Above, Greg Leistner squats 500 lbs for reps as Dad, Dr. Ken spots Sometimes you feel the need to kick your own ass.... At least I feel that way. I hope I am the norm and NOT the exception. I gotta make sure I still have that mental edge and pushing yourself into new territories of pain through training, especially high rep squats, will push you over the edge, trust me :) High rep squats are like the 'Man UP Medicine" - something about squats that cures almost everything in a WEAK Man. … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned from Golden Era Bodybuilding BEASTS
Robby Robinson is what I call a Renegade Underground Bodybuilder. His favorite upper body workouts were endless supersets of the bench press and pull ups / chins ups. His favorite lower body workouts were endless supersets of front squats and RDLs (Romanian Deadlifts). Heck, ANY athlete can benefit from those movements, you don't have to be a bodybuilder to be able to perform Density Training, ala Coach Reeve with the basics. Robby Robinson loved the basics that any serious strength … [Read more...]
Overhead Lifting Mayhem & Shoulder Health
I have a SERIOUS passion for all types of lifting, but, I especially LOVE throwing weights overhead, ALL types of weights. Remember, I'm a SOUL Lifter, rules need NOT apply. Discriminate against NOTHING that makes you stronger. In this Video I timed myself against an array of training tools to clean and press overhead. The variety keeps you from getting bored and each overhead press is slightly different than the next. Your mind must stay focused to handle the details of each … [Read more...]
NO Limits Workouts
Check out Part II of my last workout video, 5 Rounds of Hell, The Underground Strongman Circuit. I step it up a notch, NO limits, hitting 60 lbs on the chin ups. Round 3 starts getting tough, Round 4 was Brutal and Round 5 kicked my ass BIG time. After 3 Rounds this workout was purely mental. It woulda been easy to call it a day, but I was dead set on completing 5 rounds. Not all workouts look like what you see above. Yesterday's workout was: Squats: 7 x 3 Reps Deadlifts: 10 x 2 Reps Later … [Read more...]
How to Get Built Like a Brick Sh*t House
Once in a blue moon you come across an athlete or a gym rat who, as some of us may have said, is "Built like a Brick S**t House". In my countless years of getting under the bar (Training Since 1989), traveling the world and being in countless gyms I have seen my fair share of lifters who are TRULY built like BEASTS. You know the look I'm talking about if you've seen the lifters who have spent 10+ years consistently lifting heavy. It's that Powerful look, thick, densely built muscles that you … [Read more...]
Days of Thunder Bodybuilding…..
It was September of 1994. I was training at a now defunct gym, it was legit "hardcore", called Dynamic Fitness. Such a shame that it had to end, but it did. I'll never forget that gym. It shaped me and inspired me for a lifetime..... My friend and aspiring pro bodybuilder was there catching a workout and I told him of my plans to compete in a bodybuilding show for 1995. He said "Train with me, I'm doing the Jersey in April and we can train together". I was psyched! Andy was a freak. He was … [Read more...]
A Workout for TRUE Warriors
Hope yesterday was awesome for you, whether you enjoyed Thanksgiving or not :) I'm inspired to tear up the Underground today, and after lots of great food yesterday, my energy levels are soaring! This workout was inspired by Dan Cenidoza, a BEAST from Maryland, who was inspired by Dan John for this particular workout. It's basic, but NOT for the faint of heart. The more I write and the more videos I put out, and the longer my Underground Strength Gym evolves, I keep learning... This is not … [Read more...]
Why CRAZY = HUGE Success
Been VERY inspired to share my thoughts on this lately. It's been one thing after another, watch this video and I'll explain further.... I don't have much more to say than that. Drop a comment if you have anything to add or share, looking forward! Peace! --Z-- PS: The BEAST Program is live. Once again, NOT reserved for the normal. Click HERE for Details. Unleash The BEAST!! … [Read more...]
Bustin’ Up the Legs
Finishing up my crazy leg workout with an even crazier finish! Check the video: I've been pushing all types of complexes and hybrid workouts lately and feelin' f**ing awesome doing so! I recently had two brothers stop into my gym, both former state champs in high school, one of them a 2 time state champ. They spoke to my wrestlers on what it takes to WIN, so stay tuned for my Video on what they said! It's gonna be AWESOME. Till the Next Time.... Keep … [Read more...]
Can Circuit Training Build Muscle?
Many people equate circuit training with light weights, conditioning or fat loss. Not so. my bruddahs. I use circuits frequently AND with heavy weights with my own workouts, and they DO pack on muscle and strength. BUT, you gotta prepare for the pain, because this style of training can get brutal as each set continues..... The fast pace does boost conditioning as well, which I love, but, take a look at how I crank a circuit below with HEAVY weights. I wanna hear your thoughts on circuit … [Read more...]