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...]
5 X 5 Training + Bodyweight Bodybuilding Tips
Yesterday on my IG I shared the above cover and tips on how to use 5 X 5 along with Bodyweight Bodybuilding. Then yesterday afternoon I came across the news that Franco had passed away. It was heartbreaking for me. It hit home for me as Franco and Arnold were heroes to me as a kid. Seeing your hero passing away is crushing. You begin to realize that YOUR time on this earth is also limited. As a kid, I devoured Arnold's Encyclopedia and his Education of a Bodybuilder. Doing so made me … [Read more...]
Wearing A Weightlifting Belt, Changing My Training & Rocky
Remember the days of everyone wearing a weightlifting belt? Even those Valeo velcro belts in pink? No? Ahhhhh, you're too young. Anyway, regardless of your age or experience, wearing a weightlifting belt and learning proper breathing is something you need to know about. Why and when to wear a weightlifting belt? And, why every workout is better when Rocky tunes are pumping through the air. Check it out below. … [Read more...]
10 Minute Mobility MASH For Better Mobility & Bigger Lifts
I have been learning like a madman lately.... actually, since 1989! But lately, the amount of new info I am learning is amazing and inspiring me. I am learning new lifting techniques, new breathing techniques and how to take my health and longevity to the next level. I don't want to end up being "that guy" who used to be fit and strong and is now unable to stand up straight or play with his kids without pain, all because I was too hard headed to learn. You Must Learn Learning is the key … [Read more...]
Iron Roots Podcast Ep. 1 | 5 X 5 Strength Training + The Power of Push Ups
Here's your Underground Strength Challenge for this month along with Iron Roots Podcast episode 1 where I dive into the History behind the 5 x 5 strength training program! It's ALL about the basics in this one, post your comments, weights used, etc in the comments section. I also added The Iron Roots Podcast episode on where The 5 x 5 Strength Training system originated with Reg Park as well as the way Bill Starr implemented 5 x 5 in his book, The Strongest Shall Survive! … [Read more...]
35 Life & Lifting Lessons
Holy S**t! In a few short weeks I'll be 36. Time goes fast. TOO Fast. Here's some stories and lessons I've learned along the way & hopefully you're not too cool to learn from some of these. Anyway, for no reason whatsoever I thought it would be legit to have a pic of Dr. Ken training with an empty bomb to remind you to push the limits :) … [Read more...]
The TRUTH About Bodyweight Workouts
Franco Columbu was a BEAST when it came to pull ups. He cranked them from all angles AND added weight to them. High reps AND low reps. Reminds me of my OLD Bodybuilding training partner.... We almost always began our workouts with chins and progressed to weighted chins. He would build up to chin ups with THREE 45 lb plates strapped to a weight belt! His back was THICK! It freaked people out! Heavy Chins and HEAVY barbell rows were his ticket! Back to the legend of Franco Columbu..... … [Read more...]
Strength BEFORE the Internet
Before the internet, the world of strength and serious bodybuilding was in it's very own little world. A small culture of people who shocked the rest of the world for doing what they did: - Lifting HEAVY and straining the body - Eating like Gladiators - Transforming their body / Growing Muscles that stretched shirts - The ability to perform feats of strength Well, after this weekend's USC Cert, we had a few guys in attendance who were in their 20s and they had never seen the … [Read more...]
There Are NO Secrets
Some say they have secrets for packing on freakish amounts of ripped muscle and insane amounts of strength. The internet is famous for click bait, louring you into something that sounds profound, but in a nut shell is a gimmick. Continue reading if you want the truth. Be warned though, the truth comes hand in hand with WORK! Freak Strength, Brute Strength, Functional Strength & Rugged Muscle - if you want ALL of these traits, then you better Squat and Deadlift. You better fall in love … [Read more...]