In 1908, the book 'The Way to Live' was released. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: "It is a well known fact that the majority of men today are relatively weak, whereas the struggle for existence demands now more than at any previous epoch that we should all be strong!" I assume back then, MANY thought George Hackenschmidt, aka The Russian Lion, was crazy, strange and weird.... you know, all the good words people tend to use when describing anyone who isn't fitting in with … [Read more...]
The Power Behind Push Ups
I always tell my athletes, "Eat your push ups & pull ups for breakfast!" You MUST be GREAT at these 2 exercises, they are the foundation for upper body strength and power and work wonders for muscle building. I recently got a copy of The Convict Conditioning Push Up Series Course and the FIRST thing that struck me was all the coaching techniques, regressions and progressions. I am ALWAYS shocked when I have athletes at my gym who trained elsewhere and they are NOT performing the … [Read more...]
3 Lessons From Human – Gorilla Hybrids, aka Freaks of Strength
I am inspired to write this Blog greatly because of two men, both of whom I speak of often: Jonny Hinds, Owner of The Monkey Bar Gym, who will also be presenting at The Underground Strength Gym in Edison in October (stay tuned for this announcement). Rick Gonzales, my infamous college Gymnastics Coach. These men have the seamless strength of Gorillas. They move their bodies through space and perform bodyweight strength exercises that are extremely challenging, yet they show such tight … [Read more...]
Protected: The Pussification of America
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Killer Kettlebell Workout with Hermann Goerner The Mighty
There is so much to learn and be inspired by when we look at the training of the early 1900s, the era of Physical Culture. The strength is astounding and the physiques were built with limited equipment and the most basic nutrition. See the photos and Videos below to learn about Hermann Goerner The Mighty and see what you can learn and how you measure up against this Strongman! In the Video, you'll see me going through a modified Kettlebell complex that Goerner The Mighty would perform … [Read more...]
NJ Wrestling Training, Eye of The Tiger & Physical Culture
I took a 1 hr drive up north yesterday to train The Blair Academy Wrestling Team, NEVER in my life have I seen an entire room of athletes who: - Focused 110% - Listened AND made eye contact - NEVER slacked Notice I did not say 99% of the athletes, I said ALL of them. … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Training: The Ultimate Upper Body Strength & Ab Exercise
This takes me back to my roots because I have been using this with my athletes since day 1. I used it in the Wrestling clubs, on the Football fields and with my clients in unknown parts of the Dirty Jerzee at thugged out playgrounds. Check this Video for developing awesome upper body strength, healthy shoulders and solid abs: Let me know your thoughts on that video, and even better, get a partner and crank them out yourself and then let me know your thoughts! Stay tuned, I have more … [Read more...]
Power Bodybuilding for Gains in Speed, Strength & Muscle
Episode # 120 Baby... If you ever read the old Strength & Health magazines or Arnold's ORIGINAL Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding you would have seen HEAVY lifting going on, calisthenics / gymnastics movements, lots of jumping, rope climbs and speed in all movements. Hence, you're about to witness a lil' taste of what goes down in my gym and DeFranco's. Check it and post your comments... Wanna see footage of what we would do after a workout like this? Let's get 20 + comments and … [Read more...]
Episode # 113: The “Time” Machine
Mike Bruce is called "The Machine".... But, take a look at his latest book and it's really like stepping into a "Time Machine"... If you're tired and confused to no end with the latest crazes in fitness, strength then step into the "Time Machine" of true physical culture and learn from Mike HERE. Kill it! --Coach Z-- … [Read more...]
Old School Muscle | Lessons & Inspiration from 2 Men Who Know About RAW Strength
I have an inspiring message for you, or, shall I say, lessons I've learned from 2 Men that TRULY inspire me in the world of strength, muscle building and athletic performance. These men BOTH walk the talk and have been around the iron game much, much longer than I have. Some of this might be the reminder you need to return to the basics and escape the fads and gimmicks. Sometimes I seriously wonder if I was born in the wrong era. I wonder why I stand alone or stick out like a sore thumb … [Read more...]