If you would have told me 20 years ago that in my 40s I'd be busier than ever, I'd say NO WAY! The fact of the matter is, I AM busier than ever and if you're an adult with a family, then you likely are in the same shoes. I run 2 gyms, train 100-200 athletes every day and most importantly, have 2 kids. I find a way to get my training in so it does not interfere with family time. I train early in the morning or right after taking kids to school. Sometimes, I have 20 minutes. It reminds me … [Read more...]
Rebuilding the Body, Fixing Old Injuries & Always Learning
I remember my left shoulder and right knee feeling the pain by the time I was 16 years old. At the time of this writing, I am 44. Time flies yet I have never stopped training, EVER. What am I to do? Sit home? On the couch? Do that and you literally become the couch. Training must go on. I must continue to learn and evolve. Not just for myself, but for all the athletes I train. Coaching others is a privilege. When an athletes tells me this or that hurts, I ALWAYS have an answer and a solution. … [Read more...]
Full Body Strength & Shoulder Health Tips
First off, the pic above of my thick handle dumbbells needs to be addressed. I feel bad mixing Sports Authority weights with York Dumbbells. I had those plates sitting in a milk crate for ages so I just had to put them to use. I should have picked up all York Plates and I hope the Iron Gods have mercy on me for this rare mistake I've made with weights. Now..... Onto our topic of the day and something I'll address in depth at our Maine Seminar. Shoulder Health. I started … [Read more...]
DESTROYING Your Sensitive Mindset & Choosing STRENGTH in Mind AND Body
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...]
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...]
The Benefits of High Rep Bodyweight Training
After going through my Bodyweight Bodybuilding course for some edits, reviews and updates, I changed up some programming for the athletes at The Underground Strength Gym. 1 of those updates was organizing their extra days with more volume of bodyweight squats. Yes, the simple bodyweight squat! I will post a photo below with that sample "extra day" along with some video footage. So make sure you read the entire article.... Now, almost 20 years ago I recall studying Indian Wrestling … [Read more...]
Getting Back to the Bells’ & Bodyweight Training + Donnie Thompson (SuperD) Inspiration
Here and there I catch myself getting away from training that is more Physical Culture based and end up chasing numbers. Now, there is NOTHING wrong with being Strong. But something was missing for me. I wanted to feel the toughness and challenge of working with circuits / complexes of Kettlebells, Fat Bell, Center Mass Bells. With my shoulder injury some years ago, I limit the overhead work but testing Donnie Thompson's Bow Tie made everything feel fine! … [Read more...]
Potential Is BS, Reality Is The TRUTH
I heard something recently and it has me changing my mind and changing the things I find myself telling others. It has to do with your potential and your actions. I used to view the training and coaching we do at The Underground Strength Gym as the ultimate way to help athletes achieve their TRUE potential. Until I heard a Coach say this..... "I hate that word potential. It's such bull shit. The reality of what you DO is all that really counts. What you DO with your potential is the ultimate … [Read more...]