With my hectic schedule I am going through some short training sessions, around 15-20 minutes a clip. Sometimes I get 2 mini sessions a day and instead of complaining, I simply get it done. Announcing how tired or busy I am is a waste of time. Nobody cares, including myself. I despise even my own excuses. While at school where I coach, I might go through 3-4 exercises as a circuit of 3 - 4 rounds. I've used bodyweight, kettlebells, fat bells and some basic machines (perhaps a lat pulldown or … [Read more...]
234 | John Brookfield on Longevity & Strength Training as we “Get Older”
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 234. GREAT times chatting with John Brookfield, who is known for all of his work on hand / grip strength as well as being the CREATOR of Battle Ropes. This episode was all about training for health & longevity. John is 61 years young, NO injuries and still pulling HUGE trucks, runs and walks the trails barefoot, goes out for distance rides on his MTN Bike and much more. At age 61, I want to be pulling trucks and running the trails barefoot. This will fire … [Read more...]
The BEST Grip Strength Exercises for Bone Crushin’ Hands
I've always been a BIG fan of Grip Strength and the countless benefits that come with bone crushing hand strength and jacked up forearms. My Saying Has Always Been This: Weak Hands = A Weak Man Here's my advice on how you can start transforming your skinny forearms and weak hands into bone crushing vise grips. See the videos below and then take action. NOTHING happens until you put in the sweat equity..... … [Read more...]
Strongman Training for SERIOUS Muscle & Strength
I love the barbell and all free weights. But there is something powerful, beyond the strength benefits, about training with odd objects. The mental toughness, the commitment to finish the struggling rep and the attitude required to fight through is unique to strongman training and odd objects. That being said. Not everyone is ready for this style of training. I explain below.... … [Read more...]
My Vintage York Barbell Gym Tour
I snagged a recent e bay auction with 600 lbs of vintage weights from York Barbell, Wonder Barbell, Jackson Barbell and Heathway Barbell. Little did I know this gentleman (who's identity can not be identified) had a BEAUTFUL Vintage York Barbell Gym in his basement. It was also cool AND ironic to see all the York Blobs he was selling on e bay and 1 of them was won by none other than the Grip King himself, Richard Sorin. It was ironic because I had JUST spoken with Richard by phone … [Read more...]
TEST Your Muscles & Grip Strength with Strongman Training & Arm Wrestling
Above, The Manasquan Underground Strength Gym. I have mentioned this before, and in my last post, where many of you commented on your favorite exercises being "Ground Based". We're on the same page. I've been on the other side of the map myself, when I was a high school wrestler, using every machine in the gym, lying down, sitting down, smith machines, etc. That training had me looking like a fitness model and performing sub par. There are tremendous strength benefits that come from … [Read more...]
Episode # 81: Grip Strength Mania!
Wow, on my birthday, an old friend and a BEAST, Johnny Wasiscko stopped by the gym to say Happy B Day. I asked him what's new & he said preppin' for strongman comps and the Arnold Grip Contest.... It was the day before the Lost Secrets of Strength Development, so, I said sh*t, let's train and kill it w/a grip contest. This got wild and we really got carried away breaking all the rules and doing everything that made NO sense at all! These are the best and funnest workouts! Enjoy and post … [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...]
New Grip Strength Video & Article!
Check out the latest article on grip and hand strength training: ==> http://www.straighttothebar.com/2008/11/grip_strength_where_is_it.html Enjoy & Kill it! --Z-- PS: If you want to develop rugged full body strength and strong hands, check out http://GripExperts.com … [Read more...]
Episode # 71: Influences in Grip Strength Training
How can you deny those who taught you? My book shelves are filled with books and videos from guys like Joe DeFranco, Alwyn Cosgrove, Ross Enamait, Diesel Crew, old school Strength & Health magazines, John Jesse, Josh Henkin, Louie Simmons, Pavel Tsatsouline, JC Santana and many, many more! I love the ways of old school, raw, serious training.... In this vid, I've been inspired by John Grimek, who was born in Perth Amboy, which is less than 5 minutes away...who remember the Atlantic … [Read more...]