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...]
Integrity…. Got Some?
It's the year 2011 and I NEVER make New Year's Resolutions, I ALWAYS resolve to do things NOW. I'm an action oriented guy, waiting for the perfect time does nothing. But, ONE thing I am careful with is who I contribute my work to and who I associate myself with. The lack of integrity that I have come across has bothered me, and NO, I will not harp on it, this is just me giving a rant that for those who read my blog, I hope you continue to live your life with passion and integrity. Feel free to … [Read more...]
The Art of Living
I receive countless e mails asking me how I get so much done without fail. How I balance my business with family life, lifting, answering e mails, vacations, and more? I'm also starting a NEW business (On the DL for now) and just bought a new house. I do my best to answer in the video below. If you have good stuff to add about YOUR 'Art of Living', feel free to drop a line! Peace --Z-- PS: This is perhaps the BIGGEST success that comes from attending The Underground Strength Coach … [Read more...]
Do You Walk the Talk?
You've heard the saying before, haven't you? "Walk the talk, Don't talk the Walk" I first heard this when I was a young kid, watching that OLD show, American Muscle Magazine. A bodybuilder named Mike Quinn always said it. Dave Tate calls this "Getting under the bar." In a nutshell, you HAVE to represent what YOU tell others to do. That means look the part and perform the part. Don't let yourself slip. It means doing "THE thing" when no one else is watching. You can only lead from the front. If … [Read more...]