The other day I got an awesome text message from Jim Wendler. Jim's text messages are awesome to the effect that you feel like you just read a new book even though it's only a text. Note: Make your text messages awesome! Jim always reminds me to stick to the basics, keep getting stronger and to live a simple life. These are the 3 topics we tend to chat about often. We text each other randomly about life and lifting. Jim pulls no punches and tells you the truth, I always respect and appreciate … [Read more...]
STRONGCast 17: Barbell Buddha, Living Your Dreams & Being STRONG
In this episode of The STRONG Life, I interview Chris Moore, aka Barbell Buddha. Chris has been in the iron game since he was a child. He became a different kind of a "meathead". Yes, he loved lifting heavy and he was damn good at it. But he also loved learning about life and what it takes to live a life on your own terms; Doing the things we all desire.... - Lifting Heavy - Drinking Coffee - Living Life on Your Own Terms … [Read more...]
Natural Athletes VS Steroid Users
It's important I get this concept of the "Warrior Mindset" for you. That's the BIGGER part of training I want you to come across. Can you become an ass kicker the natural way? Thoughts on steroids as a short cut vs using them to push your potential to a higher level while still working your ass off? … [Read more...]
Box Squats vs Free Squats?
The argument of box squats vs free squats is endless. With the box squat you must sit back and then you literally pull yourself up using primarily hamstring work. At the bottom of the box squat your shins are parallel, while at the bottom of a free squat or weightlifting squat, your knees will often be angled forward and you are going to parallel or lower. The free squat hits more quads and more overall leg work. Here are my thoughts on box squats vs free squats..... … [Read more...]
STRONGCast Ep 5: Coach Gags, Powerlifting, Westside Barbell Inspiration & TRUTH
Coach Gags is one of the smartest, most knowledgeable, most genuine, humble and nicest Coaches I know. Gags takes the approach of "always a white belt", aka stay humble AND hustle hard. He has attended every Certification, training and biz seminar I have ever held and competes on a regular basis. His gym, Gaglione Strength is located in Farmingdale, NY (Long Island area). In this STRONGCast we discuss the following: … [Read more...]
5 Lessons Learned From AJ Roberts & Westside Barbell
I had a blast this weekend at The CrossFit Powerlifting course at my Underground Strength Gym in Manasquan. My man, AJ Roberts crushed it and delivered an excellent weekend packed full of knowledge and insights that he has learned from training under Louie Simmons at Westside Barbell and became a world record holder in the 308 lb class. There were over 20 Coaches in attendance, most of them were CrossFit Coaches. Here are 5 Lessons I learned from AJ this weekend as well as from Louie Simmons, … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 3: Mark “Smelly” Bell on Mental Toughness & Kicking Ass In Life AND Lifting
In this MOST Epic episode of The STRONGCast Podcast, I interview my homie and brotha from anotha motha, Mark "Smelly" Bell. Normally, we skype these interviews but Smelly is very high maintenance and insisted we do this while he drives around in his car, hence the semi awesome audio quality. Mark is the founder of Super Training Gym, The Power Magazine and being Awesome. In this episode we talk about: … [Read more...]
The 6 Most Effective Strength & Muscle Building Methods
I've been doing a LOT of thinking about the various ways I have trained since starting back in 1989, well over 25 years of experience. I thought about the methods that wasted my time and didn't produce anything but all show and NO go muscles. Those days bother me BIG time because they have scarred me for a lifetime and unfortunately didn't help my success in athletics. I also thought about my days of squatting 455 lbs for reps. My days of breaking away from what the other guys in the gym were … [Read more...]
Why Your Training Must Mirror Life AND Sports
There are MANY ways to train. MANY training methods are highly effective and trust me, MANY are horrible on even their best days. It all depends on HOW training is being implemented and is the training being done at the appropriate time and place? When I look at training for myself or when writing programs for others, I look at their goals and what life looks like when they perform. Nothing complicated, straight, simple and to the point. I am NOT impressed with the Coaches who TALK fancy. I … [Read more...]
Volume Training & Science For Rapid Strength & Muscle Gains
"Any fool can create a program that is so demanding that it would virtually kill the toughest Marine or hardiest of elite athletes, but not any fool can create a tough program that produces progress without unnecessary pain.” ~ Dr. Mel C. Siff ~ As much as I encourage the basics in training, of equal importance is understanding how to properly organize a training plan so you are able to break through plateaus and make consistent gains in size, strength, speed & performance. After a … [Read more...]