MANY years ago I got my hands on a book titled The Way to Live. I loved the book. It was so simple yet so powerful. I was training athletes from my garage back then and I was already tired of the poser, fake BS in the "fitness industry". I read this book about George Hackenschmidt aka The Russian Lion and damn, he was an animal. He was using basic dumbbell and barbell lifts, his nutrition and sleep / lifestyle habits were also basic. But his results were world class. … [Read more...]
The Hatfield Squat & Why You Should Know & Learn From The Old School Strength Books
Do you know who wrote the book Super Squats? - Do you know what THE Super Squats training program looks like? - What about The GOMAD diet? What about Reg Park & the 5 x 5 method? - Have you read Arnold's Education of a Bodybuilder? Dr. Ken? What about Keys to Progress by John McCallum? … [Read more...]
Zach’s “30 Years of Strength Training” Anniversary Sale!!
SALE ENDS FRIDAY, JUNE 22nd at 5 PM EST You Will Get 30% Off These Courses Using the Code "30years" at Check Out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywLCKHnXSfI The Underground Strength & Performance System The Bodyweight Bodybuilding System Operation Thunder: The Warehouse Gym Project Strength Coach Business Spectrum The Russian Lion Power Course The Gladiator Project Wrestling Workouts That WIN! Online Training with Zach / Gladiator … [Read more...]
Strength Training Wisdom from Arthur Saxon & Old School Strength
Words of Wisdom from Arthur Saxon..... "If a man seriously proposes to go in for lifting heavy weights, he should make a point of practicing certain lifts every day. This daily practice is essential to the achievement of any real success." -Arthur Saxon I'd like to share with you some words of wisdom in the ways of old school strength, or what Arthur Saxon coins, "Genuine Strength" Here is my take on old school strength, greatly influenced by Arthur Saxon and George "The Russian … [Read more...]
The Story Of A Wimp Who Attacked Life
“The frequent employment of one’s will power masters all organs of movement and trains them to perform feats which otherwise would have been difficult, painful, and even impossible. The man becomes independent and self reliant; He will never be a coward, and, when real danger threatens, he is the one who is looked up to by others. The knowledge of one’s strength entails a real mastery over oneself; it breeds energy and courage, helps one over the most difficult tasks of life, and … [Read more...]
George Hackenschmidt, The Russian Lion – Wisdom From 1908
In 1908, the book 'The Way to Live' was released. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: "It is a well known fact that the majority of men today are relatively weak, whereas the struggle for existence demands now more than at any previous epoch that we should all be strong!" I assume back then, MANY thought George Hackenschmidt, aka The Russian Lion, was crazy, strange and weird.... you know, all the good words people tend to use when describing anyone who isn't fitting in with … [Read more...]
Stories of Vintage Bodybuilding & Strength Training, Part I
I had a GREAT time as always at Skiba's Barbell Club in Carteret, NJ. I was lucky to chat with Skiba's long time friend and vintage strength historian, Ray Anderson. This is part I of a 2 part interview so please stay tuned for part II. Feel free to leave your comments and questions below. ENJOY! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyGQeJkSeQ4 I always get fired up just thinking about WHO used the old equipment and just how strong they were. I NEVER knew Coney Island had their own … [Read more...]
Episode # 139: Vintage York Barbell Gym Tour, Part II
Woops, almost forgot about this BEAUTY thanks to my insane schedule :) Check out this beautiful vintage gym in a south jersey basement. I snagged about 600 lbs of vintage strength weights from this gentleman. I need to clean them up a tad and my son will be getting 4 or 5 VERY vintage York barbells for him to use. Could there be anything more amazing than some old york weights in your hands? OK, never mind, don't answer that question. Anyway, check this amazing video, and if you love … [Read more...]
Episode # 108: My Favorite Strength & Conditioning Books
I get asked all the time, so, here is part 1 of a 2 part series....maybe 3 part, who knows :) There is MORE to come.... Stay tuned :) For now, you have seen: Goerner the Mighty (check E Bay) Secrets of Soviet Sports & Fitness Training … [Read more...]
Old School Strength Training Rules, Period!
Today I was about to close up shop at the gym until an old friend strolled in to wish me a happy birthday. Johnny and I competed against each other in the 1995 Teenage Mr. NJ! That was a loooong time ago. We both competed in the middleweight division which means we were under 176 lbs! Johnny showed up today weighing 250 and looking lean and mean. Me? I think I'm hovering near 220. We spoke about his current regime of heavy squats, heavy deads, heavy military pressing, 120 lb dumbbell hammer … [Read more...]