Here we go, STRONG Life Podcast ep. 199 with Rachel Balkovec. Rachel interviewed me for her Theta Wave Podcast while on my drive to teaching and we got into some awesome history behind my training, my childhood and how these experiences have shaped my coaching philosophy. I share the infamous story of "Andrei The Giant" from Israel and lots of history from The Underground Strength Gym including how my mindset has changed from the business focus to the coaching / teaching focus. Prepare … [Read more...]
Iron Roots Ep. 6 | Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding
Here we go! Iron Roots Podcast ep. 6. This episode is about 1 of my favorite AND most recommended books, Arnold's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding. It was the mid 80s and I wasn't even a teenager yet, I was 11 years old or so and it was the Summer time in Israel. I was with my older brother and we walked to the local book store in town because my brother was getting into the whole training thing. He knew that the better athletes were strong and big so if he wanted success he was gonna … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep 104: Captain Joe Mastrangelo, Navy SEAL: Forging Your Mind & Body For SUCCESS
STRONG Life Podcast, Ep. 104! This Episode is VERY special for me. After 22 years, I reconnect with 1 of my earliest mentors who helped me turn my life around and start kicking ass & taking names. Meet Captain Joe Mastrangelo, Navy SEAL and hard charger who has forged his mind and body by conquering one tough goal after another. Today, Joe is running Veteran Sailing Association, a non profit to help Veterans learn to Sail, to reconnect with themselves by connecting them to nature … [Read more...]
A Letter to My YOUNGER (Athlete) Self With 17 Strength Training & Life Tips
This letter isn't about holding on to the past or living in the past. Knowing and learning from mistakes is crucial. The opportunity to share with others to help them achieve more Success, to avoid my mistakes & to be inspired to improve themselves is the goal. It's a simple hope that a middle or high school athletes comes across this post, sees my mistakes, my tips on life and lifting and ultimately, puts these tips to use. Heck, I hope a college athlete sees this. Maybe a college … [Read more...]
Strength Coach Profession, Injuries, Old School Strength & Life Purpose
Getting all my thoughts from my brain onto paper or blog post is TOUGH and Time Consuming to say the least. So, when interviews are sent my way, I answer via video or podcast. This leaves the information a bit lengthy, BUT, those who are hungry to learn and the truly dedicated to Live for The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence will dig in. This IS STRONG Life Podcast Episode 97...... The 2 interviews below have me covering topics / answering questions on: The Strength Coach Profession … [Read more...]
5 Power Tips to Live The STRONG Life
I was the weakest kid on the block. I didn't get beat up often, but if I was ever in a fight, I never won. I had little if any confidence in myself. But things changed when I started doing push ups every day in 7th grade. Things changed more when I began lifting weights in June, 1989. Then, my confidence REALLY grew when I broke free of the demons holding me down in life. That was the Summer of 1994. I came across "mentors" perhaps you can say...... I trained with Joe, who … [Read more...]
3 Reasons To Train Like A SAVAGE
Men need to train like uncontrolled savages & stop being so damn pretty when it comes to training & workouts. Start doing this at least SOME of the time. Not all of the time, but 1 x week, make it happen. Intense, Uncomfortable, Tough Workouts are GREAT for the mind AND body. The body is always capable of more, but through those perfect workouts that follow the perfect program design system and the best sets and reps, you NEVER truly develop your Inner Savage. I love telling the … [Read more...]
The Pussification of America
No photos or art work today, just a straight up rant..... Something has been irking me lately and it's exactly what I coin “The Pussification of America.” On the flip side, I’m sure this article will get me in a lot of heat, mainly by those who are contributing to the weakness. Complaining about the title of this article does nothing, by the way. There is a rare breed of people out there (Both men & women) who are also fired up about this and will understand where I am … [Read more...]
Upper Body Workout and THE 5 Year Plan!?!?
The inspiration to live a STRONG Life drives me to face my fears, be it in the gym or in life. The pic above of Ken Waller about to smash some heavy dumbbell benching also inspired me. I explain my motivation for LIFE & LIFTING in the Video below. So, rather than searching for inspiration or motivation, just grab it and DO it. NO waiting, just DOing. … [Read more...]
Top 3 Reasons Bodyweight Training Kicks Ass
This Video inspired me and educated me. It changed the way I look at bodyweight training on many levels. Take a few minutes and watch this Video I linked up below. The power behind bodyweight training is endless and I have done countless videos and blog posts detailing my experiences in Bodyweight exercise. Although this was a "Top 3" post, the top points of bodyweight training is tough to pin point. It helped inspire me to get away from joint pain and move towards a bodyweight only … [Read more...]