I have always been a BIG fan of grip strength. I have never met someone with strong hands and a weak body. It NEVER works. Strongs hands = strong man, period! In the world of grip, you know of Smitty and Jedd from The Diesel Crew and John Brookfield who has been featured on the Iron Mind web site for years and has also created a system of training called Battling Ropes (http://powerropes.com). I have a 60' Battling Rope at The Underground Strength Gym and man does this thing kick your ass up … [Read more...]
Another Day in the Office
No fancy chair for me, no pretty desk to hide behind, only the challenge to lead from the front. Is it really a challenge, or, is it a choice? ONLY You decide! In Strength, --Z-- P.S. - This style of training is not for everyone. The psyche certainly pushed everyone harder, as we competed against one another. Technique loosened up a bit and insanity certainly jumped up more than a few nothces. It's time you began taking part in the Underground movement. Do it here: The Underground … [Read more...]
Step inside my office (video)
Here's the tail end of some of the crew tearing it up at The Underground Strength Gymnasium, in good ol' Edison, NJ. Here's the workout these beasts endured... After our Underground warm up, a powerful blend of mobility, calisthenics, bands, movement prep and stability work, they attacked the following: 1A) zercher squats 5 x 4 - 6 reps 1B) mixed push ups for active recovery 5 x 15 reps 2A) 1 arm dumbbell clean & press 3 x 6 2B) weighted pull ups w/mixed grips 3 x max reps 3) jump rope x … [Read more...]
I’m not strong enough, are you?
Sometimes, we all need a lil' kick in the ass.... If you want a SERIOUS, BIG kick in the ass, and you want to learn some serious shit in the world of strength, conditioning, monility, strongman training, underground strength training and more, then join me and Steve Maxwell at The Gladiator Seminar, space is almost full and time is almost near. Not for the faint of heart. Click HERE for details. ALL participants will receive 1 year FREE membership to The Underground. In Strength, --Z-- … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Coach Certification Feedback…
Check it out, in the thick of things at The Underground Strength Coach Certification, held at The Underground Strength Gym in Edison, NJ. What a crew this first group was! The next one sold out asap....not sure when the next one will be, for now, the next way to get in on my ass kicking methods is through the apprentice program. Damn, that was a FUN, FUN, FUN weekend! I must say, doing what I love, spending my time with others who are doing what they love, ya can't go wrong :) I … [Read more...]
Who remembers this BEAST?
This is the guy who was putting the boxing world on it's rear when he was a young kid. At age 19 he was knocking out the best of the best. He trained in a secluded area in up state New York - he had the eye of the tiger. His physique was built like a mack truck, thick and solid. His legs were built like tree trunks, and all his jumping rope certainly helped. Juming rope might be the most primitive form of exercise with such a simple tool, but remember, almost all movement begins with the feet. … [Read more...]
As I watched the Gladiators
Yesterday was a hot and humid day in Joisey. We had a few crews of Gladiators training, 5 - 6 in each group. I watched them sprint, jump, rip through kettlebells, sandbags and perform countless pull ups and push ups. They ripped through heavy sleds, others were jumping rope and others practiced their handstand push ups. I was in a daze for a few minutes as I watched, and I was proud of what I saw, BIG time proud. For some reason it brought me back to the times of people telling me what I … [Read more...]
Training for MMA and Combat
My gym, The Underground Strength Gymnasium, is connected to an auto garage. On the side of that garage, the owner throws old tires away. Some with the wheel still intact, others just the tire. I snagged a few and helped guys make these tires into sleds. They were happy :) Can you build muscle and build strength through the use of things you might find in a junk yard? You better believe it. Check out the video below and fast forward to the 1 minute mark. I am not too fond of the partial reps … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Training in Brazil
Watching this video was great. I came across it by chance, as my TV watching days are slim to none, I have lost touch with who's who in MMA. The last time I rented a UFC pay per view fight I fell asleep on the couch before it ever started! This video reminds me of some of the training I would take my wrestlers through down at the field. Cleaning & Throwing kettlebells for 5 minute rounds, brawling drills and sumo drills on the grass immediately after sprinting up hill, carrying a partner on … [Read more...]
What were you Born to do?
Here we go, another one of my "deep" posts for you. I hope this will make you think and take action. You see, about 1 1/2 years ago I was having dinner at my friends home in Florida, Ryan Lee. We were speaking about my readiness to open a gym so I can do what I love most, which is training athletes, especially young athletes, and getting them STRONG. I love the internet, but, I need fresh air, I need to wrap my hands around iron and sweat like my athletes do. He told me to do what I … [Read more...]