If you read my Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning you KNOW I have a HUGE regret, which is that of NOT knowing what weightlifting was back in 1989 when "Andre The Giant" made me cry. I could have had the opportunity to learn weightlifting from 1 of the best from that time. Andre did his own thing while everyone else did a circuit of lat pulldowns, leg extensions, tricep push downs, etc. Andre was in the corner with his squat rack, attacking his barbell with a ferocious … [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...]
Barefoot Warrior & Pit Bull Workouts
Undergrounder Strength Nation.... Let's DO this! I hope you had a powerful day yesterday..... I had MANY obstacles to overcome yesterday as the past few days have been tough and the stress was mounting. Was it easy? NO Did I get it done? … [Read more...]
Holiday Workout – BEAST Mode
So, the holidays are here and you might be thinking THIS is the time and excuse to be a fat bastard. Hells to the NO, Kids! Here is your time crunched, holiday workout. You can hit several of these all week through this hectic time of year. Crank this simple formula that I LOVE to use: Beginner / Intermediates can crank a 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 rep scheme Advanced Lifters go Prison Style: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6.....1 The set up for exercises and program design are simple. I prefer to do a … [Read more...]
YOU vs You
After spending time with Coach Reeve and Coach Istvan Javorek over the weekend while speaking at The NC State Strength Coaches Clinic we spent lots of time speaking about athletes who overcame adversity. Coach Reeve & Coach Javorek have so many stories and memories of athletes it is awe inspiring. I've seen my fair share but my experience pales in comparison compared to these two Gentlemen. Of course, we spoke of wrestlers and olympic weightlifters the most :) These stories of … [Read more...]
Old School Strongman Sandbag Workout, Part II
Here is Part II of my Old School Strength Inspired Sandbag Workout. Part I, was inspired by The Mighty Hermann Goerner. Part II, still inspired by Hermann Goerner, but also inspired by Coach Ethan Reeve. Coach Reeve told me about a workout he did several years ago when I was down in North Carolina to speak at The NC State Strength Coaches Clinic. He did 100 D Ball sandball shouldering reps for BEST time. Coach Reeve was performing "Density Training" back in the early 70's when he … [Read more...]
Old School Sandbag Workout for BAD MoFos, Density Style
About one year ago you may remember me posting a video and article inspired by the Great Strongman, Hermann Goerner and I gave a little taste of his Kettlebell Chain. Well, now things are the same AND different..... Enter The Sandbag Chain..... NOT for the weak of mind or heart, check it out and get after it. … [Read more...]
Crossfit Football, Teen Athletes, Heavy MetCons & Farm Boy Strength
As you know, last Saturday was 9-11. I drove up to Ct to meet with John Welbourn, former NFL athlete and creator of CrossFit Football. I remember 9-11-01 as if it were this morning. I was a 4th year Phys. Ed. teacher and the librarian was listening to the morning news, as she always did. They were unsure of what happened (the news that is) and thought perhaps two planes collided. Parents were picking up kids early from school and the panic was felt everywhere. I spent my afternoon at the park … [Read more...]
The Art of Brute Strength & Packin’ on Muscle
Is there truly an ART or a Science to getting strong as hell? Hmmmmm...... Ask Louie Simmons and he will say yes, Jim Wendler will also drop his genius with his 5/3/1 program, allowing him to keep getting stronger....and STRONGER. But, when in doubt, just lift heavy shit with PROPER technique. You can do high sets and low reps such as 12 x 2 reps OR.... try Hellish set - rep paramaters like 5 x 10 on movements such as the Barbell Clean & Jerk, Deadlifts, Kettlebell Snatch, … [Read more...]
Mark Rippetoe Interview on Building Functional Muscle & Brute Strength
Enjoy the audio interrogation with Coach Mark Rippetoe. Apologies for the little static during the first 2 minutes but it clears up after the 2 minute mark. Have mercy on me as my office is out of a military back pack since moving out and awaiting for our new home to be ready and I don't have a land line :) Regardless....The information in this interview is Golden and make sure you READ the article linked below. It is what I would call EPIC!!". … [Read more...]