Yesterday, I saw this video and it REALLY motivated me to RUN.

You see, in high school, back when I weighed 160 or 170 lbs or less, I ran on the regular. In season wrestling runs were 4 – 5 miles every other day regardless of the freezing temps or snow. I hauled ass….. It wasn’t a slow, easy jog…. it was an all out WAR, running hard through the cold night while Metallica blared through my head phones in my Sony Walkman, circa 91′, 92′ and 93′.

After getting heavier, bigger and bigger, running became painful…. it became something I hated, and that hate for running REALLY affected me emotionally. I was very upset with myself for having this relationship with running.

Today, this video changed me. I felt calm while running. My breath was relaxed. As I ran, I envisioned the Navy SEAL in the video below, reminded myself that the body can handle 20 X more than I have been setting limits on.

Yesterday, I ran beach side with my wife while my son rode his bike. I felt good running, which almost felt weird. I was running without getting tired as I used to. I started to feel that love for the run again.

Tomorrow, my truck will be getting a new stereo, navigation and DVD player for the kids. I plan to run to every place I need to get to without the truck. I am excited.

I miss running. I will keep you posted on this journey, as I evolve, I hope you evolve as well.

Check this video out, of a Navy SEAL….

Click here to view the embedded video.

I’m letting go of the “performance thing”…. things like “don’t do anything except sprints or you’ll be slow…..”

I’m gonna run for what it does for the mind. Plain and simple.

Today’s Underground Strength Challenge:

1) Run 1.5 miles

2) Kettlebell Snatches x 5 minutes x max reps (perform equal reps on each arm)

Please take a moment & Drop your comments on: running, this running video with Navy SEAL David Goggins, running for mental toughness and of course, drop a comment with ANY results regarding this challenge (weights, reps, time, etc.)

Hope to see you at The Underground Strength Conference!

Sign Up HERE Before the Price Goes Up

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Undergrounder Strength Nation…. Let’s DO this!

I hope you had a powerful day yesterday…..

I had MANY obstacles to overcome yesterday as the past few days have been tough and the stress was mounting.

Was it easy? NO

Did I get it done?

YES….

Mission Accomplished.

I had to focus on what I wanted and where I wanted to go, what I wanted to MAKE happen and ultimately what my best outcome looked like and felt like.

VERY Important: Keep focusing & putting Your Attentions On Your Intentions

The mind is what made all the pieces come together.

What is My Commitment To YOU?

I will continue to commit to training you in the various ways of empowering your mind because the mind is what motors everything you do, fast or slow, it’s up to your mind.

Yesterday, 2 of my athletes ran from their house to the gym. This is not odd for either of them as both are highly committed
athletes, one is only  a 7th grader while the other is an 8th grader.

Click here to view the embedded video.

BOTH of them were on their “off” days, where they can come in and train anyway they want to train. Coach Reeve calls these “Champion Workouts” – where you do the work when no one tells you to do it, ALL through your own motivation and inner drive.

Both of these boys run between 1.5 – 2.5 miles. The younger athlete, a wrestler, ran both here and back, no car ride home.

The older, a Football player & Wrestler got to work on the jump rope immediately.

The gym was crowded so he took the rope to the street, without shoes, barefoot…..

After he was done “warming up” he practiced the many bodyweight exercises we favor:

- push up variations

- hand stand holds

- pull up variations

- rope climbs

From there, he jumped in on a workout with one of our wrestlers, which, at the time was 3 rounds of farmer walks carrying 130 lb military cans filled with sand coupled with tire flips for speed….

Yes, he did this barefoot…..

Why am I sharing this story?

Because you must train your body to get uncomfortable, even if it means little by little.

It’s amazing how fast the body will adapt.

Strengthen your feet and ankles, get rid of the shoes but keep it SAFE.

Hate Running? Change WHERE you run…. today I’ll be running on the beach, next time in the park, next time in the trails.

Do you suck at a certain exercises, perhaps the squat? Then start  squatting during your warm up at least 3 x week with some added weight.

Rule of thumb: “If It’s Weak, Attack It.”

Stronger Than Yesterday.

Thank you for being a part of Underground Strength Nation.

Let’s DO this!

–Z–

PS: One of our speakers, Elliott “The Incredible” Hulse will be presenting on something very unique and powerful.

He calls it his ’4 Layers of Strength’. He shared some of his info with me and I know that learning from Elliott with his life changing lessons will be worth the small investment of The Underground Strength Conference.

You’ll notice discounts are available to Inner Circle Members along with a special link for you to gain discounted access to The Inner Circle

I’m doing ALL I can to make this event as affordable as possible but hurry because price increases SOON.

Check the details Of The Underground Strength Conference HERE

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Underground Strength Nation – This was shared Monday to my e mail subscribers via This Blog. Please subscribe at the top right to get these powerful e mail updates, here’s a quick look:

It’s Monday…. the beginning of a new week to get things done, make epic sh*t happen and take your overall life to a new level.

There’s a BIG question asked my way often:

“How do you get so much energy and get so much done all the time?”

I’m asked if I drink tons of coffee, others ask if it’s “really you?”

Yep, this is me.

I approach life and lifting with passion and commitment. I see NO other way.

When it’s tough, I don’t back down. Neither should you.

When I am outnumbered and negativity is flying my way, people try to hold me back or even stop me, I remind myself of Spartans…. Navy SEALs…. Special Forces Soldiers…. ALL of whom are always outnumbered yet they NEVER back down, refuse to quit and refuse to allow anyone or anything stop them, slow them down or dare stand in their way.

As you can see, this has to do with attitude, ALL of which YOU control.

If life is NOT the way you want it to go, then you need to LEARN, as I did, exactly how to make things happen in YOUR favor.

Warriors are always learning, evolving and bettering themselves. Are you living your life as a Warrior?

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Warriors that will be speaking at The Underground Strength Conference will make this a life changing event.

At such a cheap price (on sale NOW) you can’t afford to miss this.

The speakers are all close friends of mine, ALL of whom I also learn from, trust and operate on an ethical basis first and foremost. No BS, NO liars, cheats or people who don’t #LiveTheCode

What types of speakers will be present? From the best Strength Coaches in the world to a former Navy SEAL to people who have overcome obstacle after obstacle….

Take a few minutes, get rid of distractions, read the entire web site, and begin changing your life, your success, your ability to
overcome…. NOW.

Click HERE for Details on The Underground Strength Conference

Stronger Than Yesterday.

Have an awesome day!

–Z–

PS: This conference is NOT just for Strength Coaches…. you’ll see the gist of the entire conference is all about overcoming obstacles and succeeding at all you do.

This is about LIFE…. Living it to the fullest, following your passion, kicking ass & taking names. Period. End of story!

I see NO other way to live.

This is an event not to be missed.

Details HERE. Check It Out Before The Discounted Rate Ends.

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Here are 10 Exercises that you simply can’t go wrong with (minus if you have any injuries, physical limitations, excuses, etc).

Check em’ out and decide how you can put them to use into your current training regime. You’ll also a unique video from one of my workouts this week….

1. Squats

2. Deadlifts

Click here to view the embedded video.

3. Barbell Snatches

4. Jumps

Click here to view the embedded video.

5. Pull Ups

6. Push Ups

7. Rope Climbs

Click here to view the embedded video.

8. Hanging Leg Raises

9. Hand Walking

10. ANY Ground to Overhead

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dan John once said that if all you did was clean and press you could become awesome. As I practice the snatch I see exactly what he means. His message is of commitment. Are you committed?

11. Farmer Walks (Carry ANY Object)

Underground Strength Conference 2012 is Now Open – Click HERE

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I’ve got a question for you…..

Click here to view the embedded video.

Please drop a comment with your answer. Looking forward to hearing who and what inspires the men and ladies of Underground Strength Nation!

Peace

–Z–

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Above, Weapons of Mass Construction at The Underground Strength Gym. The “original” days began from my parents backyard, their garage, local playgrounds & ANY Wrestling Club that would let me through their doors….

QUESTION: I really want to open a warehouse gym as soon as I possibly can. Right now i’ve got some minimalist equipment: rope, olympic rings (just got em’ 2 weeks ago…they are awesome), some dumbbells, a sled, keg, kettlebell & tire.

Just slowly building it up. I’m still working on getting my 1st client.

Working a full time job & family leaves me a little short on time.

I just wanted to ask though, I don’t have a warehouse gym, will some of the plans & details outlined in Operation Thunder still apply…garage training/outdoors, etc?

Thanks Z & cheers for the daily inspiration.

- Ricky -

ANSWER:

Ricky, Operation Thunder details exactly HOW I began my training business from my parents backyard and garage, transitioned to my first home and built up The Underground inside my garage….. Back then we would split time between training in my garage, my backyard and down the street at the school when no one was there.

You can see some of that video footage below from 6 years ago

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I detail exactly how I started getting clients while in your position: A husband, father, full time teacher….. I busted my ass, woke up early, stayed up late, did what other up and coming coaches did NOT want to do. It required mental toughness and a passion like no other but I KNEW I would succeed.

I wanted to help athletes dominate and become strong as hell, both physically and mentally. I didn’t let my hectic schedule stand in my way. I knew the only thing that could stand in my way and stop me was ME. I refused to let it happen, my mind was locked on where I wanted to go and I never let up.

Was it easy? Hells NO! It was brutally hard! But, if it was easy then we’d have lots of successful Coaches.

In my home garage gym I had just over 20 athletes training with me till I was essentially forced to move out of my garage and finally sign the lease for my warehouse. The athletes were flooding the street and their cars were lined up the road. It was a GREAT time and I remember seeing my wife looking out the bay window at all the cars and athletes.

I saw the look in her eyes as if she was saying to me, “It’s time, you did it, it’s time to get your warehouse gym. You busted your butt and created a monster, now go take it to the next level!” I literally read her mind…. and I f**ing DID it!

It was tough to do with all my commitments but that is how success comes, from TOUGH minded, ready to take action Coaches.

I strategically used everything to build my business from internet, to public speaking, to referral systems and more, ALL of which are detailed in Operation Thunder.

So…. can YOU do it?

YES….. if you’re willing to do the work, crush the excuses and take smart business action.

Most people are lazy, don’t wanna invest in business courses and if they do, they take NO action.

That’s the cold, hard truth.

I see this in athletes And Coaches…. it takes work and a NO excuses attitude.

If you really wanna make it happen, Yes, it Can be done!

Get after it….

NO procrastinating.

Make it happen. Here’s my final thoughts on what it takes to become a Strength Coach….

Click here to view the embedded video.

Peace

–Z–

Operation Thunder: The Warehouse Gym Project

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As a Strength Coach you MUST have a commitment to your students / athletes. Your commitment to helping others succeed will lead to your commitment to seeking greater knowledge. You will always want to better yourself. Bettering yourself leads to bettering others. 

Your commitment to your students will help you rise above when you’re feeling tired, having a bad day, your girlfriend or boyfriend dumped you, etc. That’s what commitment is – putting someone else at a priority level that trumps all else.

If you’re tired, no one should know. Problems with a loved one? Oh well, hide it, swallow it, be strong & solve it. It’s not anyone’s problem but your own. It’s time to GIVE to your students…. give em’ ALL you got… then give some more.

By the way, have you ever heard of a “quality problem”? They are problems disguised as gifts, they make you a better person, stronger, more character and more appreciative of what you have or don’t have. You see them as problems, a smarter, stronger person sees them as challenges. Challenges are presented to us to test our character, ultimately making us a better person.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I recently spoke to a group of CrossFit Coaches and I told them that on a scale of 1 – 10, you gotta be a 20. Sometimes, you just gotta get crazy. That’s OK. Normal doesn’t cut it, your passion should be exploding out of you.

Of course, in order to have passion you MUST walk the talk and Live The Code. Do you LIVE what you tell your students to do or are you ALL talk?

Check out training footage from some of the Best Underground Strength Coaches I know…. they LIVE the code, you can hear the passion in their voice and see the passion through their training.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Be passionate and bring some intensity to what you do. Did you FEEL the passion & intensity from the above video?

I sure as heck did. I don’t have to ask them what they do, they PROVE it and I can feel it thousands of miles away.

Intensity will push you through the tough times when most people quit. Commitment is on your shoulders. In the end, it is up to you to walk the talk and live the code.

Thoughts? Please drop a comment below & share this post with your friends and colleagues.

Peace

–Z–

PS: If you’re a Strength Coach, take a minute and sign up for The Underground Biz Journal. You’ll get business and critical mindset strategies to help you grow and evolve into a better, more successful coach.

PPS: This business and mindset product is a must have for Strength Coaches. Check This Out (Click HERE).

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I arrived in Austin last Friday after an early 6 am flight (which means I was up at 3 AM & on the road for 3:30 AM). This was my 3rd time in the ATX, and, thinking it would be my last time, at least for a year. I figured I’ll take a trip elsewhere for The USC Cert next year. Go somewhere else, be adventurous, right?

You see…. I’m not much of a traveler and I actually perform my best knowing I’m coming home to my family every night… my wife and my kids. Even if it’s a hectic work day, a late night, simply knowing we’re under the same roof and waking up together gives me a strength difficult to describe.

I’m asked often times to go here and there for The USC Cert, from California to Colorado, Puerto Rico to London, Costa Rica to Italy…..

But, EVERY time I’m in Austin I am fired up WAY beyond the norm. If you know me even somewhat well, you know I’m already fired up on the regular, but there’s something about Austin…. Austin Powers, that takes me from a level 20 to a level 30. And I’m talking on a scale of 1 to 10.

In a nut shell, while I’m in Austin, I feel like I’m with family. That feeling calms me down AND empowers me at the same time.

When I arrived in Austin last Friday I was ready to take a nap and recharge, get myself ready for the big weekend ahead. When I fly, my energy is sucked out of me due to stress and some calming meds But, I was called upon to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and train with the Coaches of CrossFit Central for their 1 PM training session.

I felt like crap but I KNEW that a workout would be the best thing to overcome my post flight fatigue….. I rolled up in a cab and the gym was electric, I could FEEL the energy from well over 100′ away on the other side of the road….

Coaches were fired up to attack their training session while the music was pumping and spectators surrounded the gym.

The workout called for Barbell Thrusters + Chest to bar pull ups for 7 minutes, going from 3 reps to 6, 9, 12, 15….. adding 3 reps each set. I’m NOT an expert at the common crossfit lifts so I opted for 185 lb deadlifts + chest to bar pull ups instead.

That was a brutal 7 minutes

Above, JT firing up his Coaches AFTER the team workout.

Each time I’m in Austin I notice this ONE thing: TEAM.

In NJ, when I hold a USC cert, most attendees come alone. Here and there a partner but NEVER  team. In Austin, the TEAMS show up. The majority of Coaches are 2 – 4 coaches coming from one gym. That’s a team. They ALL have one common goal, one common bond, one common theme.

Last year’s cert was the same. TEAMS of Coaches rolled up, NOT lone rangers.

There is certainly beauty to be found in doing things on your own. The view is magnificent from the top of the mountain, the air is cleaner and then you want to grow from there and spread your knowledge…. but with who? How? You’re all alone, atop this beautiful mountain, no wing man, no teammate.

If the most elite soldiers in the world act in teams, why aren’t enough gym owners & strength coaches doing so?

As you can tell, the most powerful teams have a collective goal. Less egos and a strong mission to achieve. I was told years ago by a close friend that he felt I was put on this earth to make people strong. VERY true. That mission has never left me, it’s at the front of my mind at all times, thinking of ways to help people become strong in mind and strong in body.

I USED to enjoy being a one man show. But I see things WAY differently now. I see my mission as a collective mission, also called Underground Strength Nation, where we are all sharing our knowledge with others with the same goal in mind, building strong minds and strong bodies.

That mission not only strengthens those who come in contact with us, it also strengthens those in THEIR lives. STRENGTH is a gift that keeps on giving. It goes FAR beyond success in the weight room, the wrestling mat, etc. As one of our adult athletes says, “We’re training for LIFE!”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

So, ask yourself, are you part of a team, or are you all about YOU? Dig deeper and ask yourself “WHY?”

Is your mission to help others to make yourself look good?

Drop a comment below, looking forward to your thoughts!

In Strength,

–Z–

PS: The next USC Cert in NJ will be announced soon, make sure you’re subscribed to our e mail updates to get the announcement. Our next USC Cert is a 1 day intensive cert in Kirkland, Washington.

Details are HERE, space is limited.

PPS: To join The Underground Strength Nation brotherhood, please click HERE for your 30 Day Trial.

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Guest Post from Kris Kepler, aka Renegade Runner & DJ Outlaw

At the recent USC Cert in Austin, TX, homeboy Kris Kepler was on hand to help Coach and provide some of the most kick ass tunes known to man kind. I’m gonna tell you straight up, this Dude is perhaps the coolest, most down to earth, kindest, most giving guys I EVER met.

If you’re in TX and own a gym, connect with this guy and have him provide some tunes for your gym LIVE one night, watch what will happen!!

So, why is this blog post important? I remember going to every gym I knew of as a teenager in an effort to find some GOOD music! Holy crap, that was a project in and of itself. EPIC FAIL everywhere I went. The bad music sucked the energy out of me.

It was a BIG reason for me making the move out of commercial gyms and training in my garage, I wanted to crank my own inspiring tunes, LOUD! I respect LOTS of music: rock, metal, rap, hip hop…. if it has a uplifting beat, I dig it and I’ll train to it.

At this past weekend’s USC Cert, the energy was sky high. Kris Kepler was providing the tunes and man did his tunes motivate and inspire us ALL. Some of these tunes I hadn’t heard for close to 20 years ago!

Have you ever listened to the same songs over and over again on your I POD? After a while, it’s tough for those songs to fire you up, so, Kris will be our resident “Underground DJ”, every month, hooking us up with 10 songs we need to throw on our I POD.

If 1 of those songs resonates with you, please, drop a comment and show some luv, give a BIG thanks to our boy, DJ Outlaw.

We KNOW you won’t dig ALL the songs, that’s fine, what counts is that we get your I POD that much better each and every month.

As your I POD gets better, so will your training

Below, Kris hits a 300 lb front squat PR thanks to GOOD tunes & Killa Atmosphere

Click here to view the embedded video.

Enjoy…..

Click here to view the embedded video.

1.  Big L ft. Gang Starr  “Work Pt. 2”

2.  Black Sheep  “The Choice is Yours”

3.  Eminem “Til I Collapse”

4.  KRS One “Step into a World”

5.  Lords of The Underground “Chief Rocka”

6.  Rage Against The Machine “Bulls On Parade”

7.  System of A Down “Chop Suey”

8.  Tool “Schism”

9.  Onyx “Slam”

10.  Beastie Boys “Paul Revere”

Do me and Kris a favor….

Drop a comment with the tune you dig the MOST from the 10 tunes listed above. Next month our homeboy will drop another guest blog with more tunes to train to.

Remember…. you’re training for LIFE

Peace!

–Z–

Kris on Twitter

Kris on Facebook

Next USC Cert will be announced via my Fan Page – Hit Dat LIKE Button, KIDS. Click HERE

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Two Videos To Learn From Today….

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Would love to hear your thoughts on these videos.

Drop a comment below.

If you’re looking to train your mind and unsure how to do it, learn from a Navy SEAL, plain and simple.

Time to EARN it!

Peace

–Z–

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