"Before my father died, he said the worst thing about growing old was that other men stopped seeing you as dangerous. I've always remembered that, how being dangerous was sacred, a badge of honor." That line from the movie Act of Valor always struck a chord with me. And I've had an older friend say similar to me. How when you're 175 lbs nobody moves out of your way. He doesn't mean that in an arrogant way or in a insecure way. I understand what he meant. He meant that other men don't see … [Read more...]
Random Thoughts: Training, CrossFit, Lessons from Sun Tzu & Warehouse Gym Business Standards / Ethics
Here we go...... I'm sipping on some tea, prepping up for our 9 AM training before the new year at my Manasquan, NJ Underground Strength Gym location. The quote above from Sun Tzu was shared to me from my buddy, John Welbourn. I LOVE it. It makes me think about the athletes I work with, how they are held back BIG time when they fear getting out of their comfort zone. I watch every winter / wrestling season a local team getting DESTROYED by the competition in a way I … [Read more...]
169 | Stan “The Rhino” Efferding on Nutrition, Training & Attacking LIFE
Here we GO! STRONG Life Podcast ep 169 with The strongest bodybuilder in the world, Stan Efferding. This episode is BIG time inspiring. We kick it off talking about bodybuilding, nutrition mistakes, consistency in training and of course, some throwback memories of bodybuilding from the 80s and 90s. We then get into how Stan consistently gets after it in LIFE, NOT just training and nutrition. How did Stan build his multiple businesses, what processes does Stan follow, what is the most … [Read more...]
Squats & My Strength Training Philosophy As I Get Older
Here's an excerpt from my updated version of The Underground Strength & Performance Manual (Almost Finished!). Make The Rep or Die….. I never saw anyone miss a rep in the squat until the internet came around. Not once in the gym did I see a guy bail out on a squat and we’re talking age 13 until my late 20s, guys squatting 4, 5 and 6 plates per side. Spotters knew how to spot and lifters were focused. It’s hard to focus when you kinda think you can or maybe you can’t. Check that … [Read more...]
28 Years of Lifting: Strength Training In Your 40s & Training As You Get Older
This is the article I dreaded ever having to write; "Training as you get older" or "Training in your 40s". Before I move forward, understand, these are my experiences. My experiences don't make anything universal or the end all, be all laws. Other guys my age might have a different training experience under their belt and in turn, they don't have the same mindset or physical experiences. Back up almost 30 years and I began training in June 1989, some 2 weeks before 8th grade ended. I was … [Read more...]
My Thoughts On Training As You “Get Older” & The BEST Workout Program
I was 27 years old and getting my car filled up on gas at the local gas station. It was almost Summer time and I was wearing shorts and a t shirt. A guy I knew saw me and said, "Holy shit, son, you're all ripped up. I used to look like that. Wait until you get my age, you won't have the time to train anymore. I used to be just like you......" Those were the famous words I began hearing on the regular, "Just like you....." Listen, things change as you get older, and whether they change for … [Read more...]