So what gives? Power is a blend of strength and athleticism. It's the OPTIMAL blend, because nothing is perfect and everything is flawed, you are trying to get the best balance possible. Only chasing greater strength will not help you reach … [Read more...]
The Power Of Calisthenics & Convict Conditioning Inspiration
Above, Kyle and Cory Markovitch who train at The Underground Strength Gym hit the 1,000 Pul Up Club before Wrestling Season ended. GREAT kids with GREAT work ethic! BOTH were state qualifiers during their time as NJ High School Wrestlers for Cranford High School. __________ The power behind bodyweight training is tremendous. Not enough athletes and coaches give bodyweight training enough respect. It hit me the hardest as to WHY it's so important when I had a Football Player unable to do … [Read more...]
How to Be Strong, Inside AND Out
The question was asked: "What does it mean to be a "Strong Man"? I took a shot at the question, just like training, we are ALL flawed, there is NO perfect, but ya gotta try to do do your best, plain and simple. If you've got tips to add, drop a comment. Looking forward to reading your thoughts! Peace! --Z-- … [Read more...]
Another Convict Conditioning QnA
Photo Above, from Convict Conditioning Book, by Paul Wade __________________ Hey Coach- I'm a 16 year old sophomore out of Dallas, TX, a varsity football player and wrestler. I've been a proud Undergrounder since the Summer after my freshman year, and I can't begin to tell you what incredible results I've gotten from performing simple, ground based barbell movements mixed with some light strongman work (sandbag stuff, mostly) has done for my athletic career. The UTM taught me how to program … [Read more...]
What to Do When Powerlifting Sucks?
This scenario might anger many, but, it may also be a stone throw away from happening to you. Check out this e mail I received and see my thoughts below: Zach, Just wanted to send you an email to let you know how much I appreciate how many bodyweight resources you are giving us. We've spoken via email before, but to reiterate, I played 4 years of college football at a small D3 school in Chicago. During my time there I developed chronic neck injuries that left me with Thoracic Outlet … [Read more...]
Convict Conditioning QnA & The Warrior Mindset
Here's a question I got in the e mail box regarding Convict Conditioning. Check it below: Hey Coach, I'm a 31 yr old FF. I recently bought Convict Conditioning and was blown away. I've always done bodyweight exercises to stay in shape. Lots of pullups and pushups and Squats. Used weight vests, TRX, perfect pushups, etc. I started following Coach Wade's methods and was quickly humbled. My pull up form sucks, my range of motion on my pushups is horrible. Both max numbers for each … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Coaches Rock Austin, TX
Just a lil' taste of what went down last weekend in Austin, TX, perhaps one of my favorite places I've ever been to, and not just because the town is so kick ass, but because the friendships I've built there are more like brotherhood and family. BIG thanks to my homie, Jeremy Thiel, for making this happen. One year ago JT brought 12 of his Coaches to NJ for a specialty USC Cert, where the entire 2 days were dedicated towards their needs and likings. His crew was in such kick ass shape that we … [Read more...]
Powerlifting vs Strongman
I just got home after a kick ass weekend in Austin, TX. Austin is a cool as hell town, reminds me of a blend between my hometown and San Diego. The people are cool as hell, the cabbies are slower AND more laid back than Spicoli from 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' and the girls are straight up Ass Kickers - I've never had such fit and powerful girls come through my cert like the girls of Austin (this is the 2nd time as they've been to NJ & now Austin). I cranked my USC Cert to a sold … [Read more...]