It had been close to 20 years since I had seen Dave Tate. I believe the last time we were together was during a seminar at Joe DeFranco's or possibly a seminar in Pittsburgh that Dave organized and those were around the years of 2005 or so. To say this trip was good for the soul would be an understatement. Dave and EliteFTS changed my life. When I tore my ACL and went through rehab I began researching the web for the training of Russian Wrestlers. In my research, I came across EliteFTS and … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Podcast Ep 300: RAW & Uncensored. From the HEART.
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 300 Brought to you by https://Sorinex.com and http://ZachStrength.com This is a RAW podcast. Cursing and Truth Bombs, so do NOT listen if you're sensitive. This episode was originally NOT planned as a podcast, it was a QnA for https://UndergroundStrengthCoach.com But, it's important to share and put it out there as I discuss reducing the time I put into the online business based on my experiences and assessing the best use of my time. Again, this is a RAW … [Read more...]
248 | Dr. Ken Kinakin on “Old School” Bodybuilding, Powerlifting & Strength Lessons from the BEST
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 248 with Dr. Ken Kinakin, founder of The SWIS Symposium. This was a GREAT time as we dug into the start of Dr. Kinakin's training experiences going back to the 70s and 80s, and then creating The SWIS Symposium in the late 90s and STILL going strong to this day. More Details on SWIS are HERE. We dive into MANY topics such as: … [Read more...]
6 Reasons Why Your Training Program is Failing
I am always learning. I find podcasts or articles, even old books from decades ago to see how the "What's old is new" philosophy can help me become a better coach & lifter. Recently, I have been listening to an interview with Dave Tate & JM Blakley. I will share the video below as it's over 3 hours long. I listen to the interview while driving. And the 1 part that hit home for me was when JM said that we are not all that different. We like to THINK we're so different and that we all … [Read more...]
Passion & The Utter Disdain for Anything Less Than Excellence
When I talk about passion, it's hard to not think about Tom Platz! And of course, who was a BIG inspiration to Tom? It was none other than Dr. Squat himself, Fred Hatfield! Most people will never understand Platz's intensity (insanity) in his training but to me, it ALL makes sense. When I was a teenager and in my early 20s, before smart phones were around and the ability to film my training happened, I trained "crazy". But, I could NOT hold myself back. I couldn't stop myself. I HAD to … [Read more...]
Results VS Excuses & The Underground Strength Gym Birthday – EST. 2002
I just came across a photo on my Facebook that was 7 years old. It brought back some serious memories when I saw that photo, below! I shared this article below with the members of The Underground Strength Gym and I want to share it with you to give you some back story on The Underground Strength Gym, the struggles it took to make it happen and how every "over night success story" often has a 10 year history at the least. The reason to share with you is so you see the WORK it takes to get … [Read more...]
The Best Squat Shoes?
~ THE SQUAT POEM ~ My e mails and social media messages are being taken over by questions that have LESS to do with what it takes to be strong and more to do with the shoes one should be wearing, the best belt, etc. I've had people walk into my gym who looked like they NEVER lifted a day in their life and asked me what "training system are you using? Conjugate or linear periodization?" The WRONG questions are being asked. The short cuts, fads and gimmicks are being chased. Yet there is 1 … [Read more...]
Men Need To Start Being MEN Again!
It's amazing, yet it never ceases to amaze me. Interesting and ironic at the same time. But seriously, WTF is going on with men nowadays? The intensity is gone, the gossip is like a group of women, the weakness of mind and body is at an all time high and the excuses just don't stop coming. My thoughts explained..... Don't move forward if you're a sensitive cry baby contributing to the Pussification of American … [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...]
Don’t Get Stuck Being Strong AND Useless
In a recent interview I was listening to between Mike Robertson and NFL Strength Coach Joe "House" Kenn, Joe was asked an interesting question. He was asked what he would like to see more of AND what he wishes he focused on in his younger years. His answer was...... MORE Bodyweight Training, More Playground Workouts and the ability to Move your Own Bodyweight. I've personally deadlifted over 500 lbs, squatted 455 for reps, benched over 300 lbs and at 220 lbs can perform 25 pull ups … [Read more...]