I get tons of questions EVERY DAY via e mail, facebook, my blog comments, at seminars…. everywhere.

Most people are full of sh*t. They talk a BIG game yet do little or nothing to back up their words.

I also get requests for business coaching and training at my gym. Those who follow through after they “Talk” are far and few between.

Athletes ask me to train at my Underground Strength Gym, then I get a follow up e mail from their Mom / Dad saying it’s too expensive. I ask if their son has a job, 99.9% of the time, they have NO job. Neither do they have the desire to GET a job to help their parents to make this opportunity happen.

Just another talker.

Aspiring Strength Coaches e mail me or message me through facebook or see me at seminars. They talk about how hungry they are for success, tell me they want to attend my Underground Strength Coach Cert or invest in Coaching.

They don’t follow through. Just Another Talker.

College athletes tell me they want to be All American or a National Champ…. they show up for a few weeks and disappear.

Just Another Talker.

What you WANT and what you DO MUST be in alignment if you want to achieve Abnormal success. Do what everyone else does and you are normal. You need to do what others are NOT willing to do.

Normal actions = Normal success.

Just another talker.

I’ve done A LOT to create my success and I ain’t stoppin’. I stay up late, wake up early, go the extra distance, sweat more, work harder, run faster, push through brick walls and keep charging.

NO Excuses.

Pay attention to the video below, watch it 10 times and let it sink in.

The only thing holding you back is YOU and the circumstances YOU have created for yourself. Period.

Lead from the FRONT

–Z–

Recommended Resources:

Underground Strength Coach Certification (Last Cert of 2010!)

Underground Inner Circle 30 Day Trial

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My friend, Lachlan McIntyre from Australia sent this my way via FaceBook.

He got me fired UP! My Blog is my sounding board, it’s of NO benefit to hold back my thoughts or words.

It doesn’t help you nor does it help “Us” if I try to walk on egg shells for fear of upsetting others. Many will be upset, others will hate, I don’t give a s**t, I only care about those who wanna go BIG in life.

I’ve had enough of the Bull S**t, and YES, some people will complain that I curse, oh well, this is what happens when I get fired up and passionate about something.

Watch this Video….

I am trying to focus on the BadAsses that come through my Underground Strength Gym, committed to dominating. But EVERY time I come across an excuse from an athlete I get sick to my stomach.

I am still confused by those who make excuses for NOT wanting to WIN or playing a sport and not giving a shit about your effort or lack of desire to dominate. Why do so many people settle for 2nd place or less?

This is a HUGE problem with our country, and often the comments on the Blog say it is also outside of the states.

Our economy is f**ed because people fear to do work. I’ve mowed lawns, cranked 2 paper routes at a time, washed cars, cleaned toilets and done sh*t that today’s generation wouldn’t do if you put a gun to their head.

There are COUNTLESS athlete out and about playing the game and not even caring if they lose.

They have MORE excuses than anyone can count, instead of training, they’re joining groups on facebook such as “I love when you text me first” and other life wasting bull s**t.

There IS an army of Bad Mother F**ers walking this earth, I KNOW it. We need to keep banding together because 2nd place sucks. If you’re here, reading my blog it is pretty likely you are like me, someone who has learned his lessons from the past and now you don’t see any other option aside from FIRST PLACE!

I’ve lost a lot in my life and have a million regrets and will never be able to GO BACK and fix them. I understand that TIME is the MOST valuable thing because you can NEVER get it back. I am doing my thing NOW because I have learned that doing my best or 2nd place sucks. Period.

I NEVER hid the fact that I f**ed up and missed out on HUGE opportunities as a younger athlete, which is what motivated me so greatly to step up my game of life and it also has made me the Coach who has high expectations and nothing less. I take 100% responsibility for my lack of success AND the success I create.

I’m a tough Coach to train under and that is because I don’t see or understand doing anything unless you’re in it for 1st place.

2nd place sucks. Period.

Drop a comment if you’re with me!

Lead from the FRONT!

–Z–

Recommended Resource:

Underground Inner Circle 30 Day Trial

Underground Strength Coach Certification

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Last night I had my friends over to watch The UFC fights. It’s actually rare that I stay up so late to watch the fights.It’s more common for me to be asleep between 10:30 and 11 PM nowadays.

I used to ALWAYS watch The UFC main events AND PRIDE Fighting. Who remember Pride held from Japan? Damn those fights were amazing!

I was psyched to see Frankie Edgar defend his title against The Prodigy, BJ Penn. BJ is a straight up animal and his long list of accomplishments is undeniable. BJ Penn’s intensity is awe inspiring and his skills are freakish, hence, why he is called the Prodigy.

BJ’s new training for strength, conditioning and overall performance as of a year or two ago took on a new role, from Marv Marinovich, and if you’ve been around for a while, Marv’s son, Todd Marinovich was a high level collegiate QB back in the day who was being trained by Dr. Yessis with Russian Methodologies specialized for the role of a Football QB, VERY sports specific. I believe this has influenced Marv’s training system for BJ with lots of plyo training, nervous system training and balance work. Check it below for a little insight into how BJ Penn now trains.

I expected a battle for 5 rounds. I have seen Frankie fight and know of his training methods….. Frankie Edgar does NOT get tired. It’s scary to see such a machine. Frankie gets in his wrestling workouts with The Rutgers Wrecking Crew, and, from my inside sources, he NEVER rests and never sits down when live wrestling against these college animals…… he keeps going and going and going….banging heads with one fresh wrestler after another.

His intensity is second to none. You don’t become the world champ by taking it easy. Then again, do you get anywhere good by taking it easy? No matter what BS story someone tries to sell you, becoming an ass kicker at any endeavor always required some sort of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. ALWAYS.

See Frankie in training below with Martin Rooney:

There are certain things about Frankie that shock, awe and inspire me. You can Learn from THESE:

- The dude seems immune to punishment and pain. He gets hit, he keeps charging. Nothing stops him. When you get hit or run into a stumbling block, how do you react?

- He NEVER stops moving, his energy is endless, he has a TRUE relentless attack. That’s how life should be lived. Leave NOTHING on the table, go for everything, why settle for anything less than your best. This is how you leave behind a legacy for family, friends and all others to be motivated from your actions. Winning is an internal game. You can sometimes win by points on the score board, but, if you didn’t leave it ALL out in the open, and honestly give your 100% best, then have you truly won?

- He’s a Jersey Wrestler. He has that relentless attack, relentless movement and doesn’t like being held down. A few times BJ Penn got a hold of Frankie, he just could NOT be held down. Frankie was a top state and national level wrestler through high school and college. He put in the work. NOT everyone is willing to put in the work necessary to become a champion. Do you wake up early, stay up late, do what others do NOT ask of you? If you always need a Coach giving you motivation and can’t pull it out of yourself, you will NOT become a champion.

- He drinks Jersey Water. There is “something special” in Jersey Water…. and the air…. Jersey Shore air is better than breathing in The NJ Turnpike air, I can assure you

- He has trained with my bruddahs, Uncle Mike, The Milkman and Martin Rooney. These 3 guys have handed me ass whoppins with their workouts unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The three of them are BUSY and still remain deadly in their physical performance. ALL three are husbands, fathers, full time + plenty more hours of work. They ALL Lead from the FRONT. Do you Lead from the FRONT?

- Frankie is undeterred. It’s easy to be the younger guy psyched out by a fighter who is touted as one of the best pound for pound fighters to ever live. Don’t let others psyche you out or dictate what you can or can not do. Blaze your own path and get thick skin. Most people try to run their mouth in an effort to deter you or put fear in your eyes. This is where The F**K You Factor comes in. Put your head down and get to work. Charge FULL force.

- Frankie is focused and committed to training and his goals, NO excuses. Commitment and focus seem to be lacking in many people today, both in athletics and / or business. Many people talk of lofty goals yet very few are willing to do what it takes to make it happen. The excuses are rampant: too early, too late, no money, too busy….. In my opinion, there are too many Bull S**t excuses being spat out. It’s ALL or nothing, if you want to become a champion or a HUGE success at what you do there are NO excuses.

- Be in shape so you can be relentless, regardless of your sport. Sports specific training is fine and dandy, BUT, what about the ability to dominate on the practice field and in the real world. Being out of shape yet having first step quickness and a big vertical ain’t s**t compared to a warrior who has a relentless attack, never tires, falters or weakens. Mental toughness gets developed with workouts that often have little to do with science.

Train like a fighter, sports and life are often times a battle of will, prepare to WIN. Period.

Take action with what you’ve learned.

I’m fired UP after watching Jerzee BadAss, Frankie Edfar defend his title. Time to hit some sprints and Kettlebell Training in the backyard.

Lead from the Front!

–Z–

Recommended Resources:

Training for Warriors

Uncle Mike & The Milk Man

Underground Inner Circle 30 Day Trial

Convict Conditioning Workout

Martin Rooney Combat Readiness Audio Interview

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I still remember a BIG name Strength Coach talking sh*t about me when I first began showing my methods on the internet. The guy was, once upon a time, someone I looked up to.

He had multiple facilities around the world and a slew of Coaches working for him. I did find it funny that a guy running certifications around the world with gyms around the world would talk sh*t about a dude training wrestlers and football players from his garage.

It was a sign of his blazing insecurity. Perhaps he saw the fire in my eyes. Haven’t I said you’re either the Hunter or the Hunted? I wasn’t hunting anyone, I WAS hunting my dream though, and that was to own my very own, hardcore gym. One that I could call my own.

I’ve watched other Strength Coaches copy lots of what I do, from videos to web design / graphics and even my personality. I’ve seen other Strength Coaches walk around as if they are entitled to everything. NO respect. How embarrassing it is to see such a thing.

I was certainly the Strength Coach labeled as “Least Likely to Succeed”…..

Problem is, I don’t quit. I don’t stop. I get knocked down and get back up. Again and again and AGAIN.

I’m not slowin’ down any time soon and this is REALLY only the Beginning.

If you’re a Strength Coach with a dream then F**K everyone else and go after it.

Here’s the last crew of USC Certified Coaches going through the paces, the next Cert is around the corner.

Stay tuned for the announcement by becoming part of my Underground Biz Journal HERE.

Enjoy the next 12 minutes of ass kickin’ Coaches going for their dream. Are YOU next?

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There are times when you think you’re training hard.

Soon, someone else comes along and pushed you outside your comfort zone. Suddenly you’re not as strong, as fast or as tough as you thought you were.

It’s happened to me and still does to this very day. But, this is why I do it. I need to keep my edge, I FEAR losing it. There are ALWAYS holes in your armor.

I’ve been exposed to plenty of new methods lately and some of them have busted me up. Some are me simply going back to where I started. Sometimes you need a reminder and sometimes you need to get your ass kicked.

7 Ways to Keep Your Edge and Become a Gladiator:

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Approximately 6 years ago I came across Moni Aizik as I was searching for reality based training methods. I was going through some troubles running into a particular group of people and it was bothering me BIG time. I was losing sleep at night because of it and the psychological effects were also bothering me and negativity affecting physically.

I became MORE intrigued with Moni’s methods when I became a father. I wanted to be ready for anything that may happen and be able to protect my family. I read up on Moni intensely and saw he was the REAL deal not just because of his videos, but because he had been IN THE TRENCHES from such a young age and for so many years.

My father had fought in the same war as Moni, The Yom Kippur war. My older brother was in The Israeli Special Forces and the local gym owner from the town my family is from in Israel was a PT instructor for Israeli Spec Ops. I KNEW about this unit and I knew they were THE BEST.

I attended one day from a 3 day course Moni held in NYC. The day was 12 hrs of intense training, perhaps the toughest 12 hr day of training I ever experienced. And, although this was 5 years ago I still remember the techniques I learned from that ONE day. Simple yet brutally effective.

In the audio interview below, with Moni Aizik, you will hear me bringing up some stories of violent encounters I have experienced. If I had known what I learned from Moni, back when the 8 – 10 thugs attacked me when I was younger, they would have been hurt, badly. I also would have psychologically turned the tables on them with what Moni had taught me.

Commando Krav Maga is something CRITICAL to my message to so many who follow my information because I have many followers who have children and / or don’t have an understanding of what to do in case something or someone violent was to encounter them.

After listening to my interview with Moni Aizik, please read the instructions below about your special opportunity to win a copy of Fight For Your Life, as Moni accidentally sent me TWO DVD sets rather than one.

***** Click HERE for The Moni Aizik Interview *****

Here is how you can win your copy of The 4 DVD Set of ‘Fight for Your Life’ with Moni Aizik

Leave a comment OR, to improve your chances of winning, create a VIDEO as to why you want this course AND how you will apply these Commando Krav Maga Methods.

It should be something true to your heart and of serious significance, just as it was for me to seek out Moni as I was wanting to become a better father and husband to ensure greater safety for my family. Or, perhaps you are involved in the military, bodyguard / protection of others or you work in a violent and dangerous environment.

Looking forward to your Comments and Videos below. Your you tube video can be embedded into the comments section.

The cut off date for submitting your genuine comment below is Monday, August 16th. A winner will be chosen shortly after.

Lead from the FRONT

–Z–

PS: Here is Moni’s Interview if you missed it above:

***** Click HERE for The Moni Aizik Interview *****

Recommended Resources:

Commando Krav Maga

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Three summers ago at Joe DeFranco’s strongman contest I was introduced to a guy I had heard lots about. I had heard the rumors….Some crazy ass business man addicted to strength. Word was he was some BadAss Business Man, strong as hell and had to overcome a LOT to get where he was in health AND business.

His name, Jeff Sica.

I kinda knew his story as we met briefly at Joe DeFranco’s documentary release, STRONG, but I did not truly know the severe extent of what really happened to him and how or why he became so obsessed with strength and why he sought out Joe.

There was a short spot focused on Jeff during the documentary and when I watched it I didn’t realize that the jacked up guy I met only 45 minutes ago almost didn’t survive through a rare disease! That night was an emotional night for me.

I got a deeper look inside the family life of Joey D, I saw Joe’s Dad cry and express the meaning of family and I had just met a guy who almost lost his life and was now chasing a 405 lb bench press. It was at a time where I was regularly working from 7 AM – midnight or 1 AM and thought I had it pretty tough.

This night taught me otherwise and it toughened me up mentally in more ways than one.

Check the video below and you’ll see Jeff talking about life and lifting and how the two coincide…..

Jeff was a very reserved and quiet guy when we met. I didn’t know much except what I had heard from Joe.

The REAL word was, Jeff almost lost his life at one point due to this rare disease, and because he was so committed to life in general, it was only natural for him to become committed to his health after he made it out of the hospital.

Jeff got extremely sick in 2001 with a bacterial infection that attacked his skin and then was headed to his heart and brain. He suffered with fevers around 105 and facial distortion. He was packed in ice and treated with an arsenal of antibiotics that wiped out the infection and also his stamina.

Here and there I get sick and it wipes me out for a few days perhaps a week. The mental fortitude one needs to bounce back after 6 months of exhaustion is mind boggling and impressive to say the least.

So, like many over achieving business men, Jeff wasn’t interested in being your typical business man who hits the elliptical for 45 minutes 3 days a week after a long, hard day at work.

Nope. That’s the WRONG guy. This guy is DIFFERENT. WAY different.

He told a friend he had to get BACK on track and he asked his friend to research the best trainer in NJ. His friend told him about some dude named Joe DeFranco, who became the key to changing Jeff. Jeff began training with Joe twice a week and then employing Joe’s method of training two other days on his own at home changed Jeff forever. He never looked back, and has not been sick again since making his comeback. He made Joe’s washed up meat head hall of fame instantly!

I knew of Jeff’s goal to bench 405 and so when we met in person again, there seemed to be a mutual respect that we were both a bit crazy. Perhaps we had BOTH just heard strange stories of one another. Who knows what Joe and his athletes have said about me, haha!!

When I arrived at Joe’s first open strongman contest with 10 + high school and college athletes ready to rumble, the question was, “Who the hell is Underground?”

We were an unknown gym at the time and Joe was explaining to others that we were basically a bunch of crazy bastards coming from some tiny warehouse gym loaded with strange objects like stones, kettlebells, sandbags and more.

When Jeff saw our guys compete, I think we earned his respect a little more as well. He saw our guys fighting for every inch of speed and strength on that hot day. Jeff’s wife liked what she saw in our athletes as well. Perhaps she saw the same “fight” in them as she saw in her husband.

Every time I ran into Jeff it reminded me of a guy who I had first seen on ESPN, competing as a bodybuider in The Mr. NJ competition. We became friends when I was a bodybuilder at the hardcore, Diamond Gym. The bodybuilder was a business man and as I grew up in that gym, from a teenager and then into a working man, working as a teacher, we always discussed the need to be strong as I got older.

His name was Carlo, and he was in his mid 40s, strong as hell and ALWAYS ripped. He seemed to never slip, always tight on his training, nutrition and his tan! haha

He would tell me that his business was so successful because of his physical and mental strength. He mentioned how he would dominate business meetings because of his energy and his ability to handle large quantities of work and complete tasks in less time than others.

Carlo would always train with his wife. She respected him for his drive and loved him for his dedication to his health and his family. He kept things simple, it seemed to me. Be strong and ripped, be healthy. Love your wife and love your family. Kick ass in business.

Jeff Sica does the same. I am lucky to have crossed paths with men like this. I spent many years training side by side with Carlo. My respect to him was great and my memories of his intensity and his passion have never faded.

With Jeff, although we have never trained together, I have the common bond. The feeling and the understanding of what he does while in training, his commitment to strength, business and most importantly, family.

I have known Joe since 2004, we met 2 weeks before I got married and I had studied his methods. Jeff has been training with Joe since 2001. I know his last 9 years have been an intense battle with the iron.

Men like Jeff Sica are a RARE breed.

If you ever feel you are down and without hope, look at Jeff’s battle to regain his health inspire you….

For a little over 6 months Jeff had NO energy. He was always a regular at the gym and worked 12-15 hour days, but he barely made it through these days. Finding Joe, was the key to change, training with him twice a week and then employing Joe’s method of training two other days on his own changed him forever.

Jeff never looked back, and has not been sick again since then. He made Joe’s washed up meat head hall of fame instantly! Its easy to see when you look at him the work he has put forth, stretching his shirt sleeves with his jacked up guns, big ass traps and chest….

Jeff Sica IS built like a BadAss.

Jeff’s wife, Lori, spoke to me about his dedication and she said she doesn’t think there is anything he looks forward to more than training after a long, hard day at work as it clears his mind a bit.  Joe has to force him to take a week off once in a while.

Behind MANY great men stands a great woman and a great family. Marriage is sometimes the toughest thing one can face, but it has made me a MUCH better man and for sure, my life is better with my family. Before meeting my wife, to be honest, I had NO goals of what I have today. I was self centered and focused on ME and how everything could benefit ME. It was NOT a good way to live.

Every time I run into Jeff I see him with his wife, Lori. It’s NOT odd to see a good man spending most of his time with his best friend and biggest fan. Last time we all met was at Joe DeFranco’s charity dinner for The MS Society. I believe she convinced Jeff to take it easy on me as we battled for a bid on a David Diehl autographed NFL Jersey. BIG thanks to Jeff and Lori for taking it easy on me, haha!

Lori connected with me as I told her I was inspired by what Jeff does and how he lives with greatness. She was honored to share some info about the man who nearly lost his life and now gives his ALL to his family and those around him.

Jeff has been married for 15 years and has 3 kids, a son who is 12, and twin girls who are 11. Jeff is the defensive coordinator for his son’s football team and has recently launched his own company, Sica Wealth Management.

A typical day for Jeff…. Up by 5 AM and in the office by 7. From August through October he coaches Football three nights a week. Outside of that, while he always worked long hours, this year, getting the business started required more hours..some weeks 7 days and as late as 11 or 12 pm.

This has been his dream for many years, and after assembling a great team, getting the right business plan and just about perfect office space, he made his dream a reality on May 28, 2010. He is also the vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Daytop NJ, a program for adolescents fighting the demons of addiction.

Even with all that, he finds time to be an amazingly thoughtful and loving husband and father.
When it comes to nutrition,  Jeff is adamant. Lots of protein, lean organic meats, vegetables, no gluten and no dairy…well, an occasional piece of cheesecake.
Vitamins, pre and post work out shakes and a few through out the day as he sometimes doesn’t have a minute to eat. Jeff is passionate about serving his client base, always looking forward, helping to bring out the best in others: doing everything, working, training, helping, mentoring, with an intense drive and focus.

It’s an honor to shake Jeff’s hand every time we meet. It’s awe inspiring to know such a man. Jeff’s story and commitment to family, health, strength and being an overall BadAss inspire me to take EVERYTHING I do to the next level and then some.

If you’ve been inspired at all by Jeff’s story please drop a comment below and share.

I’d like to thank Jeff’s wife, Lori, for taking the time to share more of Jeff’s story with me as well as always being supportive for the success of The Underground. I’m honored and grateful beyond words.

Thank you to ALL who read this Blog and have inspired me to go beyond the workouts that once began in my parents garage.

Most of ALL, thank you to my wife and my beautiful children, without them, I am not even 1% the man I am today!

Lead from the FRONT!

–Z–

PS: Please drop your comments below!

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Nothing like being layed up in bed and feelin’ like absolute hell.

Makes you take a cold, hard look at MANY things with all the time on your hands. Time for soul searching.

For a LOOOONG time I been toying with the idea of removing animal products from my diet. When I was younger I didn’t feel sluggish after having steak or hamburger but in my mid 30s things are different. I want to feel better AND be healthier. I am a father of two amazing kids and I want to be around as long as possible to watch them grow and live fabulous lives.

A few months ago in NYC I met up with Jonny Hinds and he brought me to a friend’s restaurant, known for their meatball dish I had a small bowl and when I was done I felt heavy and sluggish. NOT good.

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Below is a lil’ compilation of various Football / Gridiron Gladiator Workouts.

From myself to my bruddah Joey DeFranco and Duane Carlisle.

Duane Carlisle is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for The San Francisco 49ers.

Years ago, Duane had several locations of his OWN in NJ, not too far from Edison. I would listen to countless audio interviews with Duane, especially his speed, agility and conditioning work as my expertise was in getting them Strong as Hell.

Duane has given an inside look as to how he trains Football players with regards to Strength, Speed / Agility & Conditioning. You can pick it up HERE. If you snag Duane’s Total Football Training, e mail me your receipt and I’ll send you The BEAST Strength Program).

Check these Videos of Gridiron Gladiators in Training, Jerzee Style.

Now that you’re blood is pumpin’ it’s time for you to rip through some heavy weights and run some hills!

Lead from the FRONT

–Z–

Recommended Resources:

Duane Carlisle’s Total Football Training

Joe DeFranco’s Super Strength

Underground Strength Inner Circle 30 Day Trial

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Team Underground has been competing in Strongman Competitions held by Joe DeFranco since Day 1. I believe the first one was 4 years ago in the parking lot of Joe’s Gym. It was held after an Elite FTS Seminar where Jim Wendler & Dave Tate were present.

I still remember getting a 600 lb tire 3 or 4 days before the event so our guys could practice the tire flip. The tire was old and grimy and the guys couldn’t even grip the tire.

It was the beginning stages of The Underground Strength Gym being in a warehouse, after several years of being housed in my 2 car garage.

No one expected our athletes to do well as we were unknown to others. What others did NOT know was that my athletes were like a tightly knit unit of a Military Special Forces Team. They had gone through Hellish Underground Workouts in my garage, backyard and at a school field down the road from my house.

I still recall the spectators at the first strongman competition asking, “Who the hell is Underground?!?!”

That first Strongman Competition was an epic day and one that I still remember as if it just happened 2 minutes ago, where one of our athletes, “Curls”, had to compete against Adam “Trigs” Triglia in an overtime finale with a prowler race for the high school division crown.

Trigs won by a mere fraction of a second and it would spur Curls to go on and win the next TWO strongman competition titles hosted by Joe DeFranco.

From chubby slow poke as a kid to the world’s strongest college athlete it was a helluva ride. I try to explain to my athletes often that this chokes me up and makes me proud as all heck, but I still see nerves in their eyes every time I talk to them about what I want them to do and the high expectations I have of them.

This year, as we prepped for The World’s Strongest Athlete my nerves were running more than ever. With our college guys coming back to The Underground with nagging injuries and crazy work schedules we had to work around LOTS of injuries, strange time schedules and I had to rebuild these warriors.

We used lots of Eischen’s Yoga & soft tissue work to get the body’s back on track. Strongman training was actually VERY low volume and we focused on Kettlebells, Bodyweight and Muscle Building movements.

Several weeks our from this year’s WSA competition, my former students from Elementary School, Curls & Coop, stood nervous as we went over workouts, expectations, nutrition and MORE expectations. I got a bit choked up as I looked back to how fast time had gone.

It seemed like yesterday that these two boys were in 4th grade and we still bring back our memories of Curls rapping in 4th grade math class using Football touchdowns and field goals to help the class memorize their times tables.

Coop still remembers getting in trouble with me and sitting out after performing a death defying head spring off the vault during while I was teaching Gymnastics.

Curls remembers being slower than everyone else and getting tagged first in every game.

I remember those days like yesterday and after the WSA was over, I had this clear vision in my head of these boys still being scared and nervous every time I spoke to them. I realized we had only 1 more year of competition ahead and that as a TEAM, we had seen each other change and grow.

The boys growing from elementary school to high school stand out Football players, and today, the standouts of their college Football team. Myself, a teacher and wrestling coach and today the owner of The Underground Strength Gym.

Last year, our top athletes represented BIG time at The World’s Strongest Athlete. Curls took 1st in the college division, T Woods 3rd in high school and Kevin Kelly, a NJ State Trooper took 2nd losing the entire event by a mere half second.

It was a stressful day of events this year, with our high school Beast, T Woods, going through a repeat battle as Curls did when he was in high school. The first Prowler Race was so close we had to go into Double Overtime where Pat Cole edged out T Woods for the title. I didn’t get as much video footage as I wanted as I was too nervous pacing the floors of the event watching all our athletes compete.

T Woods had just finished a whirl wind 2 weeks as he was in full blown Football practice for the Snapple Bowl, a Football Game that pits the best players of Middlesex County VS Union County and you can see the reporters were BIG time impressed with his presence on the field HERE.

When Travis began training at The Underground, in the garage, he was training alone, in a corner almost, as he was too weak to deadlift more than 185 lbs without rounding his back.

On the other side of the garage was Curls & Coop, deadlifting 500 + lbs and motivating Travis to that next level. T Woods went from 160 lbs to 220 + lbs and is heading off to play college ball.

Check the highlight below and you’ll see how tough this event was and why I am so proud of the athletes who represented from The Underground Strength Gym.

Before the day was over I was PROUD of my crew for representing BIG time in more ways than one. They competed with every ounce of strength they had to raise funds and be strong for The MS Society as all funds were donated to MS.

The crew was ready for the next step and that was to prepare for their next season. They ALL showed up Monday ready to train again. Dedication. Commitment.

Although we battle for 1st place during this competition, our crew and DeFranco’s crew have become brothers through the years. It’s been an awesome journey watching our high school athletes grow into college athletes and now on the verge of graduation they’ll be heading into the work force.

I believe these are THE kids who can bring the economy back on it’s feet as they are warriors, they understand how to get results and don’t fear the hard work, sacrifice and commitment necessary to become a BIG success.

What these boys have learned in the weight room has made them better MEN.

And, because of these times and these athletes, I too am a better man.

I am grateful and honored.

Lead from the FRONT.

–Z–

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