Above, former Edison, NJ homeboy, Mike Vallely – must be something in the Edison Water!
As soon as I moved to Edison, NJ, I built some tight friends in my neighborhood, now we’re more like brothers. That was 1980, some 31 years ago! We fell in love with BMX and Freestyle and we lived for getting up early on our bikes and meeting up to tear up the streets and BMX tracks all through the day and night.
We read the BMX magazines, bought the BMX & freestyle VHS tapes and even attended the pro competitions to be inspired. If it was raining we still rode, snow never stopped us either.
I have MANY vivid memories, such as getting my first new bike stolen in front of my face at the age of 9. I poured every weekend allowance and every dollar I made from my paper routes into that bike, a chrome and blue Schwinn Predator! A crew of high school kids rolled up and tore the bike away during a Football game. I’ll never forget that moment and how it felt to be weak AND helpless.
Before I bought my Predator, I would jog to the Ford’s bike shop every weekend and SIT on the bike, grip the handle bars and pretend it was mine. I put the bike on lay away and deposited money every weekend after collecting from my paper routes. I can only imagine what the owner thought of me. Every weekend got me closer to making enough money from my paper route to pay that bike off in full!
I now guard my bike with a deep rooted attachment that brings me back to the days of having my bike stolen. If anyone tried to steal it again, I would probably bring them close to death and have no remorse about it. It ain’t easy to let go of a few select things in life, my bike memories are certainly ONE of those things.
I was also an avid skateboarder. Not as die hard as my bike though, I felt FREE on my bike, able to travel anywhere I wanted with NO boundaries. Through backyards, trails, streets, down flights of stairs…..My skateboard was able to travel with me on family vacations, which kept me sane if I was bored.
If we were at the beach my parents would always take me to a surf and skate shop where I could buy some 
cool skate shirts and check the surfboards, which I always dreamed of doing. My first shirt was a Mike McGill shirt from Powell & Peralta. I owned that bad boy through college, that shirt was to tough to let go of 
Then, early in 8th grade it seems like the passion for BMX, Freestyle and skateboarding disappeared somewhere, somehow. Bikes became less and less about self expression and more about a mode of travel. My skateboard collected dust in the garage.
Not sure what spurred on this removal but man, the itch came back and even when no one else was out there on a bike or board I would here and there take my Dyno out for a ride.
Enter my early 20s and I picked up my first ever Mountain Bike and began riding with friends at Cheesequake State Park.
Life got busier and there went my bike riding days.
It angered me as I looked back, time was lost and time is the ONLY thing you can’t get back. Lose money, no sweat, you can earn it back. Lose time or waste time, it’s gone…. forever.
I decided those days of passion were not to be lost ever again. I began bike riding again, I now have 3 different skateboards, 2 mountain bikes and 2 surf boards which I will learn to ride.
Just because you get older doesn’t mean you need to let go of childhood dreams and passion. I ALWAYS have immense respect for the coaches who attend my USC Cert AFTER being in a career for 20 years or more and STILL want to get after their passion of being a Strength Coach. They don’t need the money, they just wanna do what they love.
It sounds cliche to tell you that it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks about you but it’s the truth. At least it’s the truth in my world.
I do what feels right for me and my family, same goes for my business. Integrity is # 1. If you give me a headache or don’t meet my standards I cut you loose. Every day is about doing what I love with those most important to me and my family and friends.
I don’t follow the proper or most perfect business methods nor do I care to. I am happiest when I take care of my fans and clients knowing I am giving the best I got to make them happy and make their lives better.
I don’t feel comfortable amongst the norm in this industry and sometimes (actually often times) this “industry” seems like a bunch of con artists and bull shitters. The far and few left with integrity and quality info earn my respect, the back stabbers and bull shitters have been crossed from my list.
Passion. Time & Integrity.
With my love for the action sports and being outdoors I had dreams of living in California. I took a 2 week trip to Cali in my early 20s. I was CLOSE to having my parents send socks and underwear and starting over. I had an amazing job in NJ and LOVED it.
I thought I would NEVER be fully happy living in NJ, I felt Cali was IT.
Years and years later my wife took me to the Manasquan Beaches and town. I LOVED it. I saw kids AND adults riding beach cruiser bikes and skateboards, surf boards were on top of countless cars and the town was chill and non pretentious.
After every beach trip I would drive around and check the homes for sale. We put our home in Edison for sale in the down market when the recession was hitting us hardest, it was TIME to stop losing TIME and focus on passion and doing what would be best for the family.
We made it happen during a time of imperfection and uncertainty.
I don’t wanna ever look back and wish I did this or that. Instead, I just do it, I’m suggesting the same for you but then again, it’s your life, not mine
Now my kids can grow up in a place where it’s OK to be a kid no matter what your age, where the air is clean and the people have manners. I can look back on all my mistakes and know I did at least ONE right thing in my life.
Question for YOU: What passion have you let go of that you plan to reignite? Perhaps it’s not a hobby, perhaps it was a friend or someone you loved. Drop a comment, let’s see some action HERE. I’d love to see 100 comments, yep, 100 comments.
Peace
–Z–
Passion for becoming a Strength Coach? Time to stop dreaming and start doing, click HERE for a life changing weekend with me.
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Business, Kick Ass Life, Monday Motivation, Success, Videos by on Jun 27th, 2011. 29 Comments. 
It’s time, and I want YOU to help.
The way to register is to FIRST, watch the video below.
Next, if you want to compete, drop a comment with your FULL name as well as the category you will be competing in:
- High School Light Weight (160 lbs & under)
- High School Upper Weight (160 lbs & over)
- Open (NO weight class)
NOTE: If you are under 18, your parent must come to sign the liability waiver.
Watch the Video and drop a comment with your FULL name & category to REGISTER!! BOOM!
After the event we will be kicking back, grilling hamburgers & hot dogs so make sure you stick around. If you wanna throw anything else on the grill, BRING it!
There will be VERY UNIQUE prizes for those who WIN their category as well as special gifts from our sponsors for those who place Top 3.
I know, I know… this isn’t about winning, it’s about paying it forward and giving back, BUT, I’d be remiss if I wasn’t rewarding those who WIN their category or place Top 3 and busted their tail to make it happen.
ALL competitors get to eat on the house
I want us to ALL have an awesome time and raise LOTS of $$ for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
This event is VERY near and dear to my heart, I get emotional when the event goes on and want to thank everyone in advanced for making it happen.
I want to see LOTS of competitors coming together. This is our 4th annual Lift STRONG, looking forward to seeing you at The Underground on June 25th. We start at 1 PM sharp so please arrive early!
To Register, drop a comment with your full name and the category you will be entering. If you need liability waivers sent your way please e mail me.
Your donation is to be given on the day of the event, check or cash. Checks are made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The minimum donation is $40 with an option to donate more.
Thank You Sincerely
See you on June 25th!
In Strength,
–Z–
BIG THANKS for Our Lift STRONG 2011 Sponsors Who Have Sent Gifts!
Under Armour / Mark Fitgerald Canada
Muscle Maker Grill of Edison, NJ
Filed under Announcements, Calendar, Kick Ass Life, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts by on Jun 7th, 2011. 23 Comments.
I am a highly motivated Coach. I feel this is a fault, perhaps not though? You can comment below and drop your thoughts as my mind wanders too much. I find myself louder, more aggressive and more intense than 99.9% of my athletes. I want them to train harder, rest less, move heavier weights.
I sometimes wonder why I am so loud and excited and they seem so quiet. I try to calm down and let them take the wheel. I wait to see if they will have intrinsic motivation. A few are animals and show the eye of the tiger, others seem to be searching for that inner animal. Perhaps it just isn’t there?
Here and there a parent tells me they will no longer have little Johnny continue training at The Underground Strength Gym due to finances yet little Johnny has a Lexus or an Infiniti at the age of 17. He doesn’t have a job either. Finances? Naaaaaa. Different priorities? Yes.
If finances are a problem and you’re a young lad go get a job and help Mom and Dad, NOT for gym membership, but because it’s the RIGHT thing to do. If you don’t want to be a kick ass athlete and don’t enjoy a brutally challenging workout we don’t want you here anyway.
Other times they say Little Johnny is too busy. Too busy to train 1 or 2 hours each week? I am confused. What does Little Johnny do after school? Is there really 6 hours of homework every day?
At The Underground Strength Gym, we are not training to fit in with others and to become part of Team Average. Sorry, we’re here to be front and center of Team Ass Kicker. Period. Need I explain any further?
The world has enough lazy excuse makers but The Underground doesn’t have room for ONE such athlete who doesn’t demand excellence of himself.
Watch the video below and ask yourself if you too have such desire.
Notice the Coach did NOT make any special treatments for the aspiring boxer. The boxer had to pay for his coaching as do all other students. The boxer had to work for his money. The boxer was clearly comfortable being UNcomfortable.
And, let me tell you a little secret. You need to learn how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. If you wanna succeed in this world, let me cut through the hype and BS of everything happening fast and easy. Sorry, the things worth anything nowadays require some serious gut busting work. That’s THE truth.
And that’s your Monday Motivation.
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Running your own garage or warehouse gym is NOT easy. It takes serious work to grow your business. If you’re ready to learn, I will teach you, time waits for no man or woman….
==> Underground Strength Coach Certification
PPS: Wanna see how I train athletes AND myself. Updated almost daily with 24-7 access to me. Take the 30 day Trial for The Underground Inner Circle, Click HERE.
Filed under Articles, Calendar, Kick Ass Life, Monday Motivation, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos by on Sep 19th, 2010. 24 Comments.
Recently, I had the cameras of FLO Wrestling stop by The Underground Strength Gym to see how I train wrestlers. Here’s a lil’ tour and what goes on behind the walls of The Underground…..
Because of all this varied “play” these wrestlers become strong, conditioned, athletic and don’t hit the burn out that a typical wrestler hits because all he does is focus on ONE sport thanks to CRAZY Daddy who pushes him to do ONE sport and only sport.
Sorry for the rant and random thoughts, but sometimes, my mind goes off on a tangent and does its own thing.
If you have thoughts, comments or questions on ANY of these thoughts or the videos, please drop a comment. Looking forward to the exchange and learning from YOU.
Lead from the FRONT.
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
The Underground Strength System
Filed under Articles, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts by on Jun 17th, 2010. 8 Comments.
Years ago, when I was training wrestlers from my backyard, garage and at beat up, run down playgrounds, something inspired me to step it up a notch. Ironically, it came from a tire yard in Edison, NJ that I would drive by on a regular basis.
Finally, I stopped in the office if the tire yard to see if I could get behind their massive fences and get some training in.
Watch the video below and you’ll see exactly how The Underground Strength Gym began to come to fruition.
That day inspired me BIG time and it was a regular weekend for me to show up at the tire yard with some coffee and bagels for the guys in exchange for them to pull down a tractor tire or two for me.
This gave me a solid 45 minute workout which consisted of calisthenics as a warm up and then rep after rep of tire flips. My first few workouts at the tire yard left me aching for days, but it was a good ache
During the week I trained with powerlifting, Russian Kettlebells, sled dragging, truck pushing, bodyweight workouts and golden era type bodybuilding workouts.
The workouts took place in my garage, backyard or those run down playground I speak of so often. I didn’t make excuses for not having the right equipment or the right facility to train out of.
I created a Blog loooong ago, it still stands, heck, you can even go back and see some REALLY old Underground Workouts dating back to 2005 by clicking HERE.
I found a way to create success and to this day that is something I am always able to do. NO excuses, just going out and making it happen, whatever it is I want it to be, it happens.
In life, that’s the way YOU must roll. If not, you simply become the hunted, which I have spoken about so very often through my e mails. I prefer to be the Hunter, how about you?
Excuses are for the weak.
If you want to kick ass in training or start your own business or improve your life, it’s time to stop whining and start doing.
Lead from the FRONT.
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
Zach’s Tough Minded Business Newsletter
Underground Strength Coach 30 Day Trial
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Life, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on Jun 1st, 2010. 3 Comments.
Here’s a lil’ taste of my training goin’ down at The Underground Strength Gym, in good ol’ Edison, NJ!
There ya have it, some of my favorite lifts:
Squats: I’ll squat anything and anyway possible. I’ll use a box, no box, with bands, chains, sandbags, kettlebells and thick bars for zercher squats.
Deadlifts: I’ll use a regular bar, thick bar or trap bar. This is the ultimate exercise to develop serious, brute strength and a barn door back!
Bench Press: Using thick bars and all types of specialty barbells, the bench press gets a bad wrap, but it’s only a bad wrap by those who have no clue how to use and perform the bench press properly. And for the record, it doesn’t matter if your sport doesn’t require you to lay on your back and press, if you need strong, powerful pushing muscles, then you should be benching in some form or another unless you have an injury preventing you from benching!
Kettlebell Training: Kettlebells are NOT the magic bullet, BUT, they do require skill and athleticism to use them properly and effectively, and if you want to become a better athlete, they WILL help. The details required to master Kettlebell Training can separate the men from the boys.
Who is willing to focus and stay committed to learning the proper skills and technique, OR, who will quit and give up when frustration sets in as they learn the details of proper Kettlebell training?
Bodyweight Training: Pull Ups and all bodyweight pulling movements such as rope climbing and all the different grips you can use for chins and pull ups are a MUST have if you wanna be strong and develop a barn door back.
If you can’t pull your own body then you need to get stronger and lose excess body fat, plain and simple. Master your own Body. Period.
Drop a comment below with your favorite lifts.
Peace.
Lead from the Front!
–Z–
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Jan 25th, 2010. 28 Comments.
On most Sunday Mornings I wake up before the entire house starts moving.
I get dressed, brush teeth and head to The Underground.
Sunday morning workouts keep me ahead of the pack, keep my edge and allow me to train and do something extra while the rest of the world is still sleeping.
The Military Press is a GREAT way to start your day, especially on a Sunday morning.
Locking heavy weights overhead forces your entire body to work overtime.
Want REAL “core strength”? Lock heavy weights overhead and you’ll feel your entire body working like a madman (or madwoman to stabilize.
This is why you see so many olympic lifters with ripped, thickly developed abs and powerful looking erectors that are as thick as tree trunks.
You’ve seen me take weights from the ground to overhead before Here & Here, but sometimes you can just get under the bar, dumbbell or kettlebells – or any training tool, and just keep locking that bad boy overhead.
The next time you think of sleeping in I suggest you push your mind a lil further, wake up early and throw some heavy shit overhead!
Peace.
And remember….. Lead from the Front!
–Z–
PS: The Man of Steel Challenge is coming soon! A program you can use anywhere, even at your globo gym! Prepare for the most ass kicking workout system of 2010!
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Jan 22nd, 2010. 11 Comments.
It was September of 1994. I was training at a now defunct gym, it was hardcore, called Dynamic Fitness. Such a shame that it went down the tubes….
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 also a former wrestler and we had the same mind set when training: It was ALL out War!
I told him I’ll ask my Mom (hey, I was only 18, ha ha) and see if she can handle cooking 6 meals a day for me. She gave me the green light and it was ON!
I immediately cut out all bread, milk and dairy and it was 6 months out! I wrote down everything I ate, started doing cardio in the early mornings and my training with Andy in the evenings after school was done. I was a Sophomore in College at the time and also coaching Wrestling!
Once you make a decision, you gotta go ALL out on it. I did exactly that.
Andy and I trained like mad men possessed! It was WAR….
Who would be the last man standing? 
Heck, who could let alone STAND after a workout, especially leg workouts.
I remember Andy throwing up during a shoulders and tris workout.
We pushed the intensity and refused to finish a set unless it was a balls out effort.
Is this the smartest way to train? NO. I didn’t know any better back in 1994 and 1995, and on the flip side, I was a straight up PSYCHO when I trained.
I was also natural, and I knew that if I was going to compete as a natural bodybuilder, I was gonna have to crush the opposition with my work ethic.
Leg workouts sent my training partners running to vomit every single time.
Heavy squats, heavy leg presses, leg extensions with drop sets and high reps….. It was brutality and we loved having others join us for workouts because our only goal was to CRUSH them and make them quit.
There was NO time to rest, only time to get stronger and bigger.
The gym we trained at was serious. The music was blaring loud and we could barely hear what others were saying, which was great, as it discouraged talking.
The members only understood TWO things:
- train hard
- train heavy
Some of the physiques in that gym still blow me away today. It ALL came through gut busting hard work, intensity, commitment and desire to transform your body into something others only dreamed of.
It was my only time that made me feel like this was THE Golden Era!
After workouts we hung out in the locker room and the older guys told stories of the Freaks from the 80′s were stronger than many geared up powerlifters of todays era.
Deadlifts, Squats, Benching, Clean and Press, Barbell and Dumbbell Rows, Weighted Chins and Dips….. these were all common place at the gym, and ALL HEAVY.
Dumbbells ran up to 180 lbs and YES they got used for dumbbell benching, shrugs and rows.
Cheat Curls with 225 lbs
Flat Benching with 315 lbs and heavier was common place.
Squats with over 405 lbs was a common thing as well.
Rack pulls were being performed on an OLD, York isometric rack – I had never seen these before, but the guys doing them had BIG traps and jacked up backs!
The Days of Thunder continue today at my Underground Strength Gym in Good Ol’ Edison, NJ.
It also looks like my old training partner is coming back.
Stay tuned for more….. this could get scarey….in a GOOD way
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Hardcore Gyms are rare and tough to find. But you and some buddies can create your own hardcore dungeon in a garage or basement, OR, 5 or more of you can pool together and rent a storage garage.
PPS: I suggest you follow The BEAST Program as well. Click HERE to become a BEAST.
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Strength Building, Success, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Nov 30th, 2009. 14 Comments.
I am returning home from a week long business and vacation.
Aside from push ups, my body (and mind) are starving for a full body workout.
The workout I’m gonna crank ASAP upon my return to The Underground is a favorite of mine and doesn’t take much time at all.
Hopefully you’ll give it a shot yourself:
1) Begin with the 1 arm dumbbell snatch. Hit 1 – 3 reps each side, then move up in weight.
2) Continue to repeat the 1 Arm DB Snatch until it becomes too heavy. Once the dumbbell is too heavy, use the 1 arm clean & press. Hit the clean & press for 1 – 3 reps per arm.
3) Once the press is too heavy, simply clean the dumbbell for 1 – 3 reps.
For me, I will work up to the 130 lb dumbbell, which you’ll see in the video below.
After all the dumbbell snatches, clean and pressing and power cleans, it’s time to rep out on every imaginable variation of pull ups and rope climbs and recline rowing movements possible, ALL with a 20 lb chain (except for the rope climbs).
It’s now time to finish with sprints.
If you have a prowler or sled, sprint with them, if not, sprint some hills.
This workout should take 30 minutes MAX.
Kick some ass with this bad boy, it’s a FUN yet Brutal full body workout.
Let me know how you do when you’re done and drop a comment below.
Good Luck
–Z–
PS: For more workouts that help you become an ass kickin’ MoFo, check out the 12 Month Beast Strength Program that comes with The Underground Strength System, Click HERE for details.
PPS: Below are Upcoming, Critical Dates for those who wanna start their own business and do what they love:
The 1 Day Underground Strength Mentorship & Certification Course
Nov.14th NJ, Click HERE for Details
Dec. 5th Florida with Elliott Hulse, Click HERE for Details
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Oct 26th, 2009. 18 Comments.
Wanna be an Unbeatable Man…or Woman?
You MUST have the Eye of The Tiger.
In your mind, “Impossible is Nothing”
In the last video and Blog Post, I spoke about mind set and winning at everything you do.
I spoke about becoming Unbeatable.
Check out these 2 Videos and Read On….
I have noticed many people have much to say yet do NOT follow their words.
Action, every day, day in and day out must be aggressively taken.
Combine your aggressive action with an “impossible, unbeatbale” mindset and you will WIN.
You see Blair Wrestlers tearing it up above at my Underground Strength Gym. This was their first time at my gym and they attacked, attacked and attacked some more!
You gotta walk the talk baby!
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Some recommended resources for our training and mind power are listed below. You ultimately decide the path to take and which actions you need to achieve your Personal Best!
Training Methods: http://UndergroundStrengthCoach.com
Sandbags: http://UndergroundSandbag.com
Mind Power: The Unbeatable Man
Mentorship with Me: http://zacheven-esh.com/coaching.php
PPS: Comments, questions or thoughts about the videos. Click the word “comment” and leave a message!
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Oct 5th, 2009. 13 Comments.
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