It was a Friday and I was feeling inspired to go through a tough training session with an old school feel to it. I dug up some old muscle mags with Chuck Sipes, one of the strongest bodybuilders ever from the 60s. He favored heavy lifting and I have written several articles on Chuck Sipes (Find them HERE). Chuck's home gym is where he trained most of the time. The other times he trained was at his work when he was a Youth Officer for The CYA / California Youth Authority. Chuck had a … [Read more...]
Us vs “Them”
No need to talk to me, I am here to do WORK. Before you even hit the gym, you've already been preparing for that training session. 24 hours in advance..... The day before you made sure your eating was on point. Plenty of protein to fuel yourself, some carbs to make sure the energy is on point because you know you're going to BATTLE it out in the gym today. You got to sleep a bit earlier than normal to ensure when you wake up, you feel READY. You are "mentally warming up" 24 hrs … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Insider Ep. 37 | How to Use Golden Era Bodybuilding Methods / Volume Training to Gain Size & Strength
Volume training was a BIG deal back in the 70s and then it made a comeback in the past 5-8 years. What's old is new again but the truth is, there is a time and place for everything. Who needs volume training and when should volume work be applied? When is the best time to implement volume training and who is best suited for volume work? How can you still train smart when applying volume training compared to the mistakes I made in my younger years by incorrectly applying volume … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Workout For Size & Strength Using The “Ladder Technique”
I've spoken often about using the "ladder technique" with my Bodyweight Bodybuilding training course, but also with Kettlebell Workouts and sometimes with deadlifts as well and had great success. The ladder technique is a powerful way to increase your strength, pack on muscle and if used with an aggressive pace, you will also improve cardio and stimulate fat loss. Here's how I train when using ladders with bodyweight exercises: … [Read more...]
Hunting for a Playground Workout – The End?
I got LUCKY. I Found myself a killa little playground, still in need of finding pull up bars and dip bars that are up HIGH. I've seen these in videos outside of the states & in the suburbs of NYC, I fear there is a conspiracy to keep people weak by removing playgrounds We filmed a TON of footage at this playground for the new Bodyweight Training Course. Now, although I've been cranking LOTS of bodyweight workouts at the playground lately, you might be asking how I train the lower body.... … [Read more...]
The Power Behind Bodyweight Bodybuilding Playground Workouts
I am getting more and MORE hyped on Bodyweight Training. I feel GREAT attacking the calisthenics and with warmer weather especially, it is perfect for training outdoors to rejuvenate mind, body & spirit. The cold is not to be feared either, the Russian athletes often trained outdoors for a warm up and fresh air on a regular basis. You can see it in the Video below as well. I have been hunting for better playgrounds all around NJ since 2002. Sometimes I bring a kettlebell and mix the … [Read more...]
The Power of Deadlifts and Dips
Many say that deadlifts will wreck your back.... True, if you do them wrong. Many say dips will wreck your shoulders.... True, if you do them wrong. … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Bodybuilding Workout – Facts & Fallacies
Some common questions keep coming in regarding the benefits and the proper application of our Bodyweight Bodybuilding Course. I took some time to answer these so feel free to add any questions in the comments and I'll rock them out as well! Bodyweight Bodybuilding QnA 1) Can you use bodyweight exercises for bodybuilding? 2) Can bodyweight training add muscle? In a nut shell, my straight to the point answers are: Hells to the YEA, SON!! I'll explain further more in this video with … [Read more...]
Full Body FREAK Strength Workout, Part II
Let's finish off the Full Body FREAK Strength Workout with some bodyweight circuit training using chains, shall we? Check it out below: Three Rounds of chins, dips and squats. I used 20 lb chains and increased by one chain each set, 20, 40 and 60 lbs total. Finished the night off with ab work and glute ham raises..... lots of glute ham raises! Drop a comment with your thoughts or questions BEASTS! Peace! Lead from the Front! --Z-- PS: Chains are non rust and freaking awesome, get em' from … [Read more...]
How to Build SERIOUS Strength and Old School Strength Secrets
My bruddah Jim Wendler is a strong mofo, no 2 ways about it. I interviewed him for The Underground Strength System and he unleashed info that will transform any weakling into a Beast - ONLY if they put in the work. I NEVER said getting stronger and adding muscle was easy, it's NOT. By the videos below, you can tell Jim KNOWS how to develop a program that builds strength. After you watch the videos, check out what Jim and I spoke about regarding the development of strength and some old school … [Read more...]