Many say that deadlifts will wreck your back.... True, if you do them wrong. Many say dips will wreck your shoulders.... True, if you do them wrong. … [Read more...]
BRUTAL Bodyweight, Sandbags & Kettlebell Workout
I often find myself looking for a tough workout. Something to give me a good ol' gut check. My fear of becoming "normal" or "just like everybody else" worries me BIG time. On this particular day I got to my Underground Strength Gym nice and early to test my mind and body. … [Read more...]
Fighting Against the Norms of Being Strong, Slow & Weak
I gotta address something ASAP, this is becoming a BIGGER and BIGGER problem. I'm sure this will anger many and then we'll have a few that can argue against this but it's time to unleash some TRUTH. It's starting to piss me off because we have all these "strong" people who can't perform in the "Real World". I'm done with simply chasing a bigger bench, squat and deadlift and you need to end that route as well unless you're a powerlifter and willing to live with the pain that comes with … [Read more...]
The Power Of Calisthenics & Convict Conditioning Inspiration
Above, Kyle and Cory Markovitch who train at The Underground Strength Gym hit the 1,000 Pul Up Club before Wrestling Season ended. GREAT kids with GREAT work ethic! BOTH were state qualifiers during their time as NJ High School Wrestlers for Cranford High School. __________ The power behind bodyweight training is tremendous. Not enough athletes and coaches give bodyweight training enough respect. It hit me the hardest as to WHY it's so important when I had a Football Player unable to do … [Read more...]
What to Do When Powerlifting Sucks?
This scenario might anger many, but, it may also be a stone throw away from happening to you. Check out this e mail I received 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 … [Read more...]
SEAL Fit, Getting My Ass Kicked & Pushing the Envelope
I've been following some of the workouts from SEAL Fit this past week and adapting them slightly to my own according to injuries and my infancy to the program. My volume is WAY less than they recommend, and those LONG distance ruck walks seem nuts but I'll get into some of their methods more and more with each passing week. Once the rain stops here in The Dirty Jer-Z I'm gonna ride my mountain bike to Uncle Mike's gym, crank a workout then ride home, it will be a solid initial test with … [Read more...]
Attack of the Kettlebells: Using Kettlebells for Power, Conditioning & Toughness
More and more I am using Kettlebells and even subbing them in place of barbells. I'm 35 years young in a few weeks, and chasing the heavy barbell lifts seems to make me feel more beat up than healthy. The body goes through hell after 20 + years of lifting, especially if the first 10 years of info came from FLEX magazine. I am in this for the long run, longevity and health are the priority. Here's the finisher to my Zercher squat workout, some fast and aggressive kettlebell conditioning for … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Forever: 3 Lessons to Lift & Learn More
After training for so many years (decades) since 1989, there is one thing about me that will simply NEVER die. I'm ALL about the iron. It doesn't matter what shape or size the weights are, I don't discriminate, I just love to lift. I get better with age, and the reason being is because I ALWAYS Lift and I ALWAYS Learn. I have found MANY people are simply close minded. They don't want to learn. They always respond, But this is how I've / we've always done _________ (fill in the … [Read more...]
Overhead Lifting Mayhem & Shoulder Health
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. Discriminate against NOTHING that makes you stronger. In this Video I timed myself against an array of training tools to clean and press overhead. The variety keeps you from getting bored and each overhead press is slightly different than the next. Your mind must stay focused to handle the details of each … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Challenge Strongman Circuit: 5 Rounds of Hell
Here's a Gut Check Underground Strength Challenge for you..... I called this 5 Rounds of Hell, although hard work is beautiful, this will circuit will test you physically and mentally. Be sure to warm up thoroughly, as always. The 5 Rounds of Hell Underground Strength Challenge: 5 Exercises 5 Reps Each 5 Rounds This is a Hellish workout..... 5 Rounds of Hell, check the Vid Below... … [Read more...]