Above, The INTEK MODF Trap Bar! This blog post is an excerpt from my short morning emails that go out via The STRONG Life Newsletter. I must admit, holiday shopping will kick your a**. I am in shock at how people behave and hurt others with zero consideration. I feel like I need a "deload" after shopping yesterday. About 2 weeks ago I shared some tips on my birthday and received a lot of great feedback. I believe it was 32 tips. Today, I share some random thoughts on Mondays, … [Read more...]
317: Deep Squats, Deep Thoughts & Intense Lessons Learned from the Gym
STRONG Life Podcast ep 317 Deep Squats, Deep Thoughts & Intense Lessons Learned from the Gym. ** WARNING: This episode is NOT WFS.** There is Intense language in this episode, you have been warned! In this episode I share & discuss the following topics and stories: … [Read more...]
10 Strength & Conditioning Lessons Learned Since 1995
Time flies. Been at this Strength & Conditioning / Coaching full time for 20 years now. Started coaching in 95! Here's 10 things I've learned in the past 27 years of coaching: … [Read more...]
Got Squats?
Here's a compilation of squat workouts and videos from The Underground. Throw some weight on your back or somewhere on your body, KIDS! Take a minute and drop your thoughts or comments below! In Strength, -Z- Recommended Resource: The Gladiator Experiment … [Read more...]
How to Squat: DEEP Squats and Dinosaurs – Are BOTH Extinct?
Walk into a typical high school weight room and you'll see a 1 rep max test on the squat every month. Typically, you'll see kids hitting 315 to 495 on the squat. Kids that weigh 185 lbs are doing this, some weight 135 lbs and squat 315. Amazing. On the bar is a THICK Pad to cushion the back. The thick pad replaces the need to build up the traps. After all, who needs a set of BIG, thick traps to support the neck and reduce chances of neck injuries while playing football? Perhaps you'll … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Forever: 3 Lessons to Lift & Learn More
After training for so many years (decades) since 1989, there is one thing about me that will simply NEVER die. I'm ALL about the iron. It doesn't matter what shape or size the weights are, I don't discriminate, I just love to lift. I get better with age, and the reason being is because I ALWAYS Lift and I ALWAYS Learn. I have found MANY people are simply close minded. They don't want to learn. They always respond, But this is how I've / we've always done _________ (fill in the … [Read more...]
No Respect for Basic Strength Training? Lift in the Garage
I have had some interesting conversations with Jim Wendler. One in particular struck a chord with me quite heavily. In fact, it has helped mold a process I use at my gym when training new athletes. Jim and I spoke about the lack of respect for the weights nowadays, specifically by those who spend too much time on the internet and at these fancy gyms. I see how kids casually skip workouts that their parents pay for without a care in the world. I see how countless high school athletes don’t … [Read more...]
Endless Lessons Learned from The Underground aka “Old School” Bodybuilding & Strength Training Methods
In the 50s and 60s, strength sports were a small "Underground" cult. Even in the 70s. Until Arnold hit the big screen, bodybuilding and literally building your body was viewed as something only a narcissist would do. Today, of course, being strong, fit and healthy is viewed as "normal". I have been getting back to my roots lately, even with my time crunched workouts, I'm hitting the underground bodybuilding methods and it's paying off big time. When I use the term "Underground", those early … [Read more...]