In this Bonus episode with Mike Bledsoe, Mike interviews me for his seasonal podcast, The STRONG Coach which is part of The Shrugged Collective. I love being around my man, Mike. He is always seeking to better learn and discover himself all in an effort to be a better HUMAN. He's evolved from being a Strength Coach into a Coach. A Coach who is immersing himself in ALL things LIFE. TRUE Strength will always transcend the gym. I believe when you begin to understand this concept and truly … [Read more...]
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170 | Zach & The Power Athlete Crew Discuss “Brace Your Core”
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 170 with Luke and Tex from Power Athlete HQ as we tackle, in depth, the topic of "brace your core". It's time to Get your learn on! I have always said, the art of coaching has MANY subtleties that are difficult to teach. It's so simple it's complicated. I began coaching others, we can say, as early as high school. When I had training partners, they all let me guide the training. I coached them up on technique, motivation, weight selection, changes on the fly … [Read more...]
The Barbarian Brothers, Overtraining (Again) & Why We’re NOT “Tough”
Do you remember when you were a kid? Of course you do! You're already saying to yourself, Here he goes again, ranting about "back in the day". No rant. Just stating facts and a reminder to ALL of us, including myself. … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Changing Lives Is The MINIMUM “Effective Dose” If You’re a Coach
Around 2010 or so I remember setting a goal to change the lives of 1 Million People through STRENGTH. It was, at the time, a BIG goal for me. I had written this goal on a small white board in my office and I looked at the "Pay it Forward" model. I imagined if I could educate and certify Thousands of Underground Strength Coaches, they could inspire and educate others in our quest to change 1 million lives. No man climbs a mountain alone. I posted an … [Read more...]
25 Random Thoughts from the Airport
My flight got delayed and so while stuck at the airport I felt the need to write. I haven't written a blog for a while and I used to write almost daily. These random thoughts will be in no particular order, I'll just brain dump and let the chips fall as they may. … [Read more...]
Strong, Slow & USELESS | The Problem with Modified Powerlifting for Training Athletes
I've spoken at length regarding my "Strong & Useless" rants when I see athletes who can set the records on the weight room wall but they can't last through a sports practice or they're always "hurt" but not injured. I want to share with you a few tips that you can use with your workouts or with athletes you train that will have you feeling infinitely better in a very short time. Less joint strains, more athleticism and overall, more dangerous in your sport or work related field. I no … [Read more...]
No Respect for Basic Strength Training? Lift in the Garage
I have had some interesting conversations with Jim Wendler. One in particular struck a chord with me quite heavily. In fact, it has helped mold a process I use at my gym when training new athletes. Jim and I spoke about the lack of respect for the weights nowadays, specifically by those who spend too much time on the internet and at these fancy gyms. I see how kids casually skip workouts that their parents pay for without a care in the world. I see how countless high school athletes don’t … [Read more...]
Endless Lessons Learned from The Underground aka “Old School” Bodybuilding & Strength Training Methods
In the 50s and 60s, strength sports were a small "Underground" cult. Even in the 70s. Until Arnold hit the big screen, bodybuilding and literally building your body was viewed as something only a narcissist would do. Today, of course, being strong, fit and healthy is viewed as "normal". I have been getting back to my roots lately, even with my time crunched workouts, I'm hitting the underground bodybuilding methods and it's paying off big time. When I use the term "Underground", those early … [Read more...]
438 | The TRUTH about Strength Coach Work Life / Family Balance
STRONG Life Podcast ep 438 The TRUTH about "Family Balance" as a Strength Coach Brought to you by http://ZachStrength.com - BEST FREE Strength Courses HERE This question / topic about family balance and being a Strength Coach comes up quite often. I've worked at several levels / areas of the strength & conditioning field: Private Sector since I started in 2002 College Sector (Lehigh and Rutgers) High School S&C since 2019 There is also the military sector and … [Read more...]
403 | QnA: Training MMA Fighters, Youth Athletes, High School Athletes, Lower Back Injuries, Baseball Players & More
Photo Credit: Westside Barbell STRONG Life Podcast ep 403 Brought to you by: http://ZachStrength.com - BEST FREE STRENGTH TRAINING COURSES Massive QnA on all things training! Topics / Questions Covered are: Training MMA Fighters / BJJ Athletes Strength Training & Sprint Training for Youth Athletes (In Season & GPP Tips) Motivating and building Team Culture with High School Athletes (Private Sector vs High School) Lower Back Injuries & "Advices" from Doctors … [Read more...]