This scenario might anger many, but, it may also be a stone throw away from happening to you. Check out this e mail and see my thoughts below:
Zach,
Just wanted to send you an email to let you know how much I appreciate how many bodyweight resources you are giving us. We’ve spoken via email before, but to reiterate, I played 4 years of college football at a small D3 school in Chicago.
During my time there I developed chronic neck injuries that left me with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Luckily it’s not bad enough to inhibit any of my daily activities, and I am currently employed as a police officer.
The only symptoms I have left are stiffness in my neck, occasional numbness and tingling in my left arm, and weird spasming of my left pec for days after I bench press with a barbell (though oddly enough, not dumbells).
However, I noticed that loading my spine seemed to worsen the condition. Which means that, at least for the time being, my beloved deep barbell squats are out of the question. 
For a time I was somewhat lost, with my knowledge of bodyweight exercises being limited to pushups (which I was doing with improper form), pull ups, and bodyweight squats.
Read more on What to Do When Powerlifting Sucks?…
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Life, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on May 9th, 2011. 22 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.
Filed under Announcements, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos by on Dec 13th, 2010. 12 Comments.
You’ve seen 5 Rounds of Hell before, HERE.
Now we’ve got 6 Rounds of Beastin’
6 Rounds of 6 Reps
I missed the 6th round due to an intruder on my clock, but made up for it with a 2nd workout barely an hour later, described below.
As Old School Iron Maiden once said, “666, The Number of THE Beast”.
Check the Underground Strength Circuit Below…
In my opinion, this workout shoulda been tougher, drop a comment below with how we coulda made this a truly Hellish workout.
And yes, I KNOW, coulda, woulda, shoulda…. hence, this is why I cranked the 2nd workout, I hate excuses!!!!!
Workout # 2, only 1 hour later:
1A) squats x 3 reps each: 135, 185, 235, 285, 335
1B) dips x 6 reps ea. set
1C) neutral grip chins x 6 reps ea. set
Looking forward to your comments. Remember, let me know how I coulda / shoulda made this a truly ass kickin’ workout.
Peace!
–Z–
PS: Do NOT assume that the way I go through my own workouts is the way I train my athletes. My schedule is almost always on a time crunch, often times erratic and unscheduled. I have also been training for 21 years now and my mind and body crave change BIG time.
PPS: Recommended Resources are below, remember, The USC Certification is on sale until end of the month. After October 1st the EZ payment and savings plan goes away.
Recommended Resources:
30 Day Trial for The Underground Inner Circle + FREE Gifts
The Man of Steel Challenge – Not for Wimps!
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Sep 21st, 2010. 11 Comments.
Years ago, when I was training wrestlers from my backyard, garage and at beat up, run down playgrounds, something inspired me to step it up a notch. Ironically, it came from a tire yard in Edison, NJ that I would drive by on a regular basis.
Finally, I stopped in the office if the tire yard to see if I could get behind their massive fences and get some training in.
Watch the video below and you’ll see exactly how The Underground Strength Gym began to come to fruition.
That day inspired me BIG time and it was a regular weekend for me to show up at the tire yard with some coffee and bagels for the guys in exchange for them to pull down a tractor tire or two for me.
This gave me a solid 45 minute workout which consisted of calisthenics as a warm up and then rep after rep of tire flips. My first few workouts at the tire yard left me aching for days, but it was a good ache 
During the week I trained with powerlifting, Russian Kettlebells, sled dragging, truck pushing, bodyweight workouts and golden era type bodybuilding workouts.
The workouts took place in my garage, backyard or those run down playground I speak of so often. I didn’t make excuses for not having the right equipment or the right facility to train out of.
I created a Blog loooong ago, it still stands, heck, you can even go back and see some REALLY old Underground Workouts dating back to 2005 by clicking HERE.
I found a way to create success and to this day that is something I am always able to do. NO excuses, just going out and making it happen, whatever it is I want it to be, it happens.
In life, that’s the way YOU must roll. If not, you simply become the hunted, which I have spoken about so very often through my e mails. I prefer to be the Hunter, how about you?
Excuses are for the weak.
If you want to kick ass in training or start your own business or improve your life, it’s time to stop whining and start doing.
Lead from the FRONT.
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
Zach’s Tough Minded Business Newsletter
Underground Strength Coach 30 Day Trial
Filed under Articles, Kick Ass Life, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on Jun 1st, 2010. 3 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:
Filed under Articles, Calendar, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, muscle building by on May 25th, 2010. 18 Comments.
A question was sent my way and I pulled it out of the Mail Bag
It was an interesting question and I bet you can add your own answer(s).
Check out the video below and drop a comment when you’re done.
What’s cool to see, on an added note, is that in my area, the Head Football Coach is also the Assistant Wrestling Coach. He has the Football players wrestling as well.
Football, with all the hitting involved makes his guys meaner.
Wrestling, makes his guys more athletic, mentally tougher and more conditioned.
I’ve see BIG dudes get their asses whooped on the mat by a highly skilled wrestler who looks like a skinny nerd.
I’ve seen BIG, 220 + lb Football players move like shit and die on the Football field, and then Football players in the 185 – 195 lb range who are kicking ass all over the Football field.
We need a medium. Drop a line and be heard.
Lead from the Front.
–Z–
PS: I’d love to see Wrestlers and Football players training like THIS.
PPS: And, for those who are hungry to learn the trade and the business, they should be at 1 of my Live Events. Can’t get better if you’re not investing in your knowledge, make no mistake about it!
Filed under Articles, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Feb 11th, 2010. 25 Comments.
Here’s a lil’ taste of my training goin’ down at The Underground Strength Gym, in good ol’ Edison, NJ!
There ya have it, some of my favorite lifts:
Squats: I’ll squat anything and anyway possible. I’ll use a box, no box, with bands, chains, sandbags, kettlebells and thick bars for zercher squats.
Deadlifts: I’ll use a regular bar, thick bar or trap bar. This is the ultimate exercise to develop serious, brute strength and a barn door back!
Bench Press: Using thick bars and all types of specialty barbells, the bench press gets a bad wrap, but it’s only a bad wrap by those who have no clue how to use and perform the bench press properly. And for the record, it doesn’t matter if your sport doesn’t require you to lay on your back and press, if you need strong, powerful pushing muscles, then you should be benching in some form or another unless you have an injury preventing you from benching!
Kettlebell Training: Kettlebells are NOT the magic bullet, BUT, they do require skill and athleticism to use them properly and effectively, and if you want to become a better athlete, they WILL help. The details required to master Kettlebell Training can separate the men from the boys.
Who is willing to focus and stay committed to learning the proper skills and technique, OR, who will quit and give up when frustration sets in as they learn the details of proper Kettlebell training?
Bodyweight Training: Pull Ups and all bodyweight pulling movements such as rope climbing and all the different grips you can use for chins and pull ups are a MUST have if you wanna be strong and develop a barn door back.
If you can’t pull your own body then you need to get stronger and lose excess body fat, plain and simple. Master your own Body. Period.
Drop a comment below with your favorite lifts.
Peace.
Lead from the Front!
–Z–
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Jan 25th, 2010. 28 Comments.
YOOOOO Bruddahs and Ladies!
Hope you’re awesome
Through the years, I’ve amassed over 291 videos on You Tube HERE
And don’t worry, I don’t plan on slowin’ down or stoppin’ anytime soon!
I’ve had a Blast doing this and hope you’ve enjoyed all the killa Free content.
If you’re new here you’ll find videos on all the following topics and then some:
- powerlifting
- bodybuilding
- strongman training
- underground strength training
- nutrition
- motivation / inspiration
- education
- personal experiences
- my own workouts
- workouts of my athletes from The Underground Strength Gym (Edison, NJ)
- audio interviews / video interviews
- business lessons for those who wanna open their own warehouse / garage gym
Basically, I pour my heart and soul into everything I do for you. It goes WAY beyond strength training and building muscle!
I know some people have been following me for years….YEARS
This Blows my mind and humbles the heck out of me, BIG time!
Sooooo, it got me thinkin…
I wonder what you’re favorite video of mine is?
You Can check them Here ==> http://www.youtube.com/user/ZEvenEsh
Here is How You Vote on Your Favorite Underground Strength Video:
1) You can drop a comment below and embed the link of your favorite video into the comments section.
2) On the right side of my You Tube Videos you’ll see a link that says “embed”.
3) Highlight the entire “embed” code asd then cut and paste your favorite video.
4) Under OR above the Favorite Underground Video, tell me why you Love it!
This is gonna be CRAZY and you know I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!!
Pick your videos here ==> http://www.youtube.com/user/ZEvenEsh
–Z–
PS: Don’t forget if you wanna rock your own business and start doing what you love I’ve got TWO dates for you!
Nov. 14th NJ: http://zacheven-esh.com/coaching.php
Dec. 5th Florida: http://zacheven-esh.com/Elliott.php
PPS: Below is my favorite Underground Video, not simply because of the Video, but the experience I had when I rocked out this team for their training session. I NEVER trained a crew of such intense Gladiators and I loved it!
Filed under Announcements, Articles, Q & A, Strength Building, Success, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Oct 24th, 2009. 14 Comments.
Many people equate circuit training with light weights, conditioning or fat loss.
Not so. my bruddahs. I use circuits frequently AND with heavy weights with my own workouts, and they DO pack on muscle and strength. BUT, you gotta prepare for the pain, because this style of training can get brutal as each set continues…..
The fast pace does boost conditioning as well, which I love, but, take a look at how I crank a circuit below with HEAVY weights.
I wanna hear your thoughts on circuit training with HEAVY weights when you’re done watching.
Notice I didn’t mess around with light, sissy type weights. I ain’t got time for training if it isn’t gonna produce results for me.
I was performing the military press with 150 lbs.
Deadlifting with 365 lbs.
Still…..NOT heavy enough, plenty of room to improve.
Sprinting….well, that’s NO joke when you haul ass, it’s an amazing way to improve conditioning, add leg muscle and improve lower body speed and power.
As the years pass on I see less and less information available on training like a REAL Man. I cringe as more and more magazines hit the book shelves showing useless training with people standing or sitting on balance discs and stability balls.
The departure from heavy, kick ass lifting has sent many men into a testosterone devoid body and a weaker mind. The mind and body are meant to be challenged, and, a stronger mind and body make YOU a much more effective, successful person both in AND out of the weight room.
Question for You: What style of training do you use to push your mind and body to the next level? How are you constantly challenging yourself to “Man the F**K UP”?
In Strength,
–Z–
Recommended Resources:
Underground Inner Circle 30 Day Trial
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Underground Strength Show, Videos, Zach's Workouts, muscle building by on Sep 11th, 2009. 39 Comments.
Dhani Jones used to train with my homeboy Joe DeFranco….in a storage closet and sometimes outdoors on a Football field, flipping 600 + lb tires and throwing around Kegs.
Today, Dhani Jones has his own TV show and “Tackles the Globe” while competing in the respective country’s sport, many of which are combat sports.
Check out some footage of Dhani below, and, notice how much of his preparation for each sport requires some unorthodox methods – combining these Underground methods with his athleticism and SERIOUS strength, he is kicking some ass around the globe….
Wrestling, Sambo, Muay Thai, Stone Training, Rugby – these are ALL brutal sports.
I have connected with many Rugby players from the UK and have also had the pleasure of meeting UK Strength Coaches as they attended my Underground Strength Coach Certification – I have NEVER met a weak person from the UK. Seems to me they ALL love serious, no-nonsense, Underground training.
The lesson to be learned from the above videos?
Be Strong and Be Athletic…
This means using bodyweight training methods, odd objects, participating in various sports and getting STRONGER on a regular basis.
Now Get Busy!
–Coach Z–
PS: Bodyweight training, stone training, odd objects and athletic movements…find them all HERE.
PPS: Some kick ass videos coming your way and a BIG announcement on May 25th, stay tuned
PPPS: Dhani’s Strength Coach while on the east coast was Joe DeFranco. Joe & I recently recorded our Lost Secrets of Strength Seminar so stay tuned for this release, it was an un-freakin-real mix of training, business, mindset and lifestyle!
Filed under Articles, Strength Building, Success, muscle building by on May 14th, 2009. 5 Comments.
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