By choosing the essential, we create great impact with minimal resources. Always choose the essential to maximize your time and energy.” - Leo Babauta Yo, Dudes. I'm back with part 2 of our top 5 benefits to minimalist style workouts. If you missed part 1, slap yourself in the face for missing anything on this blog and read this first. Judging by the amount of comments we got on Part 1, I am excited to see that YOU are excited about minimalist workouts as well. Let's jump right into the … [Read more...]
The MOST Important Thing To Do In The Gym
The three of us were driving up The Garden State Parkway heading Northbound. It was a cold, dreary winter day in NJ. It was early 1995 and winter was in full swing. I was driving, as always, since my training partners had no money OR no car, typical of aspiring pro bodybuilders, yes? My 2 training partners sat quietly in my Mazda 626. I had a special sound system installed specifically to get me amped up for the gym. In fact, everything in my life revolved around the gym. How … [Read more...]
The TRUTH About Heavy Lifting & Building Muscle
I was scared to go to this one gym. I felt I had to earn my way into training there. I wanted to be at least somewhat respected when I got there. The bodybuilders from that gym were winning all the major bodybuilding shows not just on a state level but also nationally. When I finally made the trek to this gym, the proof was not just what happened on the bodybuilding stage, but in how they ALL trained. They ALL lifted heavy. I saw countless bodybuilders incline bench 315 lbs for 6 - 8 reps. … [Read more...]
The #TRUTH About OverTraining
[youtube width="640" height="380"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQm6wyXK8E[/youtube] Interesting thoughts from my homeboy, Mark "Smelly" Bell. What are your thoughts on over training? Drop a comment and let us know. Live The Code --Z-- PS: HUGE thanks and HUGE congrats to all who completed Their USC Certification this past weekend at Underground HQ. Next cert is in NJ where we're gonna tear it up with more hungry Strength Coaches. Time to learn and up YOUR game. … [Read more...]
3 Rules For Short, Effective Workouts
Workouts don't have to be long to be effective. Trust me, I KNOW. I used to spend 90 - 120 minutes in the gym each and every workout. Back in high school, it wasn't odd for me to be there longer than 2 hours every training session. That long and endless style of training doesn't work, especially when you actually have half a life. Here are 3 ways you can get more results from your workouts in at least Half the time Once again, these are simple tips, NOT easy tips. Results take WORK. … [Read more...]
How to Use Bodybuilding for Athletic Performance
Can bodybuilding methods help improve athletic performance? Well, that ALL depends on HOW you use bodybuilding and IF the athlete needs bodybuilding methods. When I use the word "bodybuilding", I am merely talking about the method of packing on muscle. Don't be confused..... so, let me explain. And, a critical note to determine IF the athlete should use some bodybuilding methods for packing on muscle is described in this short, 57 second video: [youtube width="640" … [Read more...]
Liftin’ Heavy S**T & Chuck Vogelpohl, The Legend
In these Videos you will find what I describe as the GREATEST Seminar nobody ever knew about! Actually, MANY people knew about this seminar but we could BARELY GIVE the seminar away! The seminar was taught by Mark Smelly Bell & Jesse Burdick before they had a strong following, sponsors, etc. BUT, at the time, Mark was one of the best powerlifters in the world, and, there were MANY powerlifters in the immediate area who said they could not attend the seminar because it was squat or bench … [Read more...]
Nate Green, Benchin' Like a Beast & Kickin' Ass
At age 25 I was going through a hellish time in life. I had a bad case of "God complex" and left a job (voluntarily) which I loved and was very successful at with hopes of making a difference at a new position. Guess I thought I could save the world, which, for teachers, is the way you MUST think if you wanna do a GREAT job and it pushes you to think outside the box and bring better and better things to the students. But, trying to save the world wasn't my job, and I learned the hard way. I … [Read more...]
9 NO B.S. Strength & Muscle Building Tips from Jason Ferruggia
Jason Ferruggia has been through the ringer, literally. He used to be a hardcore follower of Westside Barbell Methods, and, he got strong as hell doing so, as well as his athletes. I remember him telling me of his bench press workouts using 315 for 12-15 reps for several sets. But, with all those years under the bar comes great experience. And.... when the bar is HEAVY, you get banged up. If you're smart, you adjust your training regime into something that works on a regular basis while … [Read more...]
Louie Simmons: Westside Barbell Training Methods, Part I
Article by Louie Simmons There is much talk about training philosophies, methods, and methodologies. It seems everyone has their own, which they devised on the basis of their own experience. They recommend such strategies as doing reps to failure to eliminate assistance work and doing only the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Have you ever wondered what the author has accomplished as a lifter, a trainer, or a scientist? Did they ever total Elite or field a team of Elites at a national … [Read more...]