It must have been 6 years ago or so, I remember the moment quite clearly. We were outside The Underground Strength Gym, the athletes were hitting their finishers and training like farm boys. Back and forth they went pushing and pulling sleds, carrying the anvil, the atlas stone, dumbbells, kettlebells and sandbags. A BIG bodybuilder and his skinny friend began approaching. The bodybuilder was jacked. His friend looked like a typical high school kid weighing about 160 lbs or so. The … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 10 – John Welbourn, Power Athlete, CrossFit Football & Do Or Die Attitude
In this Episode of The STRONG Life Podcast, Episode # 10, I interview 9 year NFL veteran, John Welbourn, the founder of CrossFit Football and Power Athlete HQ. As expected, we dig deep into what it takes to Live and Lead with a Strong Mind, Strong Body & a STRONG Life. Here's Just some of what we discuss in this episode of The STRONG Life: - Intro QnA with your truly on the differences between training adults vs training athletes at The Underground Strength Gym - How did the idea for … [Read more...]
STRONGCast Ep. 9: Chad Wesley Smith, RAW Powerlifting, Strength Coach Balls & Football Workouts
Let's do this! Episode # 9 of THE STRONGCast is with Chad Wesley Smith of Juggernaut Strength Training Systems. About Chad Wesley Smith: … [Read more...]
Youth Football Training Do’s & Don’ts
Underground Strength Interview w/ Coach Burgess, co-author of Pigskin Prep Age Appropriate Performance Training for Youth Football First things first: who are you and what do you do? Ha, thanks Zach. My name is Ryan Burgess; I’m a physical preparation coach at Fitness Quest 10 out in San Diego, CA, where I also direct all of our football programs. I’ve coached and trained athletes and general fitness clients from almost every … [Read more...]
5 Summer Football Workout Tips & Avoid These 2 Mistakes At All Costs
I've been stepping up and voicing my opinion on the overbearing, ego-maniac parents and coaches out there who are hurting their kids with shitty training programs and overall shitty decisions pertaining to training and ultimately, life. Why is it acceptable to let anyone and their Mom run the high school weight room? I thought this was about the kids? I understand sport coaches don't like this, so they threaten their players and disallow any of them to train at The Underground Strength … [Read more...]
9 Lessons Learned At Sorinex Summer Strong – Pt 2
Here's Part 2 of our 2 Part series of What I learned at Sorinex Summer Strong. Continuing with the exercises that are overrated pertaining to the development of athletes. Here are 2 exercises that I have found ways to work around to "make it happen." … [Read more...]
Odd Object Lifting For “Functional Strength”
Through my own experiences as an athlete and training other athletes, I was taught a powerful lesson that was once (and perhaps still is seen as a fad): Training ONLY with free weights and bodyweight exercises is limiting your potential in developing strength above and beyond the "norm", especially if you're an athlete. The body quickly gets bored and adapts to training methods unless you implement variety. Variety can be the training tools, the speed of the exercises, the range of motion, the … [Read more...]
Lift Strong Prep, Challenges & Life At The Underground Strength Gym
Things are REALLY rolling here at Underground Strength HQ. Summer is a CRAZY time of year for us: - We've got our 5th annual LIFT STRONG Fundraiser coming up (You're invited, to compete OR watch & support us). I am FIRED UP because we just got one of our Underground Adults, also a Chef, to come and grill for us, getting 6 ft grill and food and I am PSYCHED! - We have athletes in & out all summer as they attend various training camps, compete in local, state & national … [Read more...]
Strong, Slow & USELESS | The Problem with Modified Powerlifting for Training Athletes
I've spoken at length regarding my "Strong & Useless" rants when I see athletes who can set the records on the weight room wall but they can't last through a sports practice or they're always "hurt" but not injured. I want to share with you a few tips that you can use with your workouts or with athletes you train that will have you feeling infinitely better in a very short time. Less joint strains, more athleticism and overall, more dangerous in your sport or work related field. I no … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Bodybuilding QnA
My buddy, Uncle Alwyn Cosgrove sent me some questions regarding Bodyweight Bodybuilding, check it out below and please enjoy.... 1) Why did you start dedicating yourself to bodyweight training recently? The BIGGEST changes came from recurring pains and injuries that I eventually couldn't even work around anymore. I had to address those injuries, they were messing up my life and negatively affecting my family. I SERIOUSLY had flash backs of our earliest conversations when you were … [Read more...]