There's lots of sensitivity floating around nowadays. Everyone gets offended by your words, not just from people but from words on the internet, from people they don't know and will likely never meet in person. People argue over politics, training programs, taxes, etc - then they waste hours on end posting their thoughts and feelings on websites or comment sections that will never create change in this world. The truth is, your Instagram or YouTube comment is NOT going to create … [Read more...]
Why You Need Squats & Deadlifts to Strengthen the Mind AND Body
Sometimes you gotta clear your head. And for "normal folk", that means getting a few beers, maybe drink some wine. For people like Us, that means squats and deads. Yes, we're organized and planning our training. We've got a goal set, whether it's your first time squatting 315, deadlifting 500 or more, you've got goals. But it goes deeper than that. It's not solely about the numbers. It's about clearing your mind and experiencing what we call Iron Therapy. … [Read more...]
Iron Roots Podcast Ep. 7 | The History Behind The Box Squat
In this episode of The Iron Roots Podcast, I get into the History behind the box squat. I also share how we use the box squat at The Underground Strength Gym along with proper application of the box squat. I see a LOT of mistakes with the use of the box squat, including when I see footage from D1 University weight rooms. That is NO good. My first exposure to the box squat was from watching Louie Simmons' Westside Barbell VHS tapes. Louie learned how to Box Squat from these original … [Read more...]
5 SQUAT Variations You Should Be Doing
I've been squatting since age 13. I'm 5'10" and according to the fallacy, I should be 5'1" since squats "stunt your growth." I've done 50 sets of Squats in a day and didn't get rhabdo or need to go to the hospital. I've squatted 315 for 22 reps on my 22nd birthday and squatted 225 for 50 reps. Squats are good for the body AND the soul. But, as we get older and accumulate mileage of iron on the body, it's important to switch up those Squats. Use variations of the squat to work … [Read more...]
Farmer Carries Are Great, But…..
Before I even owned my gym I met up with some guys who were competitive strongmen. I was training out of my garage mostly, here and there going to the local tire yard for some tire flips..... It was Saturday and it was their day of training events. I remember getting destroyed with their 220 lb farmer walks and some of their guys jogged with the weight. I was fired up and got chatting with these guys about their programming and made my adjustments. At the time, my lower body … [Read more...]
Jason Spray On Organizing Football Workouts, Speed Training & Building TOUGH Champions
If you're like me, you strive to get better every damn day! You KNOW to stray FAR away from those poor souls who say, "We always did it that way...." Those people FEAR excellence. Let them stay scared. NOT you..... In Episode 75 of The STRONG Life Podcast I have an awesome convo with D1 Football Strength & Conditioning Coach, Jason Spray, On Organizing Football Workouts, Speed Training & Building TOUGH Champions in Sports AND Life. Jason is the Head Football Strength & … [Read more...]
When Can A Man STOP Training?
The temp was 29 degrees, Winter had finally set in. I was up that morning at 6 AM, took care of the wife and kids and then drove to The Underground Strength Gym of Manasquan, NJ. I cranked the heat for 10 minutes, no longer. I don't wanna spoil myself with a cozy gym. F--K that. I got warmed up and got to work. Some smashing on the rumble roller. Some light band work for the upper body and lower body. I had been thinking of this workout since Sunday Morning, some 24 hrs prior. As I was … [Read more...]
USC Cert Highlight & Random Thoughts [March 2015]
I've pumped up some east coast travels into overtime leading up to this summer with my seminar schedule. In addition, there are enough events happening at Underground Strength HQ in NJ for anyone who wants to be an aggressive learning machine. Let there be no mistake about it. If you want to succeed, you must DO THE WORK. AKA Hustle. Also of note, you must be strategic with every action you take. ALL upcoming events are listed HERE. [youtube width="640" … [Read more...]
How Hard To Train to Maximize Strength & Muscle Growth?
How hard is too hard when it comes to packing on size and strength? What is enough, what is too much and what is optimal? After decades of experience since 1989, I've seen some guys lean more towards one way over another. Other times, I've seen lifters change their intensity levels. Myself? I go completely by feel. More often than not, my intensity is high and aggressive. Why? It matches my personality. When I deny who I am and what I am, I do NOT feel good about what I'm doing. I LOVE hard … [Read more...]
Why Does Worrying Too Much Make You WEAK?
Should I squat with a box or with out? Should I use a double overhand grip, a hook grip or alternate grip? Should I pull sumo or conventional? Should I follow The Rock's Hercules program or 531 or 5 x 5 or ...... There are only a few details you need to concern yourself with. The details the majority of people worry about will NOT make the difference between you becoming a champion or not. Here are the details you need to concern yourself with: … [Read more...]