My buddy Sean lived up the street from me and we were friends since 3rd grade when his elementary school closed down and joined my elementary school. Back then, the town we lived in wasn't so populated so our school district sold 2 elementary schools and consolidated their costs. Sean was a multi sport athlete; Football, Wrestling, Basketball and Baseball. His Dad had him in every sport as a kid. We would get to school 20 minutes early to play Football and Basketball. Sean was the first kid … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Squats Can Cure The All Too Common Complaining Syndrome
Does that person REALLY need to complain about ________? The answer? Probably not. What good does complaining REALLY do for anyone? Any time somebody complains to me about something that has NOTHING to do with them and matter of fact doesn't hurt them or anyone else, all I can think to myself is..... If this person would experience some struggles, like some 20 rep gut check squats, they would be minding own business! … [Read more...]
Iron Memories & Lessons Learned From Gyms & Weight Rooms
I've been going back to my favorite books and magazines a lot lately, the stuff I grew up on from the late 80s and early 90s (Arnold's Books) along with the stuff I missed out on (The Strength Magazines of the 70s and prior). Man, that information was and still is awe-inspiring, I am saving it all with hopes that my son takes to it as I did, the memories of staying up way past midnight to read the old books, the stories told, the black & white photos and magazines is something kids today … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep 38: Simple Strength, Dr. Ken & Jim Wendler
The other day I got an awesome text message from Jim Wendler. Jim's text messages are awesome to the effect that you feel like you just read a new book even though it's only a text. Note: Make your text messages awesome! Jim always reminds me to stick to the basics, keep getting stronger and to live a simple life. These are the 3 topics we tend to chat about often. We text each other randomly about life and lifting. Jim pulls no punches and tells you the truth, I always respect and appreciate … [Read more...]
Does The Bench Press REALLY Matter?
[youtube width="640" height="360"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz6qKsWVA7U[/youtube] I train a high school Football Player / Wrestler who broke his hand / wrist in 8th grade. Now, he's a sophomore and strong as hell (naturally :). After his hand and wrist were fixed via surgery, it wasn't quite fixed. Ironic, right? Benching and holding horizontal weights in the hands is tough, the wrist deviates big time & causes pain no matter how strong we work the hands, wrist, grip, etc. … [Read more...]
Underground Home Gym
Above, Dr. Ken Leistner working on his garage gym, a place known for EPIC workouts, rain or shine, brutal temps irrelevant. It was REALLY tempting to find a way to make my Underground Home Gym a bit more cozy.... warmer..... nicer... a sound system to crank heavy tunes on..... But, as the saying goes, give them an inch and they'll run a mile with it. I said to myself, "NO." Make it tougher to train in, more Uncomfortable than comfortable.... NO excuses. It's cold in my garage, I bundle up … [Read more...]
Short On Time Workouts
Sometimes, time just ain't on your side. You have two choices when this happens: 1) Skip your workout and come back the next time. More often than not, your excuse will NOT be valid, it will only validate the fact that you're an excuse maker and did NOT act on opportunity when opportunity presented itself to you. You contribute to the pussification of Man kind here and it's suggested you avoid this at ALL costs. 2) Lock down your workout and attack with only 1 or 2 … [Read more...]
Episode # 107: Dr. Ken Leistner Inspires Again!
Short and sweet. Heavy weight, low reps. Strength is a skill. Time to go to school kids! [youtube width="640" height="390"]http://youtu.be/_roexhEnV0c[/youtube] I am having more fun than ever with my training, even after 20 years under the iron.... Got thoughts or questions, post em' below baby, I wanna hear it! You dig that Rocky, eh mate? Kill it! --Coach Z-- PS: Will you be the next Underground Strength Coach to start kicking ass and doing what you love? If you … [Read more...]
Episode # 106: Dr. Ken Leistner Inspiration, Part II
Rules? What rules? F**K the rules! Sometimes you gotta throw good ol' science out the window and go with your gut instincts. For me, that means heavy training, having Fun, and Heavy training :) At 33 years young, after 20 years in the iron game, I am STILL learning and man do I feel like there are times when I have just started in te iron game because of how much I learn. Keep your mind open and fear not the road less traveled. Kill it! --Coach Z-- PS: Time is running out...space is … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Show Ep. 104: Inspiration from Dr. Ken
I'm a BIG fan of the good ol' days when strength was a priority. When strength is your goal you have no problems putting on size. Squats were ass to grass and deadlifts were common place. Today, everyone says they have "bulging discs" and have more excuses than ever before. The bodybuilders of The Golden Era didn't just look strong, they were strong. They walked the talk. It wasn't chemical warfare back then, it was HARD WORK. I snagged myself a dozen or so old school bodybuilding … [Read more...]