You've heard the saying before, haven't you?
"Walk the talk, Don't talk the Walk"
I first heard this when I was a young kid, watching that OLD show, American Muscle Magazine. A bodybuilder named Mike Quinn always said it.
Dave Tate calls this "Getting under the bar."
In a nutshell, you HAVE to represent what YOU tell others to do.
That means look the part and perform the part. Don't let yourself slip.
It means doing "THE thing" when no one else is watching.
You can only lead from the front.
If you're a martial arts instructor, don't allow yourself to fall out of shape, get fat and weak.
If you're a strength coach, have the ability to perform the movements you preach.
Do you have to be all jacked up and strong, not necessarily, but you should be "fit" and have the ability to go through intense workouts.
Many of my college athletes are much stronger than I am, BUT, I still train the way I prescribe, I have the intensity and the passion unmatched by others, and if I plan to motivate, educate and inspire others to do the same then I better have the cojones to go toe to toe with them.
As I age, I am sure things will change, but, should that be excuse? NO.
The busier life gets, is that a viable excuse? NO.
Last year I worked as a teacher from 9 - 4 PM, then opened the gym from 5 - 8 PM, then worked out at the end of that long day / night, then went home to chill with my wife until she fell asleep, and then I worked on providing videos for you on my Blog....
My night ended around 1 or 2 AM. NO excuses for me.
Being a Warrior is physical AND mental.
Don't ever lose your edge.
The best way to keep your edge is to keep getting "Under the Bar".
Push your physical and mental limits often.
Don't follow others, instead, lead from the front.
Do what the majority will not do.
Get comfortable being UNcomfortable.
Now it's up to you my friend.....
Make it Happen!
Peace!
--Z--
PS: Feel free to drop a comment below.
63 Responses
Keep bringing the truth Z!
-Rob “The Kinetic Guru”
Completely agreed. Step up or step off.
Great advice.
Well said!
Thx for your passion!
all the best from austria,
harry
I love your attitude Zach!! I’m walking…
Good post Zach. amazing how many forget these. I see lots of guys who like to “talk about it” but those who do it are, unfortunately, few and far between.
Jason
your the man Zach. Most people don’t have the work ethic in them to practice what they preach. That’s what I love about you. Stay strong bro and stay in front !
good stuff bro..i love the schedule and passion…same as mine…keep doing what you do…inspire
Zach,
I appreciate the paragraph about your schedule last year. I’ve been letting my work ethic slip recently. Thanks for the reality check!
Awesome bro!
A mans gotta do whatta mans gotta do…
Great post Zach!
Needed to be said buddy : )
Big Z…sorry just got your post. I was watching my “Fighting Irish” lose their last game. Anyway, great post brother. You speak the truth my friend. If it hurts some feelings, so be it. You MUST walk the talk. I’m 45 years old with numerous injuries from my carer in the fire service and in sports, bodybuilding, etc. But damn if I’m going to stop training like a beast. Yea, I’ve slowed down a little…but that’s it. But how can I ask one of my boys to do something if I can’t even show them how to perform the skill. And if I get challenged….Holy shit! I’m all over that! Great post Big Z, you speak the truth and that’s why you’re so well respected my friend.
Zach,
So true buddy…
Always looking to step up my game and continuing to grow and progress. As Leaders it does not mean we don’t make mistakes it means the lag time between getting off and back on the path is much shorter each time.
You gotta kick your own ass if you expect people to have theirs kicked by you. Growing up my mum was the best example of that in whatever she asked people to do at work she would get down and do it with them if she hadn;t already. Hence she gained such respect and love that whenever she moved on to another location she would be given so much thanks, presents and love it was amazing. each and every single time.
Dax is spot on… needed to be said and as also mentioned Step up or Step Off…
Awesome Z
Thanks mate
AT
I see it whenever I knock heads with a “fitness professional”. I love fat asses telling me about their degrees, and why they know so much. YA! Get under the bar bitch! Didn’t think so! Now you’re knee hurts and you swear by Zumba!
Keep pumping out the great info Dogg! It’s nice knowing my insanity is not exclusivly mine!
Thnx for the comments guys, I know some1 out there didn’t wanna hear it, good to see though, that many are walking the talk
Dax – I’m honored by the mere fact that you even read my blog brother, let alone comment!!!
Andrew, thnx bro, the last 5 years were rough, but 2008-2009 was brutal, and I couldn’t, or shall I say, didn’t EVER wanna live life like that again bruddah!
–z–
Adam, right on bruddah, we sure as hell make mistakes, but we get up and correct them b/c we learn from them.
As a leader, we must be bad asses, plain and simple.
–z–
Dude i couldnt have said it best. You are an inspiration and leader. It doesnt mean you have to be the strongest or the fastest or the smartest but like you said, you do have to have the balls to get under the bar and walk the walk.
screw the haters.
You definitely defy the old stereotype of “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” You obviously can do what you teach and you do both well and I’ve got mad respect for that.
I don’t think anyone could have said it any better. What you said applies to being a leader in any aspect of life, not just fitness. Keep up the good work, of inspiring us all.
Right on brotha! “Lead from the front or get the F*** out of the way”!
I’ve been very inspired by what you wrote. Where fitness is concerned, I already have the passion, dedication and the lifestyle,and there are others who look to me for leadership. Where I fall short is in the other aspects of my life. Your article has motivated me to start being more disciplined in my approach to work (I’m a freelance Graphic designer and illustrator). Thanks much for the post, very inspiring.
Cound not agree more. Can not help but seeing all the over-weight football coaches on the broadcast games. Wonder how well they would do if they had to play the game.
Like you sadi LEAD FROM THE FRONT!
Great post !
it reminds me of the saying , ” you can’t lead from the rear !”
Zach,
You are the man! Strong message, I can feel the TESTOSTERONE dripping from it!
-Chris
Chuzpah Aficionado
You better Preach cause you are tellin the truth bruh!
hey Zach, great blog
You’re words of wisdom are true inspiration, in my work out routines, and back at home taking care of 2 month baby boy.
so thanks.
-Big bru
100% agreed with what you said. I really respect what you do – love how you get out there and get your shit done unlike many others who slob around and complain. Cause of you I’ve also started using the world “hustle” because it describes all the best attributes any successful person would want to have.
Keep it up man! Really look forward to reading your posts each time.
I’m with you!
In OR Out, but no halfs!
Great post like always Zach! If you don’t practice what you preach you might as well do something else. There are too many people out there who tell their clients to do something that they can’t or don’t do themselves. That is not only being fake to others but also untrue to themselves. There are too many posers out there and very few that are ‘real’ and get underneath that bar baby! You along with many of your readers/followers are among those that are ‘real!’
Love the UNDERGROUND Zach thanks bro!
How true Zach! Love your commitment to excellence and efforts to instill it in others-great line from Chariots of Fire “you can`t put in what God left out” not everyone can be a champion but we can all have the heart of one and a big heart can often take us a lot further than a big engine.
Sounds like the truth and common sense, tell those economic girly men to dry their eyes and get the F**K outta our way!
Keep up the good work Coach!
Big D, thnx Bruddah man!!!
Jon, thnx Bro! I am still pushing onward & upward to keep becoming better at DOing.
There is MUCH for me to conquer still bruddah!
–Z–
Todd you’re right bruddah, this post and this entire Blog is WAY more than fitness and working out.
It’s about leadership, achieving goals, kicking ass in life.
–z–
BIG Kevin, sorry about your Fighting Irish going down bruddah 🙁
YOU, my friend, 100% walk the talk – awesome!
Paul, thnx bro, that is awesome, I wanna see some of your work. Get busy and kick ass dude, you can not WIN sitting on your ass, you gotta get busy and put emotion into motion!
Make it happen!
BIG Bru – yea bro, take care of your baby, even I need the reminders dude, to work less, spend MORE time w/the family, and tell my family I love them, because like anything else in life, we can always do better!
Zach,
your words do not fall on deaf ears! As you know I run a performance training center/ fight gym called THR V-CENTER. I will be 51 years old this February and I still train side by side with all of my V-TRAINEES! I havenot only earned their respect but I continue to earn it on a daily basis. Not only for physical attribute but for the knowledge that I have gained over the years. Seeking out my mentors, reading books and articles to all hours of the night. Sacrificing time with friends and family for something that I truly love. It’s not just what we do Bro’ ; It’s “WHO WE ARE.” This is the mettle from which we are made. One of my “young trainees” said to me ; ” when I first met you and people told me about THE V-CENTER, and this 50-something year old x-Navy Seal, I said ; Yeah Whatever” Then he said to me ” But I had no idea that you were a GURU!” That was such an awesome compliment and reward for my hard work that I felt honored! You too are such a GURU for “WE AT THE V” and many other people acroos the country and I’m sure around the world. You are greatly admired and respected and I feel it an honor to be able to communicate with a “FELLOW GURU” Thanks Zach for all that you do and all that you’ve sacrificed to spread the word! WE AT THE V, LUV YA MAN!!!! WE look forward to all your words and vids and just to know that we’re not alone in our “not so nice” “stone, steel amd iron gyms” No carpet, no airconditioning, no matching workout clothes. Just the guys who really want to be there for whatever their reasons be. They just keep coming back! That’s the kinda people we have at THE V-CENTER an I wouldn’t have it any other way!!! We LUV YA ZACH!!!!! PEACE , VINCENZO
Keep telling the truth Zach!!!! You inspire many with your post, web-site, and hard core lifting.
Wow! That was amazing. I am inspired and thankful to have stumbled on this blog. Thanks for the inspiration! 😉
Nothing to say, other than pure truth has been spoken and this applies to all aspects of life, not just the gym and working out.
Most people can tell if you’re bullshitting even if they never call you on it. “Do as I say, not as I do” seems to be what most people live by, yet they wonder why things don’t go “their way”.
Hey Zach,
You know I go along with you on this one. I have been a advocate, for many years, that trainers need to perform as proof of their training methods. Too many out there on the net talk the talk, but, never walk the walk and pictures of them prove it. Or better yet, the one’s who photo shop themselves to look better. Way too much of that going around. This applies to both men and women trainers. Get real and keep it real!
The truth and nothing but the truth. At 43 I cannt do asmuch as I used to, I don’t want it like I used to. But when I am in a gym(still 5 or 6 days aweek) I aint there to enjoy myself, I am there to work, lifting, running, hitting the bag or circuits. I look around me when I am blowing and vitually no one else is doing it. T shirt bodybuilders, girls(guys?) with make up on, too concerned with how they look doing their session. They have missed the point, it is what the session does to you that matters. I would rather be blown while working hard than look good(?) while acieving nothing and not impressing myself.Kids nowadays don’t the “intensity” concept, when all it means is hard work.
Zach,
You said it bruddah!
I have experienced that myself. I have always worked hard and workedout hard. At times you get waylaid by life or injuries and ya just gotta get back up, take the hit and keep chargin’ away.
This Thursday I go back to see the surgeon and am chompin’ at the bit to train again. Three months of being layed up after a 2 and a half hour surgery.
I have lost a lot of strength and mobility and will literally be starting out “getting under the bar”.
But in my case it will be an empty bar. Surgery does that to you.
Will it be a blow to my ego?
Will it be tough to crawl under that bar and struggle to work back up to what many consider a real light warmup?
Will it be easy to just give up?
Will I shed some tears because of being frustrated and angry to have to start from ground zero again with my training, like some noob?
H**l, yeah it’s gonna be tough!!
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I WILL get back “under the bar” and I WILL lift it and the weights will climb back up!
Thanks Zach!
Walt
hey zach been doing the beast workouts pushing my self and getting big gains love the program
Big man, always a pleasure to hear the truth from your lips bro! Too often i see coaches who can not and do not practice what they preach. Time and time again these frauds get away with cruising through life spouting bulls**t, talking about what everyone should be doing and not doing it themselves.
SORT IT!!!!
Stay tuned for Strength and Performance bruddah – coming your way soon my friend!
Holler at ya boi
Z
Good call Zach, ” your either in, or your in the way ” is one i like to use.
Cheers.
“Walk the talk, Don’t talk the Walk” This is the first time I’m hearing it put like that, so I do love that saying. I remember watching the American Muscle Magazine show on ESPN way back in Barbados. Mike Quinn was one of the real hardcore IFBB bodybuilders competing back then. —- I don’t show or tell anybody anything that I have not tried myself, how are you going to truly explain it if you have not experienced it yourself.
Zach,
Good stuff as always man! Once again you are speaking the truth here. I’m so tired of hearing people talk the talk, but when it comes time to walk it they’re no where to be seen! I’ve been around too many talkers lately and it’s pissin me off! Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to do whats required to win! You gotta die if you want to go to heaven, thats what I keep telling my kids!
Keep up the great work Z!
I agree with you man no excuse
every day we should get stronger no matter what is going on in our live
make it happen i like that quote
Zach:
Ever since you started this Underground Strength (at least, since I’ve been a subscriber) you’ve been playing in the majors, the big league. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather bask in the glory of the minors and that’s o.k. That leaves more room for those of us who strive for greater things (like real physical and mental conditioning).
Thank you and thanks for introducing me to guys like Jim Smith and Jason Ferruggia. As far as I’m concerned, you are all of the same ilk when it comes to dedication and sincerity in what you do.
Honesty seems to be rare when it comes to the training “experts”.
Thanks for being a member of that rare breed.
Dan
Monday is HERE, time for ALL of us to be stronger than yesterday.
Thnx for all the comments bruddahs, looks like we’re taking over the world! aaaahhhhhhaaaaaaa!!!!!
Had my first fight,went less than stellar.
Im checking out your ebay page
Im coming back stronger and focused so I KNOW Im ready the next time I step in there.
Keep up the good work.
Coach, I’m 34, right lateral miniscus tear, left partial knee replacement, 4 concussions, rt broken clavical , left turf toe, rt broken thumb, pain every day.i was 320, now 230. full back , enough said. I squat 375, dead 405 and bench 3’s. I grind everyday. This is me , I know nothing else. Knowledge is not power, the aplication of knowledge is!
This sounds like the truth to me. If you want to be a leader, look like one and act like one. If it works, who cares who you tick off.
Keep it coming Zach and I hope you keep ticking off those wanna be’s!
I was just talking about this with a friend of mind. It amazes me how many sports coaches tell their athletes to stay in shape, eat healthy, and be mentally strong. But they look like they just sit in their offices and eat twinkies. The players will see you do not believe in what you are promoting and that is a poor witness to what you are saying. I am not saying that coaches have to squat 800 lbs., but they should look like they believe in being fit.
http://fastyouthathlete.blogspot.com
I like how you say things won’t change as you grow older – you don’t not play because you get old, you get old because you don’t play
Tell how it is bro.
Tell them how it is . This aint for p***y’s its for the hardcore .
Bang on the button Zach ! always got to look sharp and have performance to go with it! top post geezer
Thanks for that Z!