This is my dedication to help honor and keep the fire burning for old school gyms that started decades ago. I want to share the stories of the lifters, coaches and mentors who inspired others to build gyms and coach others.
The video below explains the why behind this all and my YouTube channel will be the hub where I share these videos.
Below are some recent videos and photos from recent. Please share with others so we can honor those who paved the way long before us!
REAL GYMM & Skiba's Barbell (Henri Skiba)
Ray's House of IRON (Mr. Pena from Carteret, NJ)
Above, Ray Pena training with tree logs and scrap metal LONG before the book DINOSAUR TRAINING was written! These photos were shared by Kenny Toth, Institute of Iron.
Here is an old school gym I found in NH called EAST COAST MUSCLE, while at my daughter's tennis tournament.
I wanted to go to Anchor Athletics, my buddy Anthony Oliveira owns the gym but it was an hour away and I could not squeeze in the time between or after tennis.
I had a solid session at this gym and it was $20 for the day. On the weekends there is no staff so this is a "key club". It was great to see some old school equipment in here that reminded me of my early days!
I needed to train and hit the weights on the day I found East Coast Muscle. The traveling gets stressful and running + calisthenics are great but I believe in STRENGTH first & foremost.
Strength makes me feel better not just physically, but also mentally. The reason I probably relate to movies like FIRST BLOOD and The Equalizer is because I struggle sometimes mentally / emotionally. I have struggled since my teen years and I find solace in the Iron. Hearing those clanging weights makes me happy. Hard Work makes me happy.
Finding old school gyms and sharing these stories makes me happy. If you're ever struggling, please reach out to me!
Until the next time, stay tuned for more old school gym tours and lessons!
Live The Code 365,
Z
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