Where did the 5 x 5 program originate from? Well, it's been around for DECADES. To my knowledge, Reg Park started the 5 x 5 program. As 1 of the strongest bodybuilders ever, and, a man who could bench 500 lbs, I actually NEVER recall reading about 5 x 5 in my teen years. And I read EVERY bodybuilding magazine and a TON of bodybuilding books. I WISH I came across this program in my high school years. I was too busy doing pump up bull shyt. Although I DO recall a kid I used to lift with … [Read more...]
5 X 5 Training + Bodyweight Bodybuilding Tips
Yesterday on my IG I shared the above cover and tips on how to use 5 X 5 along with Bodyweight Bodybuilding. Then yesterday afternoon I came across the news that Franco had passed away. It was heartbreaking for me. It hit home for me as Franco and Arnold were heroes to me as a kid. Seeing your hero passing away is crushing. You begin to realize that YOUR time on this earth is also limited. As a kid, I devoured Arnold's Encyclopedia and his Education of a Bodybuilder. Doing so made me … [Read more...]
Safety Squat Bar VS The Straight Bar Squat for Athletes: Strength & Shoulder Health + 3 Week Squat Cycle
Above, Mark Chaillet Squats - Photo from Purposeful Primitive / Marty Gallagher After a recent squat workout with the athletes at The Underground Strength Gym, I began having a more serious conversation in my own mind regarding the use of the conjugate method, more specifically, how often to switch the safety squat bar vs the straight bar for squats with athletes, specifically, high school athletes. I share my thoughts in the videos below and in conversation form which you can also see … [Read more...]
The Coach’s Eye, Squats & Being AWESOME (At a “Old School” Gym)
Let me take you on a trip through my "coaching brain". You see, I've been training with weights since 1989. in 1988, I began my obsession with push ups. In 1995 I began coaching at a hospital fitness center. I've seen and experienced THREE decades of training and movement which is more than some coaches age. I'm about to share with you a bit of a brain dump after training in a globo gym. If you're a Coach, pay CLOSE attention. If you're not a Coach, pay CLOSE attention to the mindset … [Read more...]
5 SIMPLE (NOT Easy!) Wrestling Strength Training Tips
3 days a week I work with the college wrestlers and man, we thrash that weight room! The energy is through the roof and that is an understatement. The culture of what happens with your team is a HUGE key to their success. A dialed in, consistent off season training program is a make or break factor for a wrestling team's success. Unfortunately, most teams don't have Coaches who organize a team plan be it in wrestling or strength & conditioning. The Coach who organizes this aspect of … [Read more...]
Volume Training & Science For Maximizing Your Strength & Muscle Gains
"Any fool can create a program that is so demanding that it would virtually kill the toughest Marine or hardiest of elite athletes, but not any fool can create a tough program that produces progress without unnecessary pain.” ~ Dr. Mel C. Siff ~ As much as I encourage the basics in training, of equal importance is understanding how to properly organize a training plan so you are able to break through plateaus and make consistent gains in size, strength, speed & performance. After a … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Bodybuilding QnA
My buddy, Uncle Alwyn Cosgrove sent me some questions regarding Bodyweight Bodybuilding, check it out below and please enjoy.... 1) Why did you start dedicating yourself to bodyweight training recently? The BIGGEST changes came from recurring pains and injuries that I eventually couldn't even work around anymore. I had to address those injuries, they were messing up my life and negatively affecting my family. I SERIOUSLY had flash backs of our earliest conversations when you were … [Read more...]
Power-Bodybuilding Workouts
Above, Roger Estep - 1 of the Pioneers of The Power - Bodybuilding Method ___________________ After laying low on training the past month, going minimalist style with low volume & frequency plus chowing down on lots of food lately, I'm gonna put good use to these calories. I felt my body was needing a break coupled with a super hectic work schedule, listening to my body is crucial to staying healthy. My appetite is finally back and my motivation is that of a run away freight train. I … [Read more...]
Q&A: Building Muscle, High Reps vs Low Reps
Above, the Back of BIG Kevin Tolbert Zach, It's a bit confusing to me as I've been reading a lot of books about building up muscle & strength. Many of them said reps should be around 8-12 and anything more is a waste of time. I hear you're saying that we should go for high reps to obtain muscle. Please tell me the difference between doing high & low reps? What impact does it have? You see I've only started training recently & want to build up my muscle. I've … [Read more...]