With my injury in my ankle and achilles I was doing some slower, heavy lifting workouts. I was hitting PRs and very focused on the moving big weights in the squat, bench, deadlift and clean. But, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted MORE intensity, MORE pain, MORE discomfort. Why? Because THAT is exactly where I find my comfort. I find my comfort in the DIS-comfort. It lets me know I am alive. It reminds me that I am STRONG and NOT weak, physically and mentally. I am having a very difficult time … [Read more...]
You Can See It In Their Eyes
The eyes say a lot about the person. You can get a vibe from someone by looking at their eyes. If you've seen Rocky III, you recall Apollo talking about "that look". The Eye of The Tiger is what Apollo called it. I pay attention to these details, especially when training athletes. Those who have that look are those who will rise above and fight through all the training. Those who don't have that look are those I will need to build and transform. And unfortunately, some will never … [Read more...]
The MOST Important Thing To Do In The Gym
The three of us were driving up The Garden State Parkway heading Northbound. It was a cold, dreary winter day in NJ. It was early 1995 and winter was in full swing. I was driving, as always, since my training partners had no money OR no car, typical of aspiring pro bodybuilders, yes? My 2 training partners sat quietly in my Mazda 626. I had a special sound system installed specifically to get me amped up for the gym. In fact, everything in my life revolved around the gym. How … [Read more...]
2 Things You MUST Have In Life & Lifting
Here's our message of the week from Mandler, creator of The Swole System. This is a message I agree with and LIVE by, as should all the men & ladies of Underground Strength Nation.... This workout is what he calls a "Gut Check". [youtube width="640" height="360"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA5VAlru9jo[/youtube] As you can see, Mandler understands the need to blend the critical traits you need into one workout: Strength, Explosive Power, Muscle Building, Conditioning & Mental … [Read more...]
Strength Coach Passion & Intensity
As a Strength Coach you MUST have a commitment to your students / athletes. Your commitment to helping others succeed will lead to your commitment to seeking greater knowledge. You will always want to better yourself. Bettering yourself leads to bettering others. Your commitment to your students will help you rise above when you're feeling tired, having a bad day, your girlfriend or boyfriend dumped you, etc. That's what commitment is - putting someone else at a priority level that trumps … [Read more...]
Liftin’ Heavy S**T & Chuck Vogelpohl, The Legend
In these Videos you will find what I describe as the GREATEST Seminar nobody ever knew about! Actually, MANY people knew about this seminar but we could BARELY GIVE the seminar away! The seminar was taught by Mark Smelly Bell & Jesse Burdick before they had a strong following, sponsors, etc. BUT, at the time, Mark was one of the best powerlifters in the world, and, there were MANY powerlifters in the immediate area who said they could not attend the seminar because it was squat or bench … [Read more...]
Episode # 115: Intensity
Man, on Sunday, when I brought in my athletes to get trained and the future Underground Strength Coaches were neck deep in training they unleashed some serious intensity on the athletes. The feedback was tremendous and my athletes loved the training, felt the coaching was spectacular and the attendees got goosebumps from the great time they experienced (wait till you see the video testimonials!). Check the intensity... In fact, I just announced the next date for The Underground Strength … [Read more...]