It was the Winter of 2002, maybe 2003..... I remember it was a freezing cold night. I had connected with a Kettlebell instructor to finally purchase my first 2 pairs of Kettlebells. Back then, we would all chat on a Kettlebell forum, sharing training tips and more. I connected with a Coach from NJ and he was getting a 10% discount on the Kettlebells. Back then, they were pricey to say the least. I ordered a pair of 53s and a pair of 70s. Before that, I purchased a DVD and studied how … [Read more...]
Blending Calisthenics with Strongman, Powerlifting & Olympic Weightlifting
My buddy and I used to hunt the area for the best playgrounds. We looked for parallel bars and pull up bars specifically. These were gems. Some schools removed their entire playground if one child fell and got injured. So this was not as easy to find as it sounds. The back of my truck usually had a sandbag, a few Kettlebells and maybe a sled or prowler. Those training sessions were powerful and effective. They were TOUGH. Now, being in my 40s, I find that more calisthenics and … [Read more...]
Hunting for a Playground Workout – The End?
I got LUCKY. I Found myself a killa little playground, still in need of finding pull up bars and dip bars that are up HIGH. I've seen these in videos outside of the states & in the suburbs of NYC, I fear there is a conspiracy to keep people weak by removing playgrounds We filmed a TON of footage at this playground for the new Bodyweight Training Course. Now, although I've been cranking LOTS of bodyweight workouts at the playground lately, you might be asking how I train the lower body.... … [Read more...]
Hunting for a Playground Workout
Playground workouts ALL day.... gotta get after it if you wanna become agile, mobile and hostile... On this day I hunted for bodyweight workouts at playgrounds at 3 different locations. This is the 2nd playground workout, more to come. Question for You: When you hit the playgrounds for your bodyweight workouts, do you train by feel, like a Soul Lifter, or do you have a planned workout? Peace --Z-- PS: Make sure you sign up for my Top 5 Bodyweight exercises for packing on muscle. To get my … [Read more...]
The Power Behind Bodyweight Bodybuilding Playground Workouts
I am getting more and MORE hyped on Bodyweight Training. I feel GREAT attacking the calisthenics and with warmer weather especially, it is perfect for training outdoors to rejuvenate mind, body & spirit. The cold is not to be feared either, the Russian athletes often trained outdoors for a warm up and fresh air on a regular basis. You can see it in the Video below as well. I have been hunting for better playgrounds all around NJ since 2002. Sometimes I bring a kettlebell and mix the … [Read more...]
Monday Motivation: Tribute to The Underground
Here's an e mail / video I received a few days ago. Check out this kid's story and his video, it blows me away! Hey Zach, My name is Vince and I have been following the Underground Training Methods for about a year now and am extremely happy with my results. I just wanted to make this video as a thank-you for all of the information that you put out for all of us undergrounders as well as inspiring me to change the way I train and build my own underground gym in my home! Hopefully it … [Read more...]
Underground Playground Assault + Bad MoFos
It was a Friday morning and I was supposed to train 4 wrestlers inside a wrestling club where I've got a small Underground Strength Club going down. The doors were locked. It was time for Plan B. This is what I thrive on: shitty conditions, no equipment, no gym..... this is how I began and this is where I was, all over again, 8 years later. I was in my element and a day like this brought me back to my roots. You gotta go back to your roots no matter what you do or where you are in life. … [Read more...]
The Combat Conditioning Playground Workout, AKA, Damage Inc
Try this workout below, in the video. It's an oldie but a goody, a blast from the past dating back to the original days of The Underground where most of my workouts were outdoors mixing Bodyweight, Kettlebells, Sleds, Playground training, etc. Get as many rounds as possible in 30 minutes. You get 1 point for each round completed, NO half points :) The name of the workout? Damage Inc. See the Video below for details! … [Read more...]
A TOUGH Wrestling Conditioning Workout (Even If You Don’t Wrestle)
Last night I went to the neighboring downtown with my family as everyone got some ice cream. In case you're wondering, I skipped the ice cream part :) Don't worry, I'm still human, I eat ice cream, but I'm on a mission, and that will require doing what others don't do. This time around, I won the ice cream battle. On the way home, about half way there, my wife dropped me off on the side of the road so I could run the rest of the way. I was fired up and even a bit disappointed in myself. I … [Read more...]
The Power of Hand Walking
I have been a big believer in hand walking ever since my undergrad class in Gymnastics back in 1996. My instructor was Mr. Gonzalez, he was an All American Wrestler and the owner of a Gymnastics school. He was a no nonsense type of guy. His physique was ripped and rugged, built like he was carved from stone. One of the students in my class was wrestling for the University as a freshman when Mr. Gonzalez was a Senior. He told me how Mr. Gonzalez would do back flips to escape from take downs … [Read more...]