Photo Cred HuskerMax.com In mid June in NJ the Governor granted permission for "gyms" to train outdoors. I always say, The Underground Strength Gym is a Private club, but the government and governor don't really understand this. When mid June came around, I knew that I would have to start at 50 or 60%. The plan was to add 10% of work / intensity each week so that by the 4th week, we would be almost at "normal". Which nowadays, I really do not enjoy that word, "normal". With 3 months of … [Read more...]
The Benefits of High Rep Bodyweight Training
After going through my Bodyweight Bodybuilding course for some edits, reviews and updates, I changed up some programming for the athletes at The Underground Strength Gym. 1 of those updates was organizing their extra days with more volume of bodyweight squats. Yes, the simple bodyweight squat! I will post a photo below with that sample "extra day" along with some video footage. So make sure you read the entire article.... Now, almost 20 years ago I recall studying Indian Wrestling … [Read more...]
Do These 3 Bodyweight Only Exercises, Inspired by Herschel Walker
There are 3 crucial bodyweight exercises that everyone should be able to do AND, that everyone should put a lot of energy into. 1) Push Ups - we learned these as kids and surprisingly, I don't see too many people doing basic push ups anymore. If you're shoulders are banged up from heavy benching and squats with a straight bar, then get busy on push ups and give the barbell a break. Focus on doing high reps and of course, perfect technique. Imagine your body is a 2 x 4 or a ruler, … [Read more...]
The BIG Reasons Behind Bodyweight Training for Athletes
Yesterday I exchanged text messages with a friend of mine who has been lifting for 20+ years. He was talking about how he can relate to everything I went through as we've been both training hard and heavy for well over 2 decades. The nagging injuries, the strange pains in our feet, injuries from simple daily tasks like walking down the stairs in the morning. Today, we laugh at these injuries because back in the day we would NEVER have guessed that being so strong could contribute to … [Read more...]
Don’t Get Stuck Being Strong AND Useless
In a recent interview I was listening to between Mike Robertson and NFL Strength Coach Joe "House" Kenn, Joe was asked an interesting question. He was asked what he would like to see more of AND what he wishes he focused on in his younger years. His answer was...... MORE Bodyweight Training, More Playground Workouts and the ability to Move your Own Bodyweight. I've personally deadlifted over 500 lbs, squatted 455 for reps, benched over 300 lbs and at 220 lbs can perform 25 pull ups … [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 as well. 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 … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Workout For Size & Strength Using The “Ladder Technique”
I've spoken often about using the "ladder technique" with my Bodyweight Bodybuilding training course, but also with Kettlebell Workouts and sometimes with deadlifts as well and had great success. The ladder technique is a powerful way to increase your strength, pack on muscle and if used with an aggressive pace, you will also improve cardio and stimulate fat loss. Here's how I train when using ladders with bodyweight exercises: … [Read more...]
Another One Bites the Dust….from Bodyweight Training!
In a way I am shocked yet on the flip side, NOT so shocked. Last week we had 3 different athletes throw up, simply from TWO bodyweight exercises, both of which are in Bodyweight University. It was the first 10 minutes of the workout nonetheless. The problem is, I have high expectations, or maybe not, you tell me when you post your comment. There are FAR too many athletes, even high level athletes, who can not handle even the simplest workout using bodyweight exercises. Last week … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Show # 11 – Trip through the woods
Off on a trip through the woods to see what I can find, see what you can do, and shed some light with my "minute of motivation". There are more wild adventures on the way, plus, footage of my battle to beat the trap bar deadlift record at Joe DeFranco's gym. I can't tell you what happened, you'll just have to wait for the show! Kill it! --Coach Z-- P.S. - For members of Underground Strength Coach I will be giving them the early release of my latest e book, which is super jacked up with … [Read more...]
The Magic of Simplicity in Strength & Conditioning Programs
Have you ever heard of Herschel Walker? If you've read my Blog for the past year, you certainly have. Pull ups, push ups, sit ups - hundreds and even thousands of reps every day..... Sprinting with a tire and rope strapped around his waist.... Hill Sprints... Throw in some power cleans... … [Read more...]