Just got an e mail earlier today asking about my thoughts regarding the Lifeline Kettlebells and The Power Wheel. First off, I will never promo something I do not believe in, or something that you can not benefit from. I have a few of the Lifeline K-bells and wish I had these earlier. They freaking rock. They do not have a glossy finish, they fit perfectly and the price is right. The power wheel is a regular in my own workouts as well as our athletes. Lots of handwalks and roll outs, and some … [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...]
Q & A and stories on grip strength
Got a question via e mail and wanted to share this bad boy.... Question: I own a small gym in St Louis and have recently added a few thick bars to my collection. I had a new member ask me an interesting question the other day, he wanted to know what muscles were benefiting from using a thick bar that would not benefit by using a regular size bar. He also asked if you only used the thick bar would that hurt him in the long run because he is a pitcher and a quarterback on his high school … [Read more...]
Underground Q & A with Zach
Ask me anything by commenting to the post. I'll be answering the questions over the next few days :) Have fun and ask away! Dedicated to your success, --Z-- P.S. - I get PSYCHED when I receive e mails such as these: "Hi Zach, just wanted to let you know that thanks to some of the training tips from your site i won silver at the British amateur arm wrestling championships in the 220lb+ class, i weighed in at 245 and pulled a couple of guys much bigger than me. I'm now going to ramp up my … [Read more...]
Look in the mirror, dig deep…
As the world becomes a busier and busier place for so many of us, it seems that rather than think for ourselves, and do what is best for us, too many people blindly copy other materials. I'm talking about copying someone else's workout, rather than take bits and pieces of what works for you. I'm also talking about the endless information on the web. Watch me write about a topic and rather than a fellow strength coach create his own idea, he takes the words right from my pages without his own … [Read more...]
How I trained an 88 lb. weakling
Slightly over 2 years ago a young wrestler began training with us.... He weighed 88 lbs at the time and was 1 month out from wrestling season in which he would be wrestling at 103 lbs. We had little time to prep before the season and in the first 3 weeks of the season he broke his collar bone during a wrestling match. When you're weak and have little strength and muscle, you can bet that your ligaments and bones are also weak. Through the years we trained him with our Underground … [Read more...]
Q & A from a skinny guy and a former inmate
Today I had a skinny guy stop into the gym....after he left the gym next door. The other day, another skinny guy who confessed to being a former inmate stopped by as well. I'm starting to worry who the heck will be stopping by next. The former inmate confessed he was way bigger in "the pen". I bet he was....eating all day, push ups and sit ups every day, hitting the weight pile almost daily. What can you do in the weight pile? Nothing fancy.....I saw what the prisons have: benches, barbells, … [Read more...]
Tour inside my home office
I recieve many e mails regarding how I have attained success so quickly and especially more e mails on why I am such a go getter and so positive. Well, without a doubt, my past has shaped my future....things I have gone through in the past have helped me become who I am today. Taking things to the next step is thanks to the many people you will see on my book shelves. With our baby boy on the way soon, my office was moved down stairs...it's pretty cool down here. I was worried it would be … [Read more...]
Why I’m The Anti Purist When It Comes To Training Methods & What REALLY Matters?
I'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..... … [Read more...]
Q & A on Guaging Progress
Great question just came in after some Easter Festvities with the Family :) I LOVE apending time with my family. My wife and daughter REALLY make every breathing moment a magical time for me. Soon, we'll have a new baby boy in the house. This means I need to be stronger. Why stronger? The more kids I must carry on my back the stronger I must get! Nobody wants a wimpy Daddy! QUESITON: I love your methods and am never bored with my workouts which now closely resemble your own. The only … [Read more...]