What did I do 2 days after shoulder surgery? I went straight to my gym. I set up a mini band and worked BOTH arms, even my arm that was wrapped up and in a few stitches. The other option? Sit home. Sit on the couch. Watch TV. Feel sorry for myself, crying "boohoo, someone help me...." It doesn't work that way. Help yourself. If you're a hard charging lifter, athlete or a Strength Coach, pay attention.... … [Read more...]
Training For ‘The Obstacle Is THE Way’
'The Obstacle Is The Way' Book Sketch by Sacha Chua I had a horrific night of sleep. I was up around 1 AM and stared at the ceiling until 3 AM until I said F--K it, time to get out of bed and do Work. I was exhausted after dropping my kids off at school and started coming up with EVERY excuse in the book to NOT train today. I'll train tomorrow Training when tired is bad This workout will be wasted if I train today Take a nap instead I decided to use my fatigue as a reason to DO … [Read more...]
Training The Multi Sport Athlete
I received an e mail recently from a multi sport athlete who competes in Football and Wrestling. This is a tough stretch as Football begins mid August and rolls straight into Wrestling season which begins on Thanksgiving. Depending on how successful you are, Wrestling season can end anywhere from mid February to the first weekend in March. All in all, we're looking at approx. 7 months of in season time. Not only is this a long stretch of time but there are MANY other factors that I add up and … [Read more...]
The Problem With Strength Training Advice On The Internet
Here's a little news flash that will hurt many people's feelings: Just because you see it on YouTube doesn't mean it's what ALWAYS happens in that person's training. Just because the guy behind the camera is ripped doesn't mean he knows more about training than the other Coach. The internet has given us opportunity to learn as much as we want, not all of it good and not all of it accurate. The opposite holds true as well, there is some amazing and powerful information out there that was once … [Read more...]
Winning Is MORE Important Than Being Politically Correct
Above, Thanksgiving Morning at The Edison, NJ Underground Strength Gym. No Apologies for Having High Expectations for These Athletes In Sports AND In Life. _________ Success is NOT an accident. The encouragement to "outwork the competition" is no longer OK. It is not politically correct. Hard work will offend people, even if they don't actually do the work, they are offended when you tell the truth and say, "You're lazy, work harder and stop sucking." This is the new era where people are … [Read more...]
Are You A Dangerous Man? SPARTAN Workouts & SPARTAN Mindset
To develop a Spartan Mindset, an indomitable spirit, you must challenge yourself through Spartan Workouts. You must train AND live in a way that keeps you dangerous, in your own mind and in the mind of others. This is a Lifestyle, a way of life, NOT just a Spartan workout where you push yourself for an hour and then never apply these lessons to your life. The ultimate mistake is living your entire life in comfort. In turn, you become something that must be avoided your entire life: It … [Read more...]
Potential Is BS, Reality Is The TRUTH
I heard something recently and it has me changing my mind and changing the things I find myself telling others. It has to do with your potential and your actions. I used to view the training and coaching we do at The Underground Strength Gym as the ultimate way to help athletes achieve their TRUE potential. Until I heard a Coach say this..... "I hate that word potential. It's such bull shit. The reality of what you DO is all that really counts. What you DO with your potential is the ultimate … [Read more...]
F–K Mediocrity & The Tough Kids From The U
Quite often I feel like a man all alone on a stranded island. Where the hell are all the dedicated, hard charging SOBs I ask myself? Still, I get e mails and messages on the daily asking me how I stay so motivated and hungry to succeed in all areas of my life. 1 of the BIG reasons is because I HATE Mediocrity. I HATE 2nd best or 2nd place. It wasn't always like that. I didn't start getting that inner drive of being pissed off for greatness until I was 19 or 20. … [Read more...]
What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Doing!?
Don't be shocked when you read this. We're ALL human. There is weakness in ALL of us. In my mind, weakness is evil, so it pisses me off and inspires me into action. It's 8:15 PM on a Monday night. My gym is over 90 degrees and my energy has been put towards MANY things: Waking up at 5 AM to do work on the beautiful interwebs. Playing Tennis with my kids and losing against my 9 year old daughter (Truth) Driving 45 minutes to the gym and 45 minutes lies ahead of me to get home I'm … [Read more...]
We Need MORE People Getting Farm Boy STRONG
Too many Coaches have gotten entirely too nice with athletes and their training. Or, they refuse to learn and refuse to change, in turn doing dangerous and stupid training that either doesn't work and / or injures athletes. "This is how I always trained....." is what they say. Small minds refuse to change. Small minded people never succeed beyond their own mind. Don't be "that guy". Everyday is a learning opportunity. I learn everyday, not just from other coaches, but from my athletes as I … [Read more...]