Coach Gags is one of the smartest, most knowledgeable, most genuine, humble and nicest Coaches I know. Gags takes the approach of "always a white belt", aka stay humble AND hustle hard. He has attended every Certification, training and biz seminar I have ever held and competes on a regular basis. His gym, Gaglione Strength is located in Farmingdale, NY (Long Island area). In this STRONGCast we discuss the following: … [Read more...]
Are Box Squats Better Than Olympic Style Squats
The past year or so we've gotten away from box squats at our gym. Is it the BEST answer? In Strength & Performance, there are BETTER answers but not always "the best" answers. I recall having ONE kid, who could box squat over 405. But.... there were flaws. The box was set a bit high as he would squat with guys taller than him. At the time, we had a 50/50 mix of free squats vs box squats. When this kid tried to free squat 315 he got CRUSHED. … [Read more...]
Strength Coach Passion & Intensity
As a Strength Coach you MUST have a commitment to your students / athletes. Your commitment to helping others succeed will lead to your commitment to seeking greater knowledge. You will always want to better yourself. Bettering yourself leads to bettering others. Your commitment to your students will help you rise above when you're feeling tired, having a bad day, your girlfriend or boyfriend dumped you, etc. That's what commitment is - putting someone else at a priority level that trumps … [Read more...]
Got Squats?
Here's a compilation of squat workouts and videos from The Underground. Throw some weight on your back or somewhere on your body, KIDS! Take a minute and drop your thoughts or comments below! In Strength, -Z- Recommended Resource: The Gladiator Experiment … [Read more...]
Thoughts On Squats, Jumps, Aggressive Learning & WINNING
My workouts have been going VERY good lately and after this past weekend's seminar at my gym with Mark Bell and Jesse Burdick, I have a gained a MUCH greater amount of knowledge AND respect for powerlifting and straight up getting stronger and more explosive. I have many more videos to share regarding last weekend's powerlifting seminar so hang tight for these :) The seminar seriously blew me away and I am still shocked at how many coaches and lifters didn't want to invest their time or money … [Read more...]
Breaking Wimps, Building BEASTS & Hybrid Bodybuilding
If you're not training to become stronger, bigger, faster, leaner, meaner and tougher than yesterday than what the hell are you doing taking up space and breathing in the very air that Gladiators need!? Every day you need to be better than yesterday. … [Read more...]
Strength Coaches Inner Realm: Calm Before the Storm
Martin Rooney and I talk about what life is like as a Strength Coach and give you a preview of what's about to go down with "The Human Crane". Check the video and pay attention.... When I saw Martin box squat 405 for the easy reps it made me re-think and realize the carry over his training has towards his absolute strength. I've seen Martin Bench Press 315 for a solid 6 reps and he weighs around 200 lbs, lean and mean. The regular practice of sprints and bodyweight training have had a … [Read more...]
Episode # 110: The Prowler Challenge
My homeboy Joe DeFranco said this about The Prowler: "This thing has kicked more ass than Randy Couture" How true he is. This workout was nuts. 10 dude blasting away on box squats. Then, as the atmosphere was getting crazier and crazier, I had to unleash the beasts and get them outside, regardless of the cold. They were game, so off we went. I had no predetermined sets or time limit. We would go until someone quit or vomited. Watch and see what or which happens first! Kill … [Read more...]