Lack of evolution..... Lack of forward progress..... THAT is stressful. Why not climb onward and upward? I know some don't care to change, some are perfectly happy to be exactly where they are, as they are. Something inside of me has me believing BIG time in others but this means nada when too many don't believe in themselves. In turn, you "grow up" and get older..... And, at age 25, 35, 45, 55.... … [Read more...]
The STRONG Life Essence: Live, LIFT, Have FUN & Have PURPOSE
Last night I did a STRONG Life Podcast with my buddy, Joe DeSena, The Founder of The SPARTAN Race. One topic that came to mind was that of having a Purpose in your life. At this time of year, the weather is beautiful and the ocean calls me. The training moves from less inside my gym to more in my garage and anything outdoors, especially surfing, mountain biking and PLAYING. Essentially, I train by the seasons...... If I lived on the West Coast where the weather is warm year round I am sure … [Read more...]
The TRUTH About Success, Excellence & Convenience
Last weekend was a whirlwind of emotions as we had our MOST successful Lift STRONG fundraiser for Leukemia & Lymphoma. Since 2007 when it ALL began, the growth has been amazing! When the reporter asked & said to me, "This is amazing! Almost 100 people here which started with only 12 or 13 people, did you ever think or imagine it would get this big? My answer..... … [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...]
How & Why We MUST Build Tough, Successful People (Including YOU!)
It might seem like I harp on the same topics over and over and over again and there is a Reason for that. The reason is, I do NOT see or come across enough tough people, of ALL ages. I hear lots of complaining, excuses from parents, athletes, coaches, administrators.... I see and hear fear.... Fear of working others too hard, fear of backlash that others will complain if we work them too hard, fear of EXCELLENCE. THAT is the issue. We're afraid of being GREAT and afraid of hurting others' … [Read more...]
14 Powerful High School Strength & Conditioning Tips
There's a lot of confusion out there regarding how high school athletes should be training and in this article I'm going to clear a lot of the BS up. For the highly motivated you can and should invest in your knowledge through my Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning and through my 16 week online program, High School STRONG. You might be angry already saying, "WTF Zach, first thing you do is tell me to buy something!!!???" My answer: NO. The First thing I tell you to do is … [Read more...]
You Gotta Have PASSION! I Don’t Care What “Experts” Say!
I've seen some books out there and "experts" telling you NOT to follow your passion. They say it's Not what is always "best for business". SOME people CAN live without pursuing passion. They are fired up about the $$$ in their bank account first & foremost. They don't give a hoot if their following their passion. I get that. I understand. BUT, I will NEVER understand the lack of passion when it comes to being a Coach for ANY sport. You MUST have passion. If you don't believe in what you … [Read more...]
The Problem With Strength Training Advice On The Internet
Here's a little news flash that will hurt many people's feelings: Just because you see it on YouTube doesn't mean it's what ALWAYS happens in that person's training. Just because the guy behind the camera is ripped doesn't mean he knows more about training than the other Coach. The internet has given us opportunity to learn as much as we want, not all of it good and not all of it accurate. The opposite holds true as well, there is some amazing and powerful information out there that was once … [Read more...]
Winning Is MORE Important Than Being Politically Correct
Above, Thanksgiving Morning at The Edison, NJ Underground Strength Gym. No Apologies for Having High Expectations for These Athletes In Sports AND In Life. _________ Success is NOT an accident. The encouragement to "outwork the competition" is no longer OK. It is not politically correct. Hard work will offend people, even if they don't actually do the work, they are offended when you tell the truth and say, "You're lazy, work harder and stop sucking." This is the new era where people are … [Read more...]
Are You A Dangerous Man? SPARTAN Workouts & SPARTAN Mindset
To develop a Spartan Mindset, an indomitable spirit, you must challenge yourself through Spartan Workouts. You must train AND live in a way that keeps you dangerous, in your own mind and in the mind of others. This is a Lifestyle, a way of life, NOT just a Spartan workout where you push yourself for an hour and then never apply these lessons to your life. The ultimate mistake is living your entire life in comfort. In turn, you become something that must be avoided your entire life: It … [Read more...]