It was June of 1989 when I began lifting weights in my brother's room. For a year, perhaps even 2 years, I was already intrigued with getting strong and building my body. I would read the bodybuilding books and magazines my brother had before I even began training. Unfortunately, those books were bodybuilding based. There were NO performance based training books available at the book stores. Unless I completely ignored them and only read what captured my attention. When I began coaching at a … [Read more...]
264 |QnA: Mental Toughness & Grit Development in Youth Athletes
STRONG Life ep. 264 is a QnA that came in to my IG message from a concerned Uncle. In a nut shell, "How do I get my nephew tough? His father allows him to miss sports practice when ever he wants to, which is quite often. He is 12 years old and has just joined wrestling but his father lets him skip practice whenever he wants. He constantly talks about how everything hurts and has excuses. His personality is that of a wimpy kid. Is it bad to push a kid to do something? If he doesn't want to do … [Read more...]
263 | Brandon Lilly: The +1 Mindset on Life, Nutrition, Parenting & Success
STRONG Life Podcast 263 with Brandon Lilly. Episode 263, Brandon Lilly and I discuss The +1 Mindset on Life, Nutrition, Parenting & Success. This was a inspiring, educational and powerful conversation with Brandon. His transformation in both the physical and mental realm is truly beyond my words. He's lost over 100 lbs and his life has gone through an overhaul because of his commitment to his +1 mindset. View this post on … [Read more...]
262 | QnA: Life Lessons Since Covid, High School Strength & Conditioning + New Dad Advice
STRONG Life Podcast ep 262 is a BEAST of a QnA! Great questions ranging from: - High School Strength & Conditioning career advice - My Knee Rehab / Recovery after meniscus repair - Communicating with athletes to build a TEAM of Leaders - Why I am starting a New Certification, The SSPC (Strength & Sports Performance Coach) https://www.instagram.com/sspcoaches/ - What help does a Strength Coach Certification REALLY do for you? - Advice for a new Dad This was a … [Read more...]
Zach Goes on Mark Bell’s Power Project: Life, Business & Training Athletes
In this STRONG Life Bonus Podcast, prepare to go DEEP into a 3 hour podcast with my bro, Mark "Smelly" Bell and his team members, Nsima Inyang & producer, Andrew Zaragoza. We go deep down many rabbit holes and many have reached out to me telling me they did NOT know about a lot of these stories and experiences. Here's just some of the topics we get into...... … [Read more...]
Dealing with Complainers + Training for YOUR Health
I woke this morning unlike any other morning. Nothing special. Today would be another day of work and another opportunity to get better. I've got 13 days left on crutches after my full meniscus repair. I remind myself that every morning I rise is another day closer to freedom with no crutches. Hard work is my normal. If you have ever been a fan of 20 rep squats and struggling under a bar, most likely you've taken those lessons and applied them to your life. I say "most likely" … [Read more...]
Underground Strength from 1947 + the TOUGH Training of Mas Oyama
In the early 2000s when I began Underground Strength, it was truly "Underground". At the time, the "in thing" was training on one leg, on a bosu ball or physio ball. You had to use a medicine ball, rotating, half kneeling and doing what many today consider "circus tricks". That was when "functional training" became the buzz word along with the infamous "core training". Many of the "popular" Coaches laughed at me and made jokes. During an interview one day I remember saying, "I would put my … [Read more...]
Tommy’s TOUGH Garage Gym
My buddy Sean lived up the street from me and we were friends since 3rd grade when his elementary school closed down and joined my elementary school. Back then, the town we lived in wasn't so populated so our school district sold 2 elementary schools and consolidated their costs. Sean was a multi sport athlete; Football, Wrestling, Basketball and Baseball. His Dad had him in every sport as a kid. We would get to school 20 minutes early to play Football and Basketball. Sean was the first kid … [Read more...]
Getting Tough & Pissed off for Greatness
In this BONUS episode of The STRONG Life Podcast I am a guest on Pressing The Limits Podcast with my friend, Jon Bruney. We dig deep into the mindset needed to be TOUGH & Successful in all aspects of life. And I gotta tell you, the more I Coach, the more I am reminded about what it takes for athletes to be successful. They need to be TOUGH. They need GRIT. They need to get Pissed off for Greatness. As an adult, if you are lacking grit & toughness, then life will kick your a-- up … [Read more...]
Program Design for Athletes: Are You Training for Sports or Powerlifting?
Last Friday an athlete I train pulled 500 on the trap bar. He is a 15 yr old high school Football player & LAX player. He was fired up that day and he said he wanted to go for it. On days when someone is ready emotionally AND physically to go hard, you Go for it. As long as the timing is right and safe, you go for it. In this Video I explain some context behind why I program the way I do for MOST athletes. Again, it depends on many factors and I never paint a broad brush, because times … [Read more...]
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