I am amazed at times when an athlete feels he needs "another program" when he can't even squat 225, let alone bench 225. Or when a Sport Coach insists his athletes can Squat, Bench and Deadlift yet they struggle with push ups and a full range of motion bodyweight squat. What "special program" do you need if you can't perform light weights with the barbell basics and calisthenics? The answer is, you do NOT need a special program. You need to MASTER the bodyweight basics. Still arguing … [Read more...]
RAW with Marty Gallagher: Strength Endurance, Minimalist Training & Fighting the Fads & Gimmicks of Strength & Conditioning
In this BONUS episode of The STRONG Life Podcast I join my friends of Iron Company on their podcast. We've got JP Brice, Marty Gallagher and Jim Steel. Marty's podcast is called RAW, and once you hear his unfiltered ways of conversing with me you'll understand exactly why! We discuss the following topics: - How my background in training began, from hardcore gyms to current days of The Underground Strength Gym - How some of the Powerlifters of the 60s, 70s and 80s trained for world … [Read more...]
Fitness Is So Simple It’s Complicated
The photo above is from 1938. That's a pretty impressive physique for about 80 years ago. I am sure his training was ultra basic, what else was there in 1938? I am sure this man's nutrition was basic as well. If I could guess, he did calisthenics, basic gymnastics, basic barbell and dumbbell work and maybe some running? He probably worked full time, did manual labor and worked hard. Of course, the food back then was likely much more different than today. Whole eggs and whole milk were … [Read more...]
Age Doesn’t Matter: STRONGER, Faster, Tougher STRENGTH Tips
In a world filled with entitlement, excuses and complainers, NOW more than ever is the time to spread the word on being STRONGER both in and out of the gym. Every time I hear someone complaining about something trivial, something that has ZERO effect on their own life, I feel like I need to drag them to the gym for some Squats and Deadlifts. Or they need to carry groceries home for a few miles rather than driving in their air conditioned car. Too Much Comfort = Too Many Complainers. Manual … [Read more...]
4 Tips to Build Maximum Muscle With Minimal Equipment
Let's KILL some confusion here. If you love variety in your training, go for it and DO it. If you love just attacking the basics, go for it and DO it. Let me Explain ..... Your results in training come down to a select few things that must be executed VERY well. … [Read more...]
Boy to BEAST
Let there be NO mistake about it. The Basics ALWAYS WIN. Don't try to deny it. As soon as you accept this as the "Golden Rule" you will go from Boy to BEAST. Squats, Deads, Benching, Presses, Chins, Dips, Farmer Walks & Sprints. Add Steak & Eggs to Multiply the effects of transforming yourself from a Boy into a BEAST. [youtube width="640" height="390"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWHE7ebzVS8[/youtube] As soon as you accept the fact that you can work these basic lifts and basic … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned From The STRONGEST Guy From The Old School YMCA (Circa 1990)
I still remember that guy, even though I met him when I was only 14 years old, a freshman in high school with dreams of being bigger and stronger than everyone else. Back then, the YMCA was ending the era of "old school". Believe it or not, The Metuchen Y was very much like the Y that Golden Era greats trained out of like Dave Draper did when he was a Jersey boy. The plates were all YORK barbell, the squat rack was the rarely seen today York Isometric Rack. No machines except the cable … [Read more...]
Days of Thunder Bodybuilding…..
It was September of 1994. I was training at a now defunct gym, it was legit "hardcore", called Dynamic Fitness. Such a shame that it had to end, but it did. I'll never forget that gym. It shaped me and inspired me for a lifetime..... My friend and aspiring pro bodybuilder was there catching a workout and I told him of my plans to compete in a bodybuilding show for 1995. He said "Train with me, I'm doing the Jersey in April and we can train together". I was psyched! Andy was a freak. He was … [Read more...]
Lessons & Inspiration from 2 Men Who Know About RAW Strength
I have an inspiring message for you, or, shall I say, lessons I've learned from 2 Men that TRULY inspire me in the world of strength, muscle building and athletic performance. These men BOTH walk the talk and have been around the iron game much, much longer than I have. Some of this might be the reminder you need to return to the basics and escape the fads and gimmicks. Sometimes I seriously wonder if I was born in the wrong era. I wonder why I stand alone or stick out like a sore thumb … [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...]