Today I headed to the playground to kill it an OLD monkey bar type gym. And although I own a gym, I still prefer the outdoors. If I lived in a year round warm weather area, my gym would be constructed with no roof and all outdoor training, very much like the weight pit (the old one) at Muscle Beach where Arnold used to kill it. Check the videos below with a mix of outdoor and indoor training. I know they'll hype you up and give you ideas on how to kill it and begin your very own … [Read more...]
Episode # 59: Caught Dancing!
Let's that finish that upper body workout, shall we? Man, you would think I'd step up the dance moves knowing the camera is on! ha ha This is what happens when the tunes & the atmosphere are pumpin'! Think about what you could do if you have your own Underground style gym. I started in my parent's garage, then bought a house with a 2 car garage and took over the garage. Tell me about your Underground gym, no matter how big or small, let's hear it! Kill it! --Coach Z-- PS: I'm about to … [Read more...]
HEAVY Bodyweight Training & Pulling Power for Brute Strength
I recall having a phone call with Joe DeFranco and he was telling me how one of his Coaches / former athletes, Mike Guadango, was regularly doing heavy, HEAVY 1 rep sets for pull ups. Mike was also performing heavy recline rows with over 100 lbs on a weight vest for sets of 1 - 3 reps. It got me thinking differently about my Bodyweight training and I began looking to turn my Bodyweight training into a system, just like Westside Barbell implements the Conjugate System, with days focused on … [Read more...]
How 2 Wrestlers & George Hackenschmidt Changed My Way Of Training
I got my hands on an old book a few years ago 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 build on the author I was inspired to say the least. The author was built like a brick shit house. Above, George Hackschmidt, Built Like A Brick Shit House George Hackenschmidt's workouts were often in the 30 - 45 minute range on average, yet he trained on a almost daily … [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...]
15 Minute Muscle Building Workouts
I was in a bit of a rush Friday before clients were heading in to The Underground Strength Gym and I was finishing up some work on the Blog. Not to worry, as I knew I could crank out some brutal work for myself with limited time. Hey, 15 minutes sounds like nothing but when you're as insanely busy as I am, it works when you need it to work, and, you learn to cut out the crap and focus on the meat and potatoes. Getting stronger in both the physical and mental state is what I TRULY love. … [Read more...]
Purposeful Primitive Book Review
Above, Kirk Karwoski, world record powerlifter trained under Marty Gallagher, Author of The Purposeful Primitive. One week ago I got a new training book I ordered in the mail, 'The Purposeful Primitive'. It's been a while since I got excited about a book that was published in today's day and age. Most of the info I tend to find accurate, effective and awe inspiring is at least a few decades old but this book has shocked me! All I can say is this: Holy s**t is this book rockin' my world! … [Read more...]
Power Talk with Jonny Hinds of The Monkey Bar Gym
On my one hand, I can count those who have REALLY influenced me in training AND in life. Without hesitation, Jonny Hinds is one of those people. I connected with Jon maybe 2 or 3 years ago by phone, after Pat Miletich, the MMA Coach and former UFC Champion, sent me his way. I would spend over an hour on the phone talking about physical culture and nutrition every time we chatted. We would philosophize about life and exchange cool training and life stories and experiences, and, I'll admit, … [Read more...]
Interview With Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell Club
For years I've been hopping on the phone with Louie Simmons to talk training methods. He understands the role of a QUALIFIED Strength Coach training athletes vs an ex Football player becoming the Football Strength Coach and bringing to the table the "same old" training that doesn't deliver results. A Strength Coach requires an understanding of MUCH MORE than the game / sport itself. The Strength Coach must realize his influence on the life of the athlete, understanding special strengths, … [Read more...]
Jim Wendler Interview
I got a chance to grill my homeboy, Jim Wendler. Jim is 100% through and through a super genuine guy, and although a bit crazy, you want to listen carefully to his methods for building brute strength. His training isn't pretty or fancy, but damn do they produce powerful results, period. In the end, results are what count. It's NOT about how cool your program looks or how flashy the exercises are. The strongest and smartest lifters know to use and respect the basics. Click the … [Read more...]