Good ol' June of 1989. That's when it all started for me. Squatting in my older brother's room on our chrome, spin collar barbell set. I opened Arnold's Encyclopedia and saw a photo demonstrating proper squat technique. And 31 years later, I've learned a lot, experienced a lot and seen a LOT. These lessons and experiences span beyond the gym and weight room. I wrote whatever came to my heart. Enjoy.... … [Read more...]
Training For ‘The Obstacle Is THE Way’
'The Obstacle Is The Way' Book Sketch by Sacha Chua I had a horrific night of sleep. I was up around 1 AM and stared at the ceiling until 3 AM until I said F--K it, time to get out of bed and do Work. I was exhausted after dropping my kids off at school and started coming up with EVERY excuse in the book to NOT train today. I'll train tomorrow Training when tired is bad This workout will be wasted if I train today Take a nap instead I decided to use my fatigue as a reason to DO … [Read more...]
The BEST Strength Coach Marketing Tip
I am always asked this question, literally on an almost daily basis by Strength Coaches and aspiring Strength Coaches: "What is the BEST marketing tip for Strength Coaches?" I took time to put this on Video and you'll likely need to revisit my answer several times and as a refresher in the future if you lose your WHY? Sit down and apply this tip immediately. … [Read more...]
Why Bodybuilding Workouts Are GREAT For You
When I made the transition from my bodybuilding workouts I had a bad taste in my mouth. I was wrestling or competing / training in Grappling & BJJ and the 2 simply didn't blend. I was getting injured quite a lot and I wound up ditching a lot of bodybuilding work, mainly because I stopped training in a traditional gym environment and I was now training in my garage. No machines, no cables. Just free weights and odd objects. I began developing a different type of strength. Different than … [Read more...]
Winners Never Cheat [Success Code]
I say it all the time, read every day, at least 2 pages. It will be one of the most powerful things you can do to add success to your life. I have been finding amazing books since my early teenage years and nowadays with the internet and being able to find used books for often times less than $1, you have zero excuses. I am currently reading an AWESOME book and it's pushing me to greater levels in many ways: mind, body, soul, business and life in general. I share some favorites from the book … [Read more...]
Talking The “Barbell Life” with Travis Mash
Travis Mash interviewed me on his podcast, The Barbell Life. We spoke a lot about how I grew my Underground Strength Gym business as well as the online biz. We discussed life. fatherhood, the inspiration behind my success and much more. Give it a listen below and Travis and I look forward to seeing some of you at our up and coming seminar at his place in North Carolina. … [Read more...]
HOW & WHEN You Will Truly Become STRONG [Mind, Body, Spirit]
Perfection is the enemy. It gives you a false state of security. Nothing is truly perfect. You CAN build a body that looks great through pretty boy training but you will not develop the mind beyond the norms of everyone else. Do you want to be like "everyone else" or do you want to build a greater armor, a strong YOU, mind, body and spirit? This is how..... … [Read more...]
505 lb Deadlift & Random Thoughts On Training Better
Well, here we are. 2015 is about to end and the New Year's resolutions will start sounding off. The best way to resolve to do anything is to take aggressive action NOW. The most successful people out there don't have more time than you or even more opportunity than you do, they simply take more action. For example, I got tired of not moving the weights I wanted so I attacked the powerlifts with extra volume, extra dedication and extra intensity. I challenged myself on the spot and squatted … [Read more...]
The Best Squat Shoes?
~ THE SQUAT POEM ~ My e mails and social media messages are being taken over by questions that have LESS to do with what it takes to be strong and more to do with the shoes one should be wearing, the best belt, etc. I've had people walk into my gym who looked like they NEVER lifted a day in their life and asked me what "training system are you using? Conjugate or linear periodization?" The WRONG questions are being asked. The short cuts, fads and gimmicks are being chased. Yet there is 1 … [Read more...]
The Power of Cross Training for Athletes
I've always encouraged athletes to cross train with various training methods and through the use of various sports, even on a recreational level. I encourage my Football players to wrestle and vice versa. I encourage BOTH wrestlers and Football players to train in Judo, run trails, practice Gymnastics and more. We need MORE athleticism NOT less. Look at what Martin Rooney says with regards to athletes utilizing 'Training for Warriors' even if they are not combat athletes. Comments or … [Read more...]