STRONG Life Podcast ep. 170 with Luke and Tex from Power Athlete HQ as we tackle, in depth, the topic of "brace your core". It's time to Get your learn on! I have always said, the art of coaching has MANY subtleties that are difficult to teach. It's so simple it's complicated. I began coaching others, we can say, as early as high school. When I had training partners, they all let me guide the training. I coached them up on technique, motivation, weight selection, changes on the fly … [Read more...]
A Letter to My YOUNGER (Athlete) Self With 17 Strength Training & Life Tips
This letter isn't about holding on to the past or living in the past. Knowing and learning from mistakes is crucial. The opportunity to share with others to help them achieve more Success, to avoid my mistakes & to be inspired to improve themselves is the goal. It's a simple hope that a middle or high school athletes comes across this post, sees my mistakes, my tips on life and lifting and ultimately, puts these tips to use. Heck, I hope a college athlete sees this. Maybe a college … [Read more...]
Former Navy SEAL, Jake Zweig On Dominating LIFE, Pursuing Excellence & Being Relentless
It's been a while since I've had someone on the other end of the mic for a STRONG Life Podcast. In Episode 67, Former Navy SEAL Jake Zweig joins me. Jake's long list of accomplishments go on and on, yet he's STILL living life full steam ahead and pursuing excellence. How? Why? Why not kick back on the couch and talk about the "good ol' days"? Why not Talk about the TV shows you've been on and be satisfied? Jake shares his story from his upbringing as a kid all the way to his current days … [Read more...]
STRONGCast # 12: Tommy Hackenbruck, CrossFit Training & Mental Toughness for LIFE
STRONGCast # 12 with someone I REALLY admire. He's a BEAST in Life AND Lifting. He's gone through SEAL Fit Kokoro 2 x and runs multiple CrossFit Gyms. He's humble and let's his actions speak for themselves. The man, Tommy Hackenbruck gives us an inside look into what it takes to be part of the 2 x CrossFit Team Affiliate Champs, running multiple gyms, being a father and staying mentally tough through it all. Enjoy the show! … [Read more...]
Another One Bites the Dust….from Bodyweight Training!
In a way I am shocked yet on the flip side, NOT so shocked. Last week we had 3 different athletes throw up, simply from TWO bodyweight exercises, both of which are in Bodyweight University. It was the first 10 minutes of the workout nonetheless. The problem is, I have high expectations, or maybe not, you tell me when you post your comment. There are FAR too many athletes, even high level athletes, who can not handle even the simplest workout using bodyweight exercises. Last week … [Read more...]
Episode # 130: Training with Sandbags, Powerlifting and Bodyweight
Everything is just a tool. The barbell will always be the King of the weight room, but man do I LOVE heavy dumbbell work. Heavy sandbag training is awesome as well. Explosive bodyweight drills can't be denied either. Check out one of our athletes, CJ Hart, 16 years young, a Football Player and Wrestler. Box Squat 385 x 2 (barefoot) 130 lb Sandbag Clean & Press x 6 easy reps Pull Ups on Steel Beam for the added grip strength challenge I have mentioned many times before about those … [Read more...]
Episode # 114: Just Another Warehouse Gym?
Watch as I take a trip to the north side of the dirty Jerzee, up to Joe DeFranco's warehouse gym. Not your typical warehouse gym. Thought's on what you've just seen? Post them below. Want to hear how Joe D trains his athletes and kills it? Click HERE. I witnessed college Football players thick bar benching 400 + lbs. I would listen to the Dude if I were you. Kill it! --Z-- … [Read more...]
Coach Ethan Reeve Interview
"All the problems of the world could be settled easily if men were only willing to think. The trouble is that men very often resort to all sorts of devices in order not to think, because thinking is such hard work." ~ Thomas J. Watson Wow, look what I dug up! Years ago, I had the opportunity to e mail Coach Ethan Reeve, one of my mentors, and he dished out some of the most insanely powerful training information. Here it is, once again, for your reading pleasure. Grab some coffee … [Read more...]
Episode # 79: Louisville vs The Prowler
There is more to come from this FUN, FUN day! Come on, when do you see atmosphere like this? BTW, dig my PR at 150 lb 1 arm rows on that OLD globe dumbbell....and, I almost sold my life to get that 150 lb globe dumbbell, you would die laughing if I told you the story! Check out what happens below, Louisville vs The Prowler of Death.... as Joe DeFranco said, that things has kicked more ass than Randy Couture! These dudes know how to work! Whatcha think of the vid? Did you see the stains … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Show # 14 – The DeFranco Record Board & Gym Tour
After I make the record board check out this rockin' gym tour and an inside look from none other than Joe D, a first time video tour of his pad! How ironic....years ago I was paying Joe D for a consult, today, we're good friends and I'm on the record board. I took action, what action steps are you taking to kick ass? Let's hear it in the comments below! --Coach Z-- PS - Time is running out to get into the November 1st and 2nd USC Certification. Who wants to Kill it? If you do, e mail me! … [Read more...]