As we "get older", there comes a point in time where you must ensure that you are capable. The excuses of age, time and anything else are really all just BS. At the time of this writing I am creeping up on age 46. I don't chase the 1RM anymore but I still lift heavy with the basics. I make sure my heart is pumping with sleds and hill sprints. Some of you have airdyne bikes and rowers, this is excellent. Bodyweight Training is a must. You should always be able to squat, lunge, pull … [Read more...]
Simple & Effective Nutrition Tips from Physical Culture, Silver & Golden Era Bodybuilding
I've been going through my old magazines from the 50s and 60s and really love seeing the nutrition basics. And a few weeks ago, someone sent me my original paper back of The Way to Live, which I recreated into The Russian Lion Power Course. So now, I am going through and rereading some of George Hackenschmidt's nutrition, training and lifestyle tips. Everything was so simple and yet so effective when we look at the nutrition and training tips dating back to the Physical Culture era (early … [Read more...]
Strength Training & Life Lessons: Do The Simple Things Savagely Well
Do The Simple Things Savagely Well. I interviewed Jim Kiritsy for The STRONG Life Podcast and that quote has struck me ever since. It's simply saying, Brilliance with the Basics. Experts are not trying to impress you with the fancy fads and gimmicks. It's ALL about results. And lately, I've been focusing on 2 exercises: Squats & Deadlifts. Specifically, the hook grip deadlift. I don't go crazy on upper body work with my left shoulder which has been a nerve type issue since I was … [Read more...]
185 | The Business of STRENGTH & How to Get STRONGER
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 185 - This episode is about the Business of STRENGTH. Not just about the Business side of things / operating a warehouse gym or being a Strength Coach, but the training aspect, the mindset and the inner workings that you're missing when it come to achieving STRENGTH. Strength of mind, body & soul. Dig in and enjoy. I crushed this at 5:30 AM and pulled the questions from my Instagram where I take most questions. I appreciate those of you who take the time to … [Read more...]
Training In Your 40s VS Training High School & College Athletes
The older you get, the harder the training gets! It's tougher to make gains and you can forget about that "maintenance" BS program. As you get older, the last thing you want is that WEAK attitude of "I'm just maintaining". If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. I NEVER use the word "maintenance" when training anyone, including in season for athletes. Think about it, how weak does it sound when you say "I'm just trying to maintain." It sounds like you fear the work. It … [Read more...]
Can YOU get Stronger Than Guys On Steroids? Yes, Here’s How.
I have been accused of being on steroids since I was in high school. I STILL remember those days. It was as if none of the kids could fathom someone building muscle. Looking back, I have to laugh. I trained with infinite mistakes and could have made 10X the progress if I had a mentor with someone who knew what they were doing. With my knowledge today, and seeing the natural greats from the Silver era, especially of men like Chuck Sipes and Chet Yorton, you KNOW you can develop extreme strength … [Read more...]
QnA: “MAN Strength” – How To Get It & Lessons from Chuck Sipes
Above, Golden Era Bodybuilder & BadAss, Chuck Sipes, Hiking During His Regular 4 Week Mountain Treks While Working For The California Youth Authority. I recently received an e mail regarding something that hits home to me, BIG time. This question embodies The STRONG Life; Developing Strength BEYOND the gym, Strength that builds the mind AND body. Strength that carries over to your LIFE. I answered via Video, so go ahead and check this out and listen carefully to my message..... … [Read more...]
Minimalist Training Tips for Full Body Strength
The more I utilize simple dumbbell & bodyweight workouts for myself, the more I realize less is more. Less variety and more focus = greater results in strength and size. I've been around too long and I want to challenge and question what REALLY works. I've seen the results of some of the most popular "programs" out there...... I wanted to see, do these athletes demonstrate greater strength? Greater speed? Greater physicality and more muscle? Well, the program looks impressive on … [Read more...]
When Giants Roamed the Earth
Original Article by Jeff Everson Excerpt from the book 'Forgotten Secrets of The Culver City Westside Barbell Club' by Dave Yarnell. Before the last epoch of the Cenozoic era, some 65 million years ago, great beasts roamed the earth. These ponderous dinosaurs weighed as much as 100 tons and were over 120 feet long. Some had teeth the size of a child. Most had brains the size of an egg. The dinosaurs died out and were replaced by a higher form of life. Likewise, at one point in time (the late … [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...]