If you've been reading my blog for some time you likely know I am a BIG fan of collecting vintage strength and muscle building products of all types, ranging from old school strength equipment to old school strength and muscle building books, magazines and strength training courses. The information I obtain from the magazines dating back to the 40s, 50s and 60s is mind blowing to say the least, especially when compared to the majority of what the magazines publish nowadays. I've got an entire … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Bodybuilding BEAST Workouts
Bodyweight training is in my blood, just like lifting heavy objects is in my blood. Ironically, MANY think the two don't go hand in hand, they believe it's ONE or the other. Not true, my friends, I live for BOTH bodyweight training and the heavy iron. Anyone who thinks differently is missing the boat as each one compliments the other, making you stronger in BOTH arenas. Here are 2 videos from an 8 round bodyweight circuit of Pull, Push & Jump! … [Read more...]
Gladiator Garage Gym Workouts
It was The Fall of 2002, and I had drawn the line...... I was up to my neck in work as a grad student plus working full time as a teacher. I was also coaching Wrestling and the season was a few short weeks away. My time was pressed to say the least. Sunday mornings I would wake up and work on research papers from 10 AM until 10 PM. It was the first time in 7 or 8 years that I was unable to make the trek to my favorite hardcore gym, Diamond Gym. I was too busy to drive 30 minutes each way, … [Read more...]
The Underground Bodybuilder Workout, Part II
Amazing strength and muscle can be developed in a garage, basement or in your own lil' corner of that fancy commercial gym. Check out some workout footage from http://UndergroundMuscleBuilding.com This program would be SICK if you and a few other iron lover friends jumped in on the program TOGETHER, this is when the training can get REALLY intense, just as Arnold did when he was training and competing in Gold's Venice, he always sought out the best training partners. If you want a blue … [Read more...]
The Sardinian Strongman
Check out my son, Ethan and I kicking back on "Man Day" (soon to be a International Holiday :) The guys from Pumping Iron trained HARD & HEAVY! They had physiques that were granite hard and man could they move some BIG weights! It was a mix of powerlifting and bodybuilding, something I like to call Power-Bodybuilding, and I feel it is the ultimate way to develop insane strength and an awesome physique! Check out footage from one of the stars from Pumping Iron, and Arnold's training … [Read more...]
Episode # 118: Overhead and Heavy!
Onward and upward we go bruddahs.... The next part of the workout was a couplet or superset: 1 arm dumbbell push press for 3 -5 reps per set scare crow - face pull combo using rings or blast straps (these can even be done with the climbing ropes I have hanging in the gym) Check out the previous videos to see how the workout started and progresses. Heavy overhead work was actually a mainstay in the programs of bodybuilders and lifters alike from the 1960's and prior. The bench press gained … [Read more...]
Old School Muscle | Lessons & Inspiration from 2 Men Who Know About RAW Strength
I have an inspiring message for you, or, shall I say, lessons I've learned from 2 Men that TRULY inspire me in the world of strength, muscle building and athletic performance. These men BOTH walk the talk and have been around the iron game much, much longer than I have. Some of this might be the reminder you need to return to the basics and escape the fads and gimmicks. Sometimes I seriously wonder if I was born in the wrong era. I wonder why I stand alone or stick out like a sore thumb … [Read more...]
Episode # 73: Underground Strength Picnic
Back in the day York Barbell held strength and health picnics where the greats demonstarted their amazing feats of strength, fans came and watched, lifters shared good times, good food and much laughter. There was amazing comraderie, great training and information was always shared, NOT hoarded like some top secret affair. I will bring these times back, mark my words....coming soon to The Underground Strength Gym of Edison, NJ. Watch ALL the videos below and post comments on your thoughts and … [Read more...]
Episode # 72: If You Build It, Will They Come?
Typical gyms and health clubs suck pretty badly nowadays. It's almost impossible to find a hard core facility where they allow "No Rules" Training. Watch the video closely as I talk to you about power racks, thick bars, grip training, sandbag training and everything else you need... Check out this vid on how to build your own Underground Strength Gym.... Video to be continued...... :) Now, if you build it, will they come? What do you think? Post your comments below :) Kill it! --Coach … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Show # 62 & 63: Rusty Iron, NO Rules Workouts & Mental Toughness
Training doesn't have to be perfect for it to work. Often times, the imperfections are better because they train the mind AND the body as one. They force you to cope with the "resistance" that is more than just the weights. My methods are NOT perfect, they have flaws, but guess what, so does every program. The flaws are beautiful. The challenges are to be wished for. Be grateful for the tough times for anything worth achieving is worth fighting for. Sometimes you just gotta attack your … [Read more...]