Pic above is with my Grandfather & I, 1976, when we first moved to America. Statue of Liberty in the back. I was 1 year old. _______________ The day has come way TOO fast. Today I am 40 years young but it seems like yesterday I was 6 years old riding my big wheel with my buddies and smashing into garbage cans. Some of my athletes who are in college will quickly go from 20 to 40 and I'll be 60. This journey called Life goes FAST. I ain't got time to be weak or half ass this journey and … [Read more...]
Episode # 108: My Favorite Strength & Conditioning Books
I get asked all the time, so, here is part 1 of a 2 part series....maybe 3 part, who knows :) There is MORE to come.... Stay tuned :) For now, you have seen: Goerner the Mighty (check E Bay) Secrets of Soviet Sports & Fitness Training … [Read more...]
Trips through my old stomping grounds – Episode # 3
I take you through a little trip down memory lane, through an old playground, which used to be way better than what we see in the video :( More trips to come, and some, in NOT so nice places! Look out! Kill it! --Coach Z-- … [Read more...]
The Underground playground assault
Loooong, looong ago I wanted to film an outdoor training DVD and when I finally did it, I moved super slow to finish a big project I had, mainly b/c I opened the gym and wanted to focus like a laser. Those who snagged The Russian Lion Deluxe Course got what you see below, now, I know you cna get some ideas just from this short video. I wanna hear about your outdoor workouts. As for me, I freakin' love training outdoors, absolutely love it! Kill it! --Coach Z-- … [Read more...]
A Day at DeFranco’s – The Strongman Challenge
Yesterday I made the one hour trek up north to my homeboy Joe D's gym, and damn, what a gym it is, I'm in heaven there. The atmosphere is always high octane and steel is always clanging together or being dropped on the floor. It was our 2nd year competing in Joe D's strongman contest, and this year we brought 1 high school athlete and 5 college athletes. Unfortunately, 2 were unable to attend due to injury and family vacation. I had a wedding to attend yesterday and I was big time pressed … [Read more...]
Cellar Dwellers & The STRONGEST Men You Don’t Know About
Are you a cellar dweller? I first heard of "Cellar Dwellers" through IronMind Magazine BUT my first experience came from my middle school days seeing a guy Deadlifting in front of his house. Snow was on the ground and he had a few homemade barbells set on the lawn next to his driveway. These weren't the normal barbells you see in a gym. They were cement wheels of various sizes. I was leaving school and walking out front to meet my older brother and there was this guy, deadlifting with … [Read more...]
Modern Day Milo
If you've been visiting my Blog for a few weeks you may recall my old post about our young Football Player / Wrestler who carries a 100 lb sand bag on his back after every workout at The Underground Strength Gym. Well, as simple as it is, he is getting to be one strong mofo! His box squats are getting better and bigger.... His tire flips are looking meaner and more explosive..... His traps are starting to stretch through his t shirts.... His competition is paying the … [Read more...]