It was the Winter of 2002, maybe 2003..... I remember it was a freezing cold night. I had connected with a Kettlebell instructor to finally purchase my first 2 pairs of Kettlebells. Back then, we would all chat on a Kettlebell forum, sharing training tips and more. I connected with a Coach from NJ and he was getting a 10% discount on the Kettlebells. Back then, they were pricey to say the least. I ordered a pair of 53s and a pair of 70s. Before that, I purchased a DVD and studied how … [Read more...]
The STRONG Life Essence: Live, LIFT, Have FUN & Have PURPOSE
Last night I did a STRONG Life Podcast with my buddy, Joe DeSena, The Founder of The SPARTAN Race. One topic that came to mind was that of having a Purpose in your life. At this time of year, the weather is beautiful and the ocean calls me. The training moves from less inside my gym to more in my garage and anything outdoors, especially surfing, mountain biking and PLAYING. Essentially, I train by the seasons...... If I lived on the West Coast where the weather is warm year round I am sure … [Read more...]
Iron Sharpens Iron & The Success Illusion
This post is inspired after seeing The Carolina Panthers earning their way to Super Bowl 50! Joe HOUSE Kenn is The Head Strength Coach for The NFL Carolina Panthers & I've been lucky to know House since my early days on The Elite FTS QnA staff. As an independent Strength Coach I am transparent about the struggles we face. People see instagram videos or youtube videos and assume the gym is always pumping. You might assume that because I am recognized internationally that I have a … [Read more...]
Confused About The Best Workouts & Training Programs? Don’t Be….
Are you confused about the best workouts and the best training programs? Don't be. Let me Simplify The Truth about Strength & Muscle Building. Step 1 is to STOP looking for short cuts, fads and gimmicks. The truth is that you'll have to do the following.... … [Read more...]
Dads: Why You MUST Be STRONG
Sometimes I feel my heart actually hurt. It actually, truly does ache. This September will be the FIRST year that BOTH of my kids will be in school full time. Since they've been born, I've been used to them knocking on my door, climbing through my office window, shooting me with nerf guns while being interviewed and spending amazing times with my kids. You've likely seen my fishing videos on Instagram with my son as well, like this one (NOTE: My son has the BEST laugh in the world). I've … [Read more...]
5 NO BS Training Tips & “Over The Edge” Workouts
At age 38 I am NOT supposed to be getting stronger and better, according the naysayers and the "experts" that is. In fact, even if you are younger OR older than me, you likely hear from everyone else... all the "experts", that you shouldn't do this or should do that.... bla bla bla I've been training since 1989 and have been training others literally since my high school days, when friends would call me so I could meet them at the gym and train them. I wanna share some hard hitting lessons … [Read more...]
Back To KILLING My Workouts
With my injury in my ankle and achilles I was doing some slower, heavy lifting workouts. I was hitting PRs and very focused on the moving big weights in the squat, bench, deadlift and clean. But, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted MORE intensity, MORE pain, MORE discomfort. Why? Because THAT is exactly where I find my comfort. I find my comfort in the DIS-comfort. It lets me know I am alive. It reminds me that I am STRONG and NOT weak, physically and mentally. I am having a very difficult time … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Workout Feb. 18, 2013
[youtube width="640" height="360"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDoUHdhoOpo[/youtube] Take your training outdoors. Find an empty school parking lot when school is closed or go behind a strip plaza for some wide open space with no foot or car traffic. Use 1 or 2 Kettlebells for this Underground Strength Workout and perform the strict clean and press, not a push press. 1A) Clean and Press 10 x 5 reps 1B) Car Push 10 x 100 Ft Rest as needed between sets and perform the appropriate … [Read more...]
Know Thy Self & Live for the Iron
Soul lifting. Here we go, 2nd workout of the day. First workout involved dumbbell quick lifts, bodyweight training and plenty of soft tissue work and mobility. Sweatin' was easy since it was almost 100 degrees. Want a second workout but the experts cry a river and say, "NOOOOO!!!! Rest!!" I do what I feel and I feel what I do. My advice to you... Know Thy Self. Live for the iron and Live to train. Harley Davidson would dig us, NO doubt. I've been using LOTS of ladders lately with … [Read more...]
The Power Of Calisthenics & Convict Conditioning Inspiration
Above, Kyle and Cory Markovitch who train at The Underground Strength Gym hit the 1,000 Pul Up Club before Wrestling Season ended. GREAT kids with GREAT work ethic! BOTH were state qualifiers during their time as NJ High School Wrestlers for Cranford High School. __________ The power behind bodyweight training is tremendous. Not enough athletes and coaches give bodyweight training enough respect. It hit me the hardest as to WHY it's so important when I had a Football Player unable to do … [Read more...]