Robby Robinson is what I call a Renegade Underground Bodybuilder. His favorite upper body workouts were endless supersets of the bench press and pull ups / chins ups. His favorite lower body workouts were endless supersets of front squats and RDLs (Romanian Deadlifts). Heck, ANY athlete can benefit from those movements, you don't have to be a bodybuilder to be able to perform Density Training, ala Coach Reeve with the basics. Robby Robinson loved the basics that any serious strength … [Read more...]
5 Reasons You Need to Jack Up Your Guns
Don't think you need to train your arms? Guess again. Many "EXPERTS" state the arms are worked adequately from upper body compound lifts. And before we get into the physical aspect of training arms, think about this: - Athletes CARE about how they LOOK. - Bigger Arms builds an athlete's confidence. - Greater Confidence produces More Success An athlete who has more confidence in himself is going to Win More. Confidence is 1 of the biggest and most important traits that ANY … [Read more...]
Evolution of Zach Even – Esh: From 110 lbs to 220 lbs
Since beginning training 21 years ago I have gone from somewhere around 110 lbs to 220 and at times I've hovered around 228 lbs. My best weight is somewhere in the 204-208 lb range. Back when I started, I was 13 years old, it was 2 weeks before 8th grade was over and I would train in my big bro's room which housed a spin lock barbell and some spin lock dumbbells. Most of our weights were sand filled and I still recall the days of dumbbell benching with sand dropping in my mouth and eyes. I … [Read more...]
Days of Thunder Bodybuilding…..
It was September of 1994. I was training at a now defunct gym, it was legit "hardcore", called Dynamic Fitness. Such a shame that it had to end, but it did. I'll never forget that gym. It shaped me and inspired me for a lifetime..... My friend and aspiring pro bodybuilder was there catching a workout and I told him of my plans to compete in a bodybuilding show for 1995. He said "Train with me, I'm doing the Jersey in April and we can train together". I was psyched! Andy was a freak. He was … [Read more...]
Dinosaur Training, Sandbags and a Gift
Recently a gentleman stopped by my gym to gift me with some very, very, very rare gifts. This shocked me BIG time.... This gentleman, named John, stopped by my Underground Strength Gym unannounced. Normally, I am not a fan of unannounced visitors as they want to talk and take me away from the # 1 focus I have, training my athletes. John was DIFFERENT. He waited until ALL training was done for the night before he introduced himself to me. John watches my Underground Strength Show, a … [Read more...]
Purposeful Primitive Book Review
Above, Kirk Karwoski, world record powerlifter trained under Marty Gallagher, Author of The Purposeful Primitive. One week ago I got a new training book I ordered in the mail, 'The Purposeful Primitive'. It's been a while since I got excited about a book that was published in today's day and age. Most of the info I tend to find accurate, effective and awe inspiring is at least a few decades old but this book has shocked me! All I can say is this: Holy s**t is this book rockin' my world! … [Read more...]
I’m not strong enough, are you?
Sometimes, we all need a lil' kick in the ass.... If you want a SERIOUS, BIG kick in the ass, and you want to learn some serious shit in the world of strength, conditioning, monility, strongman training, underground strength training and more, then join me and Steve Maxwell at The Gladiator Seminar, space is almost full and time is almost near. Not for the faint of heart. Click HERE for details. ALL participants will receive 1 year FREE membership to The Underground. In Strength, --Z-- … [Read more...]
The Gladiators, an Inside Look
Every Friday at 5 PM we have a packed house of guys training together. It is getting insane, but we organize the groups very tightly and there is little to no down time. This is a mix of high school Football players, College Football Players and a few guys from a adult Football League. The workout pace is furious as we almost always perform 2 movements back to back. If they feel like they're waiting too long they know to work in abs and pull ups. you can't go wrong with rock solid abs and a … [Read more...]