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...]
5 X 5 Powerlifting & Push Ups
Here's your Underground Strength Challenge for this month....... It's ALL about the basics in this one, post your comments, weights used, etc in the comments section. … [Read more...]
35 Life & Lifting Lessons
Shit! 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 :) 1) I remember when I was 7 years old and racing big wheels with my friends down the hill and smashing into garbage cans. That was FUN. As we get older in age … [Read more...]
Brutal Barbell Basics & BEAST Mode
I am fired UP! Just got my gym equipment for the garage and already cranked a minimalist workout using ONLY a barbell as I haven't set up my rack just yet. What did I get, you ask? Nothing but the basics... - Westside Power Rack - Olympic Bar - LOTS of bumper plates (gotta make sure the kids don't get hurt :) I already have a climbing rope and rings, as well as a sled, power wheel and some other goodies. But the garage is reserved for old school work, nothing else will … [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. Continue reading if you want the truth. Freak Strength, Brute Strength, Functional Strength & Rugged Muscle - if you want ALL of these traits, then you better Squat and Deadlift. I've been using these terms for well over a decade now and I'm sure you see other Coaches trying to be market savvy using the same words with their training courses. These words came about with me countless … [Read more...]