When I was younger and competing in sports, wrestling specifically, I was unfortunately training the WRONG way. And as an athlete, time is crucial. You NEVER get that time back and so, you miss out on opportunity. The opportunity to train the RIGHT way is often times the difference maker between you being part of the team vs you being someone who goes down in the history books. It was the late 80s and the early 90s when I was training complete opposite of The Gladiator STRONG method. I was … [Read more...]
Iron Roots Podcast Ep. 5 | Strength & Health Magazine
Here we GO! Iron Roots Podcast Episode 5. This is THE magazine that I WISH I had when I began training. For me, it was Muscle & Fitness ad FLEX Magazine. These magazines were all about training for asthetics and appearance. It was very rarely about heavy lifting and performance. I still remember telling my friends, It doesn't matter how heavy you lift, you gotta squeeeeeze the muscle and feeeeeeel the muscle. Hence, why I struggled with my sports performance. Check out the … [Read more...]
Can You Build Muscle In Your 40s (And Older)? 25 Tips from Experience, The Classic & Golden Era of Bodybuilding
Can you build muscle? Can you do it naturally? What about when you "get older"? Your 30s, 40s and 50s? I am not sure why we begin to think it's all over in our 30s and 40s. I have a funny feeling the internet confused you and the fact that I am saying, YES, You CAN build muscle & strength as you "get older", the internet will now sue me! I just saw a photo of Sly training hard at my buddy Gunnar Peterson's gym. Sly is 70! So with Sly being almost twice my age and still looking … [Read more...]
Get It Done – The Key To Might & Muscle
Above, John Grimek in 1937. The Basics Never Let John Down Monday was a crazy day for me in which I kept putting off my workout. One thing led to another and my idea became that of finding a way to train at The Underground Strength Gym in Edison. The gym was pumping and I had phone calls to return and things to organize. Do this, do that, get this done, get that done. Before ya know it.... … [Read more...]
Are You Stronger Than an Idiot aka Learning From Injuries?
Time to lay down the law on those who listen and especially those who are "good enough" and only listen to a select few. Remember, to achieve greater success you must acquire the mindset of "always a white belt". The Learning NEVER ends. I've been there and done that & it led to a road called injured in a town called weakness. This past week, I cranked 4 workouts this week, ALL of them stronger than the week before. Progress is running smoother than ever. Mind you, I NEVER … [Read more...]
When Giants Roamed the Earth
Original Article by Jeff Everson Excerpt from the book 'Forgotten Secrets of The Culver City Westside Barbell Club' by Dave Yarnell. Before the last epoch of the Cenozoic era, some 65 million years ago, great beasts roamed the earth. These ponderous dinosaurs weighed as much as 100 tons and were over 120 feet long. Some had teeth the size of a child. Most had brains the size of an egg. The dinosaurs died out and were replaced by a higher form of life. Likewise, at one point in time (the … [Read more...]
Agile, Mobile and Hostile
Your Mission: Agile, Mobile & Hostile.... The REAL Men HAD it back in the day, The Golden Era & Old School times... Why were the Agile, Mobile & Hostile? How did they achieve the ultimate in performance AND appearance? Their approach was simple yet challenging.... They concentrated on a blend of strength, muscle building, raw power and athleticism. It wasn't enough to be able to squat, bench or deadlift heavy. NO, Sir, these men blended gymnastics, strongman training, feats of … [Read more...]
Episode # 94: General Tzao Interrogation, Part II
Yep, I have an addiction for old, rusty iron.... Supposedly I have some seriously OLD shiz about to roll up into my gym, so stay tuned... till then, enjoy the rest of this show... General Tzao is an Underground trained athlete. He's a beast, one to be feared. Post your comments, thoughts & questions below :) Kill it! --Coach Z-- PS: Episode # 100 is right around the corner! Holy sh*t times flies when you're having FUN! PPS: Wanna do what you love for a living? Kill it HERE! … [Read more...]
Episode # 73: Underground Strength Picnic
Back in the day York Barbell held strength and health picnics where the greats demonstarted their amazing feats of strength, fans came and watched, lifters shared good times, good food and much laughter. There was amazing comraderie, great training and information was always shared, NOT hoarded like some top secret affair. I will bring these times back, mark my words....coming soon to The Underground Strength Gym of Edison, NJ. Watch ALL the videos below and post comments on your thoughts and … [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...]