I'm starting something new, where I Vlog my thoughts and expand on them beyond the typical 2 minute video you see on youtube...... This episode I get fired up when I think about all those who quit strength training in season as athletes. I talk about those who don't vs those who don't. Some gold training advices here, prepare to get fired UP! … [Read more...]
Training to Always Be Ready VS “I Have to Get Ready”
I've been harping on a topic I call "Always Be Ready" for many years now. I began hearing the phrase I have to get ready from people who were interested in training at The Underground Strength Gym many years ago. They would come in with a friend or do a trial and then I'd hear that weak phrase, I have to get ready...... I was thinking to myself, who the hell says that? Why not just be relentless and attack NOW!!?? Who shows up for a trial workout and then doesn't want to ATTACK NOW? … [Read more...]
Fitness Is So Simple It’s Complicated
The photo above is from 1938. That's a pretty impressive physique for about 80 years ago. I am sure his training was ultra basic, what else was there in 1938? I am sure this man's nutrition was basic as well. If I could guess, he did calisthenics, basic gymnastics, basic barbell and dumbbell work and maybe some running? He probably worked full time, did manual labor and worked hard. Of course, the food back then was likely much more different than today. Whole eggs and whole milk were … [Read more...]
They Said “Slow Down, You’re Working Too Hard.” THEY. ARE. WRONG.
Every morning I rise early. Before the dogs went to get out of their own beds. Before the sun has risen. I get the Coffee going for myself and my wife. I begin writing. My writing comes from my inner fire, which I began to recognize in myself as soon as I began lifting weights, circa June of 1989. The emotions that came from training were a mixture of many feelings; Anger, Safety, Confidence, Intensity, Passion, Loneliness, Bonding, Aggression and then some....... The majority of … [Read more...]
Why The Easy Life Breeds Weakness In AND Out of The Gym
After returning from a great vacation, I shared a story with my kids to remind them just how good and easy they have it. And, many times I wonder, is this "easy life" hurting my kids and humans in general? My Dad would take us on "vacations" that included canoeing or rafting. Another "vacation" was fossil hunting after my Dad saw an article in the newspaper about people finding old fossils, so off we went! The Canoe trip was more of a death defying stunt than a "vacation". First off, I … [Read more...]
12 Lessons From A Never Ending Podcast with John Welbourn & Jim Steel
What a day..... What a night..... I left the house at 2:30 PM to drive to Philly to meet up with John Welbourn & Tex from Power Athlete HQ. The original plan was for the guys to finish their seminar at 4 PM but like any passionate coach, you can't stop the freight train of passion when you're on a roll. I believe things came to a close around 5:15 PM. From there, we headed to U Penn to meet up with Jim Steel, the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. I had spoken with Jim many times … [Read more...]
5 Garage Gym Workouts For Strength, Size & Mental Toughness
I began training in my garage during my 5th year as a teacher. Time was of the essence as I was balancing the following: A new teaching position at the Middle School Middle School Wrestling Coach BJJ Training Finishing my MA in Health Education Adjunct Professor at Community College Training! I picked up some odds and ends from newspaper classified ads back then as E Bay didn't even exist yet. I recall driving to Newark to meet someone in a storage depot and I … [Read more...]
Online Training & Coaching
After constant requests to create an online coaching program for athletes and lifters around the world, the time and opportunity is finally here. Instead of wasting time surfing the internet for "the secret to bla bla bla" & BS fads / gimmicks, you will have coaching and access to a proven training system that is being refined day in and day out. The community of athletes and lifters from all around the world are supportive and inspiring to one another. It's a true "team" feel even if … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 51: Viking Manhood Lessons & My Thoughts
In a previous blog post someone mentioned that I MUST read the article by Chad Howse on 'Viking Manhood Lessons'. When I followed the link and read through the article I was fired up. I loved it. It inspired me to lift heavy shit and crush my workout that day. I was inspired to eat more meat and veggies. I was inspired! That's what I do. I find inspiration through many things. I find the good in things, the lessons and ways to improve from what comes across my eyes. Then.... I came across … [Read more...]
“Might As Well Be A Savage” & Thoughts On “Training For Life”
One thing you'll notice about this generation of bodybuilders, LEOs and even athletes..... They are NOT built with that look of strength. They are too concerned with details that don't matter. They want the perfect training program where everything looks perfect. Side raises instead of Military Press. Glute Med isolation instead of SQUATS. Pec Deck instead of Weighted Dips. I recall seeing State Troopers who were 6 ft plus on the regular and looking like they could destroy you with … [Read more...]