What happens when a former NFL, 311 lb BEAST challenges you?
You step up and go BEAST mode…. and then quickly realize BEAST is what I will always be chasing….
Stay tuned for Part II.
And, stay tuned for the results as to whether or not I was successful at getting John Welbourn to travel to NJ.
Challenge for YOU: Video yourself shouldering a 130 lb sandbag for 30 reps. If you can beat 2 minutes, 17 seconds, I’ll hook you up with The Underground Strength System. Like all good things in life, you must EARN it!
Drop a comment with your video link, even if you don’t beat my time, SHARE, it will be cool to see how everyone does with this Sandbag Challenge. The deadline is THIS Friday, April 1st.
Bring IT!
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
The Underground Strength Coach Certification: NJ & Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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Filed under Announcements, Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Mar 29th, 2011. 33 Comments. 
Here’s an e mail / video I received a few days ago.
Check out this kid’s story and his video, it blows me away!
Hey Zach,
My name is Vince and I have been following the Underground Training Methods for about a year now and am extremely happy with my results. I just wanted to make this video as a thank-you for all of the information that you put out for all of us undergrounders as well as inspiring me to change the way I train and build my own underground gym in my home! Hopefully it will inspire others as well 
I’m from California and I came across your blog through you tube actually. I started lifting my sophomore year after heart surgery mostly to lose weight and just because I was curious and was just kind of messing around with an adjustable dumbbell I bought from a sporting goods store.
I never played any sports or anything and didn’t really know what I wanted other than to get huge, and since I couldn’t bulk up or get serious about bodybuilding (cardiologist orders) I began to look into powerlifting and through the course of about a year I stumbled upon Josh Henkin’s Sandbags which was my gateway to researching deeper and uncovering a whole new world of training I never realized was there as well as made me realize that I would some day like to become an unconventional personal trainer/strength and conditioning coach.
On youtube, I came across your channel from a related link on a tire flipping video and immediately googled it taking me to your blog. Since then, I have been following your tips and channel and have been getting some great results in both my physical strength and cardiovascular health! And thanks dude for posting the vid to the blog! means alot!!
- Vincent Ramirez -
=============================
Because Vincent is such a BadAss and took the time to make such a video, I’m going to send him a copy of Tim Ferriss’ ‘The 4 Hour Body’ as well as an Underground T Shirt.
Look at this kid, he had friggin’ heart surgery and is out and about tearing up playgrounds, sandbags, bodyweight and MORE.
Vincent said it right when he said, “NO Excuses!!!”
Feel free to leave some props for Vincent in the comments section!
BTW, Vincent, e mail me your mailing address bro, some gifts heading your way!
–Z–
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Filed under Kick Ass Life, Monday Motivation, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos by on Jan 2nd, 2011. 37 Comments.
Damn, this was FREAKING TOUGH!!
First, I want to thank ALL the BEASTS who submitted their videos. They were truly amazing, seeing how many of you train outdoors, in your garage, at playgrounds, in basements and without the rules yet still kicking ass.
The Videos have fired me UP as well as fired up many people around the world!!!
The videos submitted for Underground contests in the past were often very cut and dry, you saw them, and you knew which ones were THE most inspiring.
Well, this time around, it’s NOT so simple. I must have gone through these videos over 10 times, had friends and family check them out as well, to make sure I wasn’t biased to any one style of training. After putting everyone’s input together, we came out with FOUR winners.
Many say hey, that’s Bull Shit, how can there be 4 winners. Simple. These 4 videos ALL inspired myself and countless others BIG time. I felt connected to these 4 videos the most as did the feedback coming through my e mails, Facebook and Twitter.
We’ve got The 4 Underground BEASTS, check em’ below. These BEASTS will be getting some Underground Gear!!!
Congrats ANIMALS!
Please shoot me an e mail with your address so I can send some Underground Gear, time to REPRESENT!
In Strength,
–Z–
PS: Underground T Shirts are almost sold out. Not sure when I will order the next batch, get the final few T Shirts HERE
PPS: Underground Strength Coach Cert is on SALE & in hitting sunny Florida. Prepare for a life changing weekend! We’ve already got sign ups so don’t delay! Click HERE to Sign Up.
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Filed under Announcements, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos by on Dec 13th, 2010. 12 Comments.
Here is Part II of my Old School Strength Inspired Sandbag Workout. Part I, was inspired by The Mighty Hermann Goerner. Part II, still inspired by Hermann Goerner but also inspired by Coach Ethan Reeve.
Coach Reeve told me about a workout he did several years ago when I was down in North Carolina to speak at The NC State Strength Coaches Clinic. He did 100 D Ball sandball shouldering reps for BEST time.
Coach Reeve was performing “Density Training” back in the early 70′s when he was a wrestler, stringing together a few exercises and getting a LOT of work done against the clock. It helped Coach Reeve become a 2 x All American Division 1 Wrestler, NO easy task in itself, trust me, I SEE first hand who these All Americans are at a D1 Level.
I have been training a hand selected crew of D1 Wrestlers since June. These are NOT the guys I would want to tangle with, instead, I’d prefer to have them at my sides if I were walking down a dark alley.
Check Part II on The Old School Sandbag Workout. Shouldering + Lunges, The Chain…. start light, go heavier, back down to lighter. Sandbags WILL get you strong as hell….. at least the heavy bags will
If you’re trying to figure out the ONE tool to begin using if you’re new to unconventional strength training, get yourself a sandbag.
I began using sandbags sometime around 2002 or 2003 maybe? They kicked my ass and still do today. Back in the day, 50 lbs felt heavy, today, I throw around the 130 lb bag. The 75 lb bag feels like cake…..until I do a few reps. That’s THE thing about the sandbags. They show no mercy and make every muscle in your body work overtime. There is NO relaxing with a sandbag.
Time for you to get busy.
Time for me to hang some rings in my garage. Rings + Sandbag + Kettlebells = BadAss Training.
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Friday is the last day to take advantage of the sale price AND the payment plan for The Underground Strength Coach Certification. This is the FINAL Cert of 2010. Next date is unknown. Click HERE to sign up while space is available and the sale + payment plan is available.
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Filed under Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Oct 26th, 2010. 15 Comments.
About one year ago you may remember me posting a video and article inspired by the Great Strongman, Hermann Goerner and I gave a little taste of his Kettlebell Chain.
Well, now things are the same AND different…..
Enter The Sandbag Chain….. NOT for the weak of mind or heart, check it and get after it.
Check the Video below…
Coach Reeve and many of the strongmen from the 1800s and early 1900s have inspired me to lift in some very unique and non conforming ways.
My Question for You: Who has been the top 3 most influential people in the way YOU train, AND, those 3 people don’t necessarily have to be someone who is alive today. Psyched to see these answers, drop a comment below!
In Strength,
–Z–
Recommended Resources for Bad MoFos (Or, Aspiring BAD MoFos
Underground Strength Coach Cert – Final Cert of 2010 (On Sale!)
The Underground Sandbag Assault (FREE Gift When You Join USC Inner Circle)
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Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Oct 24th, 2010. 11 Comments.
I have a SERIOUS passion for all types of lifting, but, I especially LOVE throwing weights overhead, ALL types of weights. Remember, I’m a SOUL Lifter, rules need NOT apply.
Check out this medley of overhead lifting in the Underground Video Below…..
There are certain lifts that are just a sure fire way for packing on muscle and developing Brute Strength.
Lifting weights overhead via the press, snatch, clean & press and even THROWING weights overhead will get the job done. Some of the objects were lighter and some of them were heavier.
If you’re a beginner I suggest you only hit one overhead lift but if you’re more advanced and have spent plenty of time under the bar, go ahead, see what it’s like to be a BEAST and lift like a SOUL Lifter.
Time for me to get back to WORK!
The Kick Ass & Take Names Project is on the way Boys & Girls….. The world will NEVER be the same.
Lead from the FRONT!
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
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Filed under Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on May 25th, 2010. 18 Comments.
Lots of people often ask for my recommendation on how to set up a home gym, especially when limited on space, funds and time.
Well, as you can see, I just cranked out some nasty Sandbag Complexes with The Underground Sandbag.
Being in a new home myself AND not being close to my gym I’ll be setting up a nasty corner of Underground Equipment by simply using a Russian Kettlebell and The Underground Sandbag.
In my office you’ll find a Power Wheel, Jump Stretch Band and some Grip Training Devices.
With fresh air and the beach near by I will also by hitting more running and mountain bike riding. My runs will be on the streets, the sand and the trails of the nearby state parks which are HUGE and offer plenty of odd objects for lifting as I make my way through the trails.
I love training with free weights, but, with my lack of space I’ll be forgoing any traditional home gym equipment here and will save my powerlifting for my time at The Underground Strength Gym in Edison, NJ.
When you get a chance, try the sandbag complex I cranked in the video above.
1A) Sandbag High Pulls
1B) Sandbag Bent Over Row
1C) Sandbag Zercher Squats
1D) Sandbag Back Squats
1E) Sandbag Reverse Lunges
1F) Sandbag Good Morning
Before I attacked the sandbag complex I cranked a bunch of reps of the clean, press & squat combo.
Give it a shot yourself and get the bucket ready!
Lead from the Front!
–Z–
PS: Sandbags are available at http://UndergroundSandbag.com or by clicking HERE
PPS: Every day I wake up and get to do what I love, if you want to fast track yourself to running a gym or being a Strength Coach, then meet me HERE.
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Filed under Articles, Calendar, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Mar 8th, 2010. 7 Comments.
Above, The Sandbag ManMaker.
I’m a BIG Fan of NO Rules Training. Some people think I’m too much of a Rogue when it comes to training and they feel that I SHOULD be following the science and perfectly designed, unflawed workouts….
NO such thing as an unflawed workout. Every workout has Flaws. Period.
I’m 34 now. I’ve been getting under the bar for over 21 years now. Over 2 decades of sweat, pain, grinding weights out, pumping weights out, throwing weights, you name it….I’ve been there.
I speak from experience, in the trenches, NOT from sitting on my ass and sticking my nose in journals and never lifting anything heavier then a pencil.
With my experience, you KNOW when you need to break the rules and do some crazy stuff.
If you’re a newbee, then you need to take heed and be a little more systematic with your training.
My friend and strong as hell BEAST, Jim Wendler, and myself, BOTH agree that the worst thing to happen to the world of strength is the internet because people are no longer trying to figure things out on their own, instead, they are looking for some magical program or asking us to assess their undulating periodization program with circa max cycle phases.
This doesn’t mean that a lifter who has gotten in some experience can’t break the rules either though.
Remember: ALL workouts are flawed, even the workouts designed by the scientific experts.
Breaking the rules for a newbee might consist of carrying a sandbag for as far as possible in a 15 minute time frame, that movement in itself won’t be found in the note books of a scientific program and design book, but it’s gonna work every damn muscle in your body!
If you can’t hold the bag any longer, squat it down to the ground, rest 30 seconds and to pick it back up again, perform the power clean.
What will happen is rep after rep of power cleans and squats. The carries will attack every ounce of muscle on you body. Your mind will be tested, at times you’ll wanna give up and stop, but your inner warrior will tell you to push onward and upward, keep charging.
Is it time for you to break the rules?
Lead from the Front.
–Z–
PS: Get yourself a sandbag and start breaking the rules of training today. Your will quickly develop rugged muscle and brute strength unlike the lame results of your scientifically planned program and your mental toughness will be tested to new heights.
It’s certainly NOT for everyone, only those who want to become Warriors.
Get your Underground Sandbag HERE.
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Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Mar 7th, 2010. 3 Comments.
I cranked the tunes.
Warmed up…. calisthenics, bands, soft tissue work, glute ham raises, ab work….
Lined up the tools….. sandbag, dumbbell, atlas stone, anvil….
Then, it was time for WAR.
But, this is only the Beginning.
Part I, Enjoy.
Sometimes, you need a workout that includes an ass kicking.
All full body lifting.
I cranked a few rounds, but, you can also set a time limit, say 20 minutes, and keep cranking for 20 minutes and see what you got.
In Part II, I pick up the pace. Stay tuned.
Lead from the Front!
Peace!
–Z–
PS: The Live Events are filling up FAST.
Level 1 Mentorship in Va. Beach is coming soon. Attendees all get hooked up with constant support through private web sites, mastermind areas and ass kicking training and business information.
Bring your A Game!
Level 1 on March 20, Click HERE
Level 1 on April 9 – 10, Click HERE
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Filed under Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Feb 24th, 2010. 16 Comments.
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 price….
As you can see, it’s the simple things that work, simple, not easy.
The training is gut busting, I will not lie. It’s not for wimps.
It takes a focused mental drive to do what we do. If you want to achieve BIG success in anything you gotta be ready to put forth the work.
If you want to get the edge, think about the ONE thing you can do to change your workouts that can make a big difference.
What is that ONE thing?
Do you need to add tire flips and strongman training?
Do you need to add deadlifts and other powerlifts?
Maybe high rep squats every other week for 20 – 30 reps?
Maybe back squats on monday, zercher squats on thursday. If you wanna be as strong as a house ya gotta build the foundation.
Maybe you need to go crazy every other week with a workout that breaks ALL the rules….carry a 100 lb sand bag on your back for 1 mile….maybe 2 miles??!!
If you know what to do, then stop fussin’ and start doin’.
If you want to know how we do it and how we can help you, then check this out.
Average and mediocrity are not accepted at The Underground. Learn from us and skyrocket your strength like never before.
Dedicated to your success,
-Z-
Recommended Resources:
Underground Strength Coach 30 Day Trial
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Filed under Articles, Zach's Workouts by on Apr 9th, 2008. Comment.
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