It is always inspiring to me when I dig up my old muscle magazines from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Those photos of John Grimek, Steve Reeves, Reg Park, etc simply exude strength. These men had physiques that proved what could be done with a few hard training sessions each week, while eating a well balanced diet. Meat, Eggs, Fish, Veggies, Fruits and some carbs. Simple. Not easy. John Grimek, pictured above is in his late 40s. Look at his back. His body is a symbol of work. WORK; The very thing … [Read more...]
Why You MUST Build Muscle In Your 40s + 5 Tips for More Muscle, Strength & Joint Health in Your 40s
"Before my father died, he said the worst thing about growing old was that other men stopped seeing you as dangerous. I've always remembered that, how being dangerous was sacred, a badge of honor." That line from the movie Act of Valor always struck a chord with me. And I've had an older friend say similar to me. How when you're 175 lbs nobody moves out of your way. He doesn't mean that in an arrogant way or in a insecure way. I understand what he meant. He meant that other men don't see … [Read more...]
Iron Roots: York Barbell History & Stories with Jan Dellinger
I had such a blast creating The Iron Roots Podcast with my friends at PLAE. 24 episodes ALL on Video as well as Apple Podcasts so you can listen or watch from anywhere. Iron Roots gave me the opportunity to bring my library collection of old school strength books to life so you can learn and experience what I see every day in my office. The opportunity to interview Jan Dellinger from York Barbell was like stepping into a time machine. The PLAE.PRO app has ALL of the Iron Roots Video … [Read more...]
How Push Ups Can Change Your Life
Recently, I got to watch a wrestling team that I train compete. The team competed against a team where the Coach was one of the original athletes I trained from my garage. It was a special night with lots of memories for me. The last time I got to watch a team I train compete has been the D1 level, 2 years ago. With my busy schedule, I am often on the ground floor, coaching almost daily, and so I miss these moments. But, now that I am full time coaching at a high school, I can often catch … [Read more...]
“Different Training” for Strength, Size & Toughness
Yesterday I was so fired up from reading a newspaper article about Karate Legend, Gary Alexander training harder than most people half his age at age 81, so of course, I HAD to try it myself. Gary Alexander was a Karate instructor where I grew up in Edison, NJ in the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Today, he is in his 80s, STILL training like a madman. Here's his current regime: With scuba fins on his feet, Alexander does 100 laps, mostly on his back, alternating with freestyle strokes. The … [Read more...]
Gladiator STRONG + How I Messed Up My Own Training When I Was Younger?
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 with the never ending BS 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 … [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...]