Why I’m The Anti Purist When It Comes To Training Methods & What REALLY Matters?

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z-lake2small.JPGI'm an anti purist when it comes to strength and performance training.

I don't use only one training tool or only one training method.

Why?

Simple: I am a purist when it comes to training for Results.

Results are THE only thing that matters.....

I use what works for me and what works for my athletes.

What works is constantly evolving as the athlete evolves, both physically and mentally. Things change and you must change with those times.

For example, as I get older, my training requires change. I need more mobility, I don't use the straight bar as much for back squats, certain exercise get less intensity while others get more attention.....

Bodybuilding methods are coming back for me as the higher reps make the joints feel better and the isolation movements build up the smaller muscles that tend to get injured when you forget about them.

Serge-Nubret-Chest

The same thing goes for business. You can't run a business on the strategies of last year and expect to succeed at the highest levels. Evolution is key to achieve success.

I use the Olymic lifts (weightlifting), power lifting, old school bodybuilding, gymnastics movements, kettlebells and more. I am grilling other smart coaches and listening to my own body to stay ahead of the curve in training.

To get better you must also get smarter. Greater knowledge put to action helps you get stronger, bigger, healthier and so on.

You're only as good as yesterday and yesterday is gone.

The key to success both in and out of the gym is to evolve. To be better than yesterday. Stronger than yesterday.....

Navy SEALs Training Underground Style.
Navy SEALs Training Underground Style.

Today's workout was a battle of will and physical toughness for me. I thrive on that style of training.

Hard Work is Beautiful. When you fall in love with hard work you will be successful.

The style of training I follow changes on a daily basis, but it is always guided by what my body and mind tell me I need.What's very important is that we do what we NEED to do, not just what we WANT to do.

LIFE TIP OF THE DAY

WANT VS NEED

Why do I thrive on hard work and intensity?

I get that "feeling" most likely due to the fact that one of my fears in life is losing my edge.

Without that edge you begin to feel like "everyone else". The guy who allows himself to stop caring.....

To stop pushing himself for physical and mental strength.

The man who stops climbing his persona Mt Everest..... Satisfied with coming home, sitting on the couch, plopping down with a beer and watching TV every day.

To me, that's not living, that is merely existing.

Warrior Man Describes "What Matters" When It Comes To Your Workouts

[youtube width="640" height="360"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzUEgGqI6C0[/youtube]

You Were Not Put On This Earth To Be Average

My own workouts always have some form of a challenge, both physically and mentally.

This allows me to blend mind, body & spirit during each workout. In turn, you grow beyond the mere physical aspect of training, which is only one part of a total training program.

I explain it all in my book, The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & ConditioningYou can see it through our highlight video below, using free weights, stones, bodyweight and more.

If it gets you stronger, don't discriminate against it.

[youtube width="640" height="360"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX5yimjE63o[/youtube]

Whether you use Kettlebells, odd objects, free weights, bodyweight or all of these combined, it doesn't matter. The end result is the key and all of these training tools (including bodyweight) are powerful.

The key to result is Doing The WORK. It's not about the training tool. It's about the consistency, intensity, dedication and going ALL in, ALL the time when results happen.

I personally need to train hard and tough for my own good - or I am simply not satisfied. If you're satisfied with just getting through the workout, checking your cell phone between sets and merely getting a pump then that needs to change.

Push yourself. Break down barriers and kill the BS excuses.

Work your ass off and the feeling of accomplishment you will get will surpass the feeling of just getting by. In turn, your LIFE will become stronger and more successful.

It Does Matter......

[youtube width="640" height="360"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPMuBvlS1Qg[/youtube]

I post all my workouts at The Underground Strength Coach Forum, this way you can take ideas from my methods and apply them for yourself or if you train others as a strength coach, you can use them on clients. The content inside The Underground has been adding up since 2005 - from never seen before Videos, Seminars caught on film, special reports, e books, business / life lessons and tons more.

My workout today consisted of a powerlifting movement, an olympic lifting (weightlifting) movement, an old school bodybuilding movement (one I NEVER see in traditional gyms anymore) and then I hit calisthenics and sandbags in a combat circuit.

The pace was aggressive as always, this is the way I gotta train as time is of the essence for me. Instead of resting 2 - 3 minutes between sets I often pair exercises together or cut rest periods down to changing the weights and getting right to the next set.

As The Warrior Man said, "Intensity for Life, Whatever You Do!" - That's how I am and it's something I can't change. You can't hide your passion and intensity BUT you can change if you are NOT pushing yourself to achieve your potential.

Let me guide you through our monthly workouts as part of my Underground Strength Inner Circle, Details HERE.

Until the next time,

Live The Code 365,

--Z--

$1 For 31 Days - Click HERE for Details

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7 Responses

  1. Zach-

    you’re looking really good in that picture!

    the buffet style of training beats the hell out of being stuck with one thing. If nothing else, just simply for warding off boredom and increasing compliance!

    1. That photo is from my mid 20s….. I had just finished a intense graduate school class of 3 weeks, it was from 5 pm – 10 pm monday – thursday

      I was also teaching full time….

      I must have lost almost 20 lbs in those 3 weeks!

      I went from 210 to 192 from the stress.

      In that pic I weigh about 202-204 lbs

      All I ate was red meat, some veggies, 1 – 2 meal replacement shakes a day.

      It was like coming off a depletion diet in bodybuilding!

  2. Mike Guardiola says:

    Amen! I just hit some moderate weight military presses and dl’s with higher reps. this combo always makes me feel good, and STRONG. top and bottom strength.

    In Strength,
    Mike G.

    1. Nice! I’ve gone back to doing “running the rack” technique w/ Curls, Arnold Presses, etc.

      Getting a lot of blood flow….

      Your training must evolve as YOU evolve.

  3. Tel ’em, Z!
    I have adapted my training over the years, but it’s always hard work. Easy is not in my training vocabulary.
    earning to love the work is the mark of a seasoned athlete or coach.

    1. Frank I love seeing that we’ve known each other for a decade now and you still are attacking life and lifting!

  4. TRUTH!

    Over the last few years I’ve slowly come around to this concept. As I’ve expanded my training knowledge, experience, and education I stopped being worried about going outside of my little box for RESULTS and it has been working great for me and my clients!

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