There is so much to learn and be inspired by when we look at the training of the early 1900s, the era of Physical Culture. The strength is astounding and the physiques were built with limited equipment and the most basic nutrition. See the photos and Videos below to learn about Hermann Goerner The Mighty and see what you can learn and how you measure up against this Strongman! In the Video, you'll see me going through a modified Kettlebell complex that Goerner The Mighty would perform … [Read more...]
NJ Wrestling Training, Eye of The Tiger & Physical Culture
I took a 1 hr drive up north yesterday to train The Blair Academy Wrestling Team, NEVER in my life have I seen an entire room of athletes who: - Focused 110% - Listened AND made eye contact - NEVER slacked Notice I did not say 99% of the athletes, I said ALL of them. … [Read more...]
How to Use Kettlebells to Build Muscle, Build Strength & Mental Toughness
I'm here in Louisville, and on the way out here I stopped through Ohio to meet some friends of the iron game, took a trip through Westside Barbell club & recorded 15 minutes of it for Underground Strength Academy members. Above, the custom Harley Davidson of Jim Wendler I Spent a few hours in the Elite FTS Compound with Jim Wendler and AJ Roberts. Jim showed me his new Harley, and we talked training and life. We got to talking training and how Jim is evolving from his powerlifting … [Read more...]
The Combat Conditioning Playground Workout, AKA, Damage Inc
Try this workout below, in the video. It's an oldie but a goody, a blast from the past dating back to the original days of The Underground where most of my workouts were outdoors mixing Bodyweight, Kettlebells, Sleds, Playground training, etc. Get as many rounds as possible in 30 minutes. You get 1 point for each round completed, NO half points :) The name of the workout? Damage Inc. See the Video below for details! … [Read more...]
The Soul Lifter, The Iron Man – Where are You?
I started lifting weights back when I was 13, it was 2 weeks before 8th grade was over. I used the weights my older bro had in his room down stairs on an old school Weider Bench. Some of those weights were sand filled and I still remember doing dumbbell benching and sand would fall in my eyes and mouth - ahhhhhhhhh, those were the days :) … [Read more...]
Kettlebell Training & Jump Training for Size, Speed & Strength
Strength is of critical importance for any athlete / adult, regardless of age. Speed is the next gear that takes strength to the next level. When I hear Coaches go on and on about strength and say nothing of speed I know they are missing the boat and vice versa. We then have Coaches who act as if strength is a bad thing. There is NO such thing as weak and successful. Not everyone who is strong is fast. And speed is not simply running around cones or ladders. Where is the force … [Read more...]
Stories of Vintage Bodybuilding & Strength Training, Part I
I had a GREAT time as always at Skiba's Barbell Club in Carteret, NJ. I was lucky to chat with Skiba's long time friend and vintage strength historian, Ray Anderson. This is part I of a 2 part interview so please stay tuned for part II. Feel free to leave your comments and questions below. ENJOY! ========= … [Read more...]
Coach Ethan Reeve Interview
"All the problems of the world could be settled easily if men were only willing to think. The trouble is that men very often resort to all sorts of devices in order not to think, because thinking is such hard work." ~ Thomas J. Watson Wow, look what I dug up! MANY Years ago, I had the opportunity to e mail Coach Ethan Reeve, one of my mentors, and he dished out some of the most powerful training information as exchanged emails. Here it is, once again, for your reading … [Read more...]
How 2 Wrestlers & George Hackenschmidt Changed My Way Of Training
I got my hands on an old book in the early 2000s and it really pushed home the need & the power for simplicity in life, training and nutrition. In addition, the book also encouraged the need for basics. When I saw the rugged physique on the author, I was inspired beyond my words to say the least. The author was built like a brick sh-t house. Above, George Hackschmidt, Built Like A Brick Shit House George Hackenschmidt's workouts were often in the 30 - 45 minute range yet he trained on … [Read more...]
Bodybuilding with Russian Kettlebells
This is an old school video of me attacking a bodybuilding / strength style workout, but using Kettlebells instead of traditional free weights. I remember feeling bored with my workouts and I wanted to switch things up and shock my body and my mind. Whatever training tool I use, I attack it, plain and simple. The lesson to be learned here is.... … [Read more...]