I've Got an AWESOME video for you, and although it is a bit long (12 minutes), these are the books that have shaped and even changed my life.... So, grab some coffee, or a protein shake or maybe some fruit and veggies....but NOT all of them at one sitting!! ha ha Enjoy this video and drop a comment to add your own "Favorite" list when done! I'm psyched to hear about your list of favorite strength & conditioning books! … [Read more...]
The Busy Man Bodybuilding Workout
Time is something I have TRULY began to respect, for 2 BIG reasons: 1) My kids 2) Being an entrepreneur In fact most people are today are more time conscious than ever before. Think about it. We barely call people in comparison to texting them. Technology has tricked many into being busy vs being productive UNLESS you know how to CONTROL your time. As a Parent, I see just how fast time goes. And, the ONE thing about time, something many do not grasp is the fact that you can NEVER … [Read more...]
Strongman Training for SERIOUS Muscle & Strength
I love the barbell and all free weights. But there is something powerful, beyond the strength benefits, about training with odd objects. The mental toughness, the commitment to finish the struggling rep and the attitude required to fight through is unique to strongman training and odd objects. That being said. Not everyone is ready for this style of training. I explain below.... … [Read more...]
Power-Bodybuilding Workouts
Last night I was so tired when I was done training my athletes at The Underground I was ready to just call it a night and drive home. Certainly, back when I was a teenager or early 20s, training at 9 PM was easy. I had all the energy in the world, granted, I wasn't a family man or running multiple businesses either. But at the end of the night, I knew I just couldn't quit. I had to go hard and dig deep. Times like these reveal and test your character. It's been a LONG week with my son, … [Read more...]
Lessons & Inspiration from 2 Men Who Know About RAW Strength
I have an inspiring message for you, or, shall I say, lessons I've learned from 2 Men that TRULY inspire me in the world of strength, muscle building and athletic performance. These men BOTH walk the talk and have been around the iron game much, much longer than I have. Some of this might be the reminder you need to return to the basics and escape the fads and gimmicks. Sometimes I seriously wonder if I was born in the wrong era. I wonder why I stand alone or stick out like a sore thumb … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Show Ep. 104: Inspiration from Dr. Ken
I'm a BIG fan of the good ol' days when strength was a priority. When strength is your goal you have no problems putting on size. Squats were ass to grass and deadlifts were common place. Today, everyone says they have "bulging discs" and have more excuses than ever before. The bodybuilders of The Golden Era didn't just look strong, they were strong. They walked the talk. It wasn't chemical warfare back then, it was HARD WORK. I snagged myself a dozen or so old school bodybuilding … [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! Years ago, I had the opportunity to e mail Coach Ethan Reeve, one of my mentors, and he dished out some of the most insanely powerful training information. Here it is, once again, for your reading pleasure. Grab some coffee … [Read more...]
Blasting the Iron with Passion!
The gym is the place where I lose myself and find myself. If I can start or finish my day in the gym, it's a way to know I did what others dared not do. I want to train and get after it when I'm in there alone. No excuses, No interruptions, No phone... NO bull shit. No matter what else is going on in this world and in my life, when I'm in the gym, everything goes right. Rusty iron feels best in my hands. Sandbags and stones show love as well. Time to attack training and … [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...]
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...]