MANY years ago (2005 or 2006) I took a trip to the prison where the movie Lock Up was filmed with Sly Stallone. I wanted to learn how the inmates trained. In a nut shell, I was hungry to learn from anyone who was strong, fast and powerful. I had seen a documentary on how inmates are training every day and I found out a friend of mine had a family member who was a LT working with "The Lifers". This friend of mine introduced me to her Dad who was open to bringing me in to chat with these guys … [Read more...]
The Power Of Calisthenics & Convict Conditioning Inspiration
Above, Kyle and Cory Markovitch who train at The Underground Strength Gym hit the 1,000 Pul Up Club before Wrestling Season ended. GREAT kids with GREAT work ethic! BOTH were state qualifiers during their time as NJ High School Wrestlers for Cranford High School. __________ The power behind bodyweight training is tremendous. Not enough athletes and coaches give bodyweight training enough respect. It hit me the hardest as to WHY it's so important when I had a Football Player unable to do … [Read more...]
Another Convict Conditioning QnA
Photo Above, from Convict Conditioning Book, by Paul Wade __________________ Hey Coach- I'm a 16 year old sophomore out of Dallas, TX, a varsity football player and wrestler. I've been a proud Undergrounder since the Summer after my freshman year, and I can't begin to tell you what incredible results I've gotten from performing simple, ground based barbell movements mixed with some light strongman work (sandbag stuff, mostly) has done for my athletic career. The UTM taught me how to program … [Read more...]
Convict Conditioning QnA & The Warrior Mindset
Here's a question I got in the e mail box regarding Convict Conditioning. Check it below: Hey Coach, I'm a 31 yr old FF. I recently bought Convict Conditioning and was blown away. I've always done bodyweight exercises to stay in shape. Lots of pullups and pushups and Squats. Used weight vests, TRX, perfect pushups, etc. I started following Coach Wade's methods and was quickly humbled. My pull up form sucks, my range of motion on my pushups is horrible. Both max numbers for each … [Read more...]
2 Critical Program Design Tips, Identifying “Dangerous” Exercises & Knowing Your Enemy
Remember that OLD school tune with Rage Against the Machine, "Know the Enemy"? Yep, Yep... well, with training, it's the same difference. After training for 22 years I am still learning more and more about my body, sometimes, ya gotta learn the HARD way. The other day I saw a video of Louie Simmons hitting rack pulls, I was inspired, and decided I too, need to do rack pulls. Problem is, I've been injured on this exercise before, even with light weights well below my max on rack pulls. Like … [Read more...]
Bodyweight BEAST Workout, Part II
A recap of this Bodyweight BEAST Workout: 8 Rounds A) 10 reps of any bodyweight pulling movement B) 10 reps of any bodyweight pushing movement C) 5 reps of 30" box jumps I see my workouts on video and I am NEVER satisfied, NEVER impressed with myself. This is the journey of life and training, always climbing my personal Mt. Everest. My workouts MUST challenge me both mentally AND physically. I'm recommending you do the same, it's the only way you can REALLY grow as a person. If your … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Workout for Strength AND Power
I primarily use bodyweight training for strength AND power. Here and there, conditioning circuits as well, using faster, more explosive bouts. I also like to perform bodyweight training for warm ups. High reps get the mind and body working together, the joints get lubricated and all around this keeps you young. In a nut shell, you just can't go wrong with bodyweight training. Nobody can stop you from doing the basics of squats, push ups, pull ups and sprints. I mentioned something in a … [Read more...]
Top 10 Bodyweight Exercises Making You a TRUE Beast!
Lifting BIG weights feels awesome and there is NO denying that being a BEAST under a Barbell is critical for strength. You just can't deny squats, deadlifts, cleans, military pressing and the bench press. But.... Sometimes, the barbell just doesn't fit your needs anymore. Sometimes, your body craves the need for strength with JUST your own body. Sometimes, you get strong under a bar but can't move athletically otherwise. Enter Bodyweight Training for developing lean muscle mass and … [Read more...]