Let me slap the haters in the face before we get GOING. BIG, STRONG arms are critical to aiding your upper body strength.
Wanna improve your bench press, military press, pull ups, push ups, dips, etc?
Then get those arms stronger. If you’ve got skinny, weak arms it’s likely your upper body pushing and pulling strength sucks as well. Do NOT fear doing direct arm work.
Read more on 11 Ways to Get BIG Arms…
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building, old school strength by on Dec 21st, 2011. 22 Comments. 
The question has been asked MANY times, and, I’ve posted similar to what I’m about to get into.
Check this video as I answer the common question, “How do I Know when I am strong enough?”
The REAL Answer: We can always become stronger or improve performance. Strength is skill / technique, so, adding weight or reps isn’t the only way to demonstrate greater strength.
Check the vid below and then drop a comment with your own thoughts.
What about my Top 10 Bodyweight Exercises? I told you I would share them again.
Click HERE to see them.
And, here is my list of exercises you need to be attacking to build BEAST Strength:
1) Rope Climb 20′ (NO Leg assistance – start on butt finish on butt) Video HERE
2) Push Ups x 50
3) Pull Ups x 12
4) DeadLift x 2 or 2.5 your Bodyweight for 1 rep
5) Dips x 40
6) Handstand Push Ups x 10
7) Run 1 Mile
Wheel Barrow / Hand Walk x 50′
Peace!
–Z–
PS: I’m sharing with you my favorite training resources to help you become “strong enough” and then some. If you want it bad enough, you’ll take this serious and do something about it! Remember: Action is what separates the men from the boys. Make it happen.
BEAST Strength – F**k the gym, become a BadAss in your own garage, backyard or basement
Convict Conditioning – The ultimate bodyweight training regime, for serious strength fanatics
Bodyweight University – NEVER get bored with your workouts again, this is the LARGEST collection of bodyweight exercises for you to use anywhere, anytime, any place.
Gymnastics Rings – The wooden gymnastics rings that are hanging in my garage gym and at The Underground Strength Gym.
Filed under Articles, Q & A, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts by on Jun 5th, 2011. 19 Comments.
Here’s a lil’ look inside my life.
In one video you’ll see me training at Trident CrossFit, a gym owned by a former Navy SEAL & a former Gymnast. The gym is 100% BadAss. What else would you expect from a Navy SEAL & a Gymnast!!??
In the next video, you’ll see where I live and what I love to do with my free time with my friends, who are serious BEASTs. These guys crush me in every workout and they are GREAT friends. Moving to this area has been the BEST thing for my family and I. More fresh air, nicer people, great schools and lots of adventure activities going on everywhere!
Make sure life is good for you, there’s NO reason to live any other way 
I used to live in an area where everyone was “too busy”.
Too busy to hang out, too busy to meet up for a mid day bike ride, too busy to grab some grub with a friend, too busy for LIFE and LIVING!
I’m a BIG believer in crafting your ultimate lifestyle. For starters, it means finding a way to do what you love, day in and day out.
My weekend in Va. was spent cranking some training, learning how to heal the body and improve my health and the health of my athletes under the expertise of Kelly Starrett, and, of course, hanging out with good friends having GOOD times.
Isn’t life supposed to be GOOD!?!?!
Question For You: Is there a part of your life that you REALLY wanna change? Maybe a shitty job or maybe you live somewhere you have “outgrown”? Post comments below and let us know how you’re gonna break through and break FREE!
In Strength,
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
Underground Strength Coach Cert
Underground Inner Circle Trial
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Business, Kick Ass Life, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Dec 25th, 2010. 15 Comments.
More and more of my workouts are bodyweight based. I have less concern with benching and squatting when it makes me feel like shit. Yesterday’s 5 rounds of hand walking and various gorilla pole climbing / rope climbing / beam climbing kicked my ass thoroughly.
Climbing beams as opposed to comfortable poles forces the grip to work overtime as the fingers are the only part of your hand allowing for grabbing. Walking on your hands develops incredible shoulder, triceps, back and ab strength. Coupled together and you’ve got yourself a kick ass upper body, animal workout.
I’m NOT impressed with myself in the least. Check the video below, trained by Coach Riz at The Underground Strength Gym. Dillon, only 21 years young and weighs about 170 lbs, check out his Animal Strength. That’s how we roll at The Underground!
Question for You: Do you have a favorite Animal Exercise or Animal training tool to share with us? Drop a comment below, looking forward to getting a LONG list of Animal training tips!
If you’re not training like an Animal, I suggest you get started pronto.
Kick Ass, till the next time.
–Z–
Recommended Resources for ANIMALS:
Underground Inner Circle – 30 Day Test Drive (For ANIMALS Only!!)
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Nov 9th, 2010. 12 Comments.
Hey Bruddahs and Ladies… Thanks for stopping by again, I LOVE it when you visit
Below is a workout I cranked with “General Chow”, a D1 collegiate wrestler.
The pace was not as furious as normal, and, please forgive my new movie making skills as I JUST STARTED working the Hollywood skills on my MAC
Check the Video and then read on….
In a nut shell, here is the run down of our combat conditioning workout:
1) Bench Press – worked up to 2 heavy sets
** Followed the Bench Press with 3 sets of Close Grip Benching x Max Reps
2) Rope Climbing – 5 sets performed in “I Go – You Go” Fashion. Held the L Seat position to strengthen the core and hips… wait, your hips are your core!!!
3) Grappler Pressing – Performed in see saw and push press style for 3 hard sets in the 10-15 rep range.
4) Superset for 2 rounds, NON Stop: Chins & Dips x Max Reps
At the end of the night I finished with grip and ab work.
General Chow used to read my training newsletters back when he was a high school freshman, stealing cinder blocks and cement bags to train as a high school wrestler in the good ol’ Dirty Jerzee.
He would also have his younger bro hop on his back and sprint hills with his “Human Weighted Back Pack”.
In September of his Senior Year, General Chow began training at The Underground Garage, and that year he only had 2 losses and placed 7th in the NJ State Wrestling Championships. Those 2 losses came in the state tournament.
Pretty damn good
Now, I fear General Chow, so I wouldn’t mess with him, and, this is my goal for all my athletes and for you:
I want YOU to become a Bad Ass and put fear into me and anyone who gets in your way.
Got a comment on the Video or General Chow’s story? Drop it below
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Do you want to be feared? Do you want to be a Bad MoFo? Click HERE and begin your Journey.
PPS: Wanna do what you love? Wanna open your own hardcore gym? Wanna say “F**K it!!” and stop training those boring clients?
Now is your chance by learning the secrets at The Underground Strength Coach Certification and Mentorship.
Check it below…
Nov. 14th in NJ ==> http://zacheven-esh.com/1DayCert.php
Dec 5th in Florida with Elliott Hulse ==> http://zacheven-esh.com/Elliott.php
Filed under Uncategorized by on Oct 28th, 2009. 18 Comments.
A few years back i was introduced to Jonny Hinds, owner & creator of The Monkey Bar Gym.
Pat Miletich and I were chatting by phone and told me I need to connect w/Jonny. Pat was a former UFC champion and has coached countless greats to the top of their game in the world of MMA.
Jonny and I connected right away and he blew me away with his knowledge and wisdom of physical culture.
We just spoke on the phone literally 15 minutes ago as he cruised around Santa Monica Beach on his bike, and we spoke about building “Natural” type gymnasiums with all types of climbing apparatuses, various surfaces for running, crawling, jumping and more.
I’ve always said, if I didn’t live in the Dirty Jerzee and I was located in a year round warm weather location, I would NOT own a gym with a roof on my head.
It would be a mix of a playground and old school muscle beach…..with a fence around it to keep the normal people on the “outside”
You see, through my experience, I have met MANY athletes who were strong but lacked athleticism and power.
They could bench 315 but they would vomit after flipping a 400 lb tire a few reps.
They could box squat 400 + lbs but couldn’t drag a sled, couldn’t sprint and couldn’t jump.
At my gym we have guys who weigh 250 lbs cranking handstand push ups, rope climbing, jumping on top of tractor tires 36 + inches in addition to their ability to squat, bench and deadlift.
But, wanna know what REALLY gets my athletes souped up and gives em’ goosebumps?
They recall the days of training when I did NOT own a warehouse gym.
They recall the rope climbing in the backyard, swinging sledge hammers, sprinting hills, jumping on / off picnic tables and walking on their hands across 200′ of grass!
They laugh at the incoming athletes who think “today’s workout” was brutal.
So, if you’re not training like an animal now, when will you begin?
Make it Happen!
–Coach Z–
PS: LOTS of e mails regarding 2 things have been coming through: Lost Secrets of Strength and The USC Certification.
Yes, we have a few copies left of Lost Secrets of Strength HERE
Yes, space is available for both September and October USC Certifications HERE.
PPS: Wanna train like an Animal? Get yourself a pair of Kettlebells HERE – carry em’, throw em’, swing em’, press, row and snatch em’! These will send your training into a whole new world! Get your Kettlebells HERE.
Filed under Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, muscle building by on Aug 25th, 2009. 7 Comments.
I have been crazy busy the past few weeks, and I forgot about ‘FREAK Strength Friday’!!
How could I ever forget!
There are TWO things in the Blog today:
1) Your FREAK Strength Friday Workout
2) Information on tonight’s release of ‘Lost Secrets of Strength’ – this will be announced via our e mail list at midnight, EST
So Stay tuned for tonight….
Here is your FREAK Strength Workout to be rocked today, since we missed Friday!
On your own, perform your warm up including any soft tissue work and mobility work. I also encourage you to perform recovery and soft tissue work during AND after each workout.
1) Trap Bar Deadlift: Build up to 2 heavy sets in the 2 – 5 rep range
2A) Handstand Push Ups 4 x max reps
2B) Rope Climb OR L Seat Pull Ups 4 x max reps
3) Walking Sandbag Lunge (place sandbag on your back) 1 set x 150′ (rest as necessary to complete full distance of lunges)
4) Kettlebell Swings 4 x 30 seconds
5A) Abs: Hanging Leg Raises (Knees to Elbows) 4 x 5 reps
5B) Grip: Dumbbell Hex Holds 4 x 5 – 10 seconds ea. set
Regarding tonight and Lost Secrets of Strength….
Lost Secrets of Strength, Limited Edition will release tonight, the special link will be sent to your e mail when the clock strikes midnight!
We packed 6.5 hrs of footage onto 3 DVDs plus a Power Packed Bonus Audio where Joe and I discuss training, business, running your warehouse gym, how we started our biz, how we assess and evaluate new clients, how we came up with the money to start our business, program design and more.
The Audio CD alone will blow your mind!
I am psyched, can’t you tell!
Check out the videos below and you’ll get a taste of what’s coming!
But…I am warning you! This is ONLY reserved for the serious Strength Coach and Athlete. Attendees invested $350 plus all their travels as many flew in from around the USA to attend this closed door seminar.
The entire set will be on sale in addition to the added bonus only for the first 50 copies.
Check out what you can expect below!
I can honestly say that a HUGE reason why I have been able to boost my training knowledge and business knowledge is because I invest in my education.
That is THE difference maker between those who rise to the top and those who remain confused and stuck in mediocrity.
Every year I invest somewhere in the realm of 15 – 20 k on my education and it is well worth it!
Some call me crazy, I just call it highly motivated!
Let’s hear your thoughts / comments / questions below!
Whatcha think of the workout?
How psyched are you for Lost Secrets of Strength?
Are you looking to improve your training knowledge, business knowledge or BOTH?
Let your voice be heard fellow Undergrounders!
Peace!
–Z–
PS: If you’re not a subscriber to The FREE Underground E Journal, sign up in the little box below!
PPS: If you dig this blog, please share it through facebook, twitter or via e mail. Show the love bruddah!
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Aug 17th, 2009. 3 Comments.
Check out this rare video done in the Pizzaria next door to my gym.
I talk about how my business started, my early influences, my lack of money, my first time Tire flipping, how I got my first clients, grip training, kettlebell training, rope training and sandbag training.
Enjoy this video and drop a comment on your questions and thoughts. I am psyched to see what you guys have to say about this kick ass video!
Thoughts, comments, questions?
Drop em’ below!
TONS more like this to come.
Lost Secrets of Strength coming VERY soon.
Thank You for Watching!
Peace!
–Coach Z–
PS: BIG Events around the corner HERE & HERE.
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, marketing, muscle building by on Aug 6th, 2009. 15 Comments.
When I first began trianing my dungeon garage my only rule was, “There are NO Rules.”
I was tired of being confined to routine and rules when I was training in a commercial gym setting.
I have learned that there is no 1 tool or 1 way to make things happen – there are many ways.
On the flip side, there are ways that are much better than others.
But if all you do is follow the rules, you will not exceed your boundaries or the limitations people tell you about.
Break the rules and start kicking ass. Check the video below and you’ll see a variety of training happening at The Underground Strength Gym.
You see athletes climbing rope, jumping rope, tossing around Russian Kettlebells, performing Bodyweight exercises, olympic lifting with dumbbells and more.
Check out the workout our college crew went through that day (There were a few Strength Coaches on hand getting a taste of the Underground as they were about to go through an intensive day of Underground Business Marketing to prep them to open their own Gym):
1) 1 Arm Dumbbell Snatch – Push Press Combo 5 x 3 – 5 reps
2A) 1 arm Kettlebell Floor Press 4 x 5 – 10 reps
2B) Mixed Grip Chin Ups 4 x max reps
3A) Thick Bar Cheat Curls 2 x 6 – 10 reps
3B) Tate Presses on Floor 2 x 10 – 15 reps
4) Sled / Prowler Conditioning 4 x 200′
5) Grip & Ab work 4 x each
Give the workout a go and let me know your thoughts.
If you want a full 12 months of Beast Workouts, you better check out The Underground Strength System HERE - it’s the REAL Deal.
Make it happen!
Peace,
–Z–
PS: I just added 2 more dates to The USC Gym License Course. Register fast before all spots are taken ==> http://zacheven-esh.com/license.php (The Dates are listed at the Bottom of the page)
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Jul 6th, 2009. 19 Comments.
Wow, I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding bodyweight training since all the bodyweight videos have been released.
Check out the last few videos and add your answers or comments by posting a comment below.
QUESTION: Zach, can someone get endless strength gains from Bodyweight Training?
ANSWER: Awesome question!
I use Bodyweight training to supplement how I personally train & how I train with my athletes – Bodyweight training is a HUGE part of what we do, but, NOT the ONLY part.
Then again, have YOU maximized your potential in bodyweight training if you can not perform the below bodyweight movements:
1) pistols x 10 ea. leg
2) 1 arm push ups x 10 ea. arm
3) 1 hand pull up x 1 rep ea. arm
4) muscle up on bar / rings x 5 in a row
5) 100 consecutive push ups
6) 10 handstand push ups
7) handstand walking
20′ rope climb without leg assistance
9) parallel bar dips x 50 reps
10) 20 pull ups (overhand or underhand grip)
The above list of exercises are the toughest movements for bodyweight training.
Remember, strength is a skill and it must be practiced regularly, and bodyweight training gives you the power to practice anywhere, anytime and with no equipment.
So until you are able to perform the above list of 10 bodyweight exercises I honestly believe you are NOT strong enough in bodyweight training.
Can I perform the list above? Not all of them, so this tells me I need to get stronger in those movements and that comes through more practice in bodyweight training and reduction of body weight.
Obviously, being heavier will not make the performance of those 10 bodyweight exercises easier, but, this is NOT an excuse as I have shown you many videos of myself and my own clients performing many of these feats.
So if you’ve been thinking you’re strong enough with bodyweight exercises and the only exercises you’ve been doing with your own bodyweight training are push ups, pull ups and dips…..well, it looks like you have your work cut out for you.
You better get busy because we ALL need to get stronger.
You CAN maximize your physical potential by making bodyweight training an integral part of your workouts.
I highly reccomend you do so.
In Strength,
–Z–
Recommended Resources for those who want to become Bodyweight Animals. How BAD do you WANT it? Wanting and Doing are two different things.
Take Action…..
Bodyweight Bodybuilding Secrets
Filed under Articles, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building, old school strength by on Jun 19th, 2009. 27 Comments.
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