STRONG Life Podcast Ep. 221 In this episode I discuss my stance on having NO time for the BS Fads & Gimmicks in Strength & Conditioning along with being in the "business" of Changing Lives as a Strength Coach. I get a little emotional in this episode but I decided to just leave it, no editing, raw and uncut. Ever since I began my full time journey (aka obsession) into the field of Strength & Conditioning there have been fads, gimmicks and buzz words. In the early 2000s it … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Insider Ep. 35 | Anabolic “Secrets” of THE STRONGEST People on Earth?
The unnecessary complications that people make for nutrition and training is staggering. It's mind boggling, actually. In fact, it is heartbreaking to be honest with you. Why the heck are people so confused nowadays? It's simple. Information overload. And, the most popular information is often times connected to supplements. The supplements fuel the marketing / advertising dollars. I am lucky that I grew up in REAL "Hardcore Gyms" where I began to learn that the biggest guys were the … [Read more...]
Training for When the SHTF: Building Athleticism vs Building Toughness?
STRONG Life Insider Training for When The SHTF: Building Athleticism VS Building Toughness? The Correct answer is you must do BOTH. If you're reading this article you're likely not that guy who just reads about it and never actually gets your hands dirty. But there are PLENTY of guys getting caught up and duped with doing things like: Barbell Cleans on 1 Leg with band suspended kettlebells hanging from the bar Training with eyes closed, standing on one leg on a balance disc, … [Read more...]
7 Random Thoughts on Strength & Conditioning, Coaching, Technology & The Fitness Industry
Some random thoughts and ranting here, hopefully to make you THINK a little deeper. And, as I write more, I think a bit deeper and take more action. Things in this world are constantly evolving, especially humans. We can not rest on what we did yesterday or what worked yesterday. I'm deeply intrigued with cracking the code on how to better change the lives of more people through strength in mind, body & spirit. As I write, I've been awake since 4 AM. LOTS on my mind and work has to get … [Read more...]
They Said “Slow Down, You’re Working Too Hard.” THEY. ARE. WRONG.
Every morning I rise early. Before the dogs went to get out of their own beds. Before the sun has risen. I get the Coffee going for myself and my wife. I begin writing. My writing comes from my inner fire, which I began to recognize in myself as soon as I began lifting weights, circa June of 1989. The emotions that came from training were a mixture of many feelings; Anger, Safety, Confidence, Intensity, Passion, Loneliness, Bonding, Aggression and then some....... The majority of … [Read more...]
Getting Stronger: Why The Power Lies In The Imperfections
Every morning I am up and at em' in a similar fashion. Nothing complicated. Nothing fancy. I understand this isn't what "sells" but oh well...... I am always ready to lose the popularity contest so I can stay true to me. I don't want to inspire you to do any fake BS. Get up early while the house is quiet...... Get the dogs outside. Get the coffee going. Play some Zac Brown Band. Get to Writing. Get the breakfast done for the kids. No need to complicate life or … [Read more...]
Marty Gallagher | Simplifying Strength Training for MAXIMUM Results
Episode 117 of The STRONG Life Podcast with my friend and mentor, Marty Gallagher. Marty is the author of multiple books and 1 of them is my ALL time favorite, The Purposeful Primitive. You can also listen to our first STRONG Life Podcast on Episode 19 HERE. Listening to Marty talk training and the overall Purposeful Primitive Lifestyle is always awe inspiring! I've spent time with Marty when he took some of the world's best Tier 1 Military Operators to a Powerlifting Meet with a … [Read more...]
5 Garage Gym Workouts For Strength, Size & Mental Toughness
I began training in my garage during my 5th year as a teacher. Time was of the essence as I was balancing the following: A new teaching position at the Middle School Middle School Wrestling Coach BJJ Training Finishing my MA in Health Education Adjunct Professor at Community College Training! I picked up some odds and ends from newspaper classified ads back then as E Bay didn't even exist yet. I recall driving to Newark to meet someone in a storage depot and I … [Read more...]
My Thoughts On Training As You “Get Older” & The BEST Workout Program
I was 27 years old and getting my car filled up on gas at the local gas station. It was almost Summer time and I was wearing shorts and a t shirt. A guy I knew saw me and said, "Holy shit, son, you're all ripped up. I used to look like that. Wait until you get my age, you won't have the time to train anymore. I used to be just like you......" Those were the famous words I began hearing on the regular, "Just like you....." Listen, things change as you get older, and whether they change for … [Read more...]
Muscle Building Formula: Build Strength = Build (A Lot) More Muscle
The amount of complicated BS training is getting out of control. The truth is, it is simple. And, NOT easy. It also takes time. Not months, but YEARS of work. The formula to gaining size? It starts with STRENGTH. If you want to get BIG, then you better plan on getting stronger, period. Heavy weights, low to moderate reps, some high rep sets for finishers, lots of quality food, quality rest, basics, basics, basics. I know, ground breaking, right? Yet on the regular, so many … [Read more...]