Last night was a rough workout for me.... as many of you know if you've been here for a while, my workouts don't focus on solely the physical development of strength aspect but largely on the mental toughness aspect and pushing myself to greater heights. Last night started with about 10 sets of snatches. My body felt like it was on "empty" from the get go. Once I finished my snatches, I told one of my coaches that it's time for me to crank a "mental toughness" workout. Once I finished that … [Read more...]
Minimalist Training Tips for Full Body Strength
The more I utilize simple dumbbell & bodyweight workouts for myself, the more I realize less is more. Less variety and more focus = greater results in strength and size. I've been around too long and I want to challenge and question what REALLY works. I've seen the results of some of the most popular "programs" out there...... I wanted to see, do these athletes demonstrate greater strength? Greater speed? Greater physicality and more muscle? Well, the program looks impressive on … [Read more...]
Warrior Workout VS Mr. Resistance
Let me leave you with these 2 videos today.... especially with the new year upon us and all those Bull Shit "resolutions". Here's THE TRUTH: You want something? Why wait for January 1st?!?! F**K that, DO it NOW. Overcoming Resistance is THE BEST "Exercise" one can do. Every day, Mr. Resistance is trying to hold you back. Excuses are everywhere if you so choose to see it like that. Or, you can say F**k it and punch resistance in the face enough times that he dares to never show up … [Read more...]
Holiday Workout – BEAST Mode
So, the holidays are here and you might be thinking THIS is the time and excuse to be a fat bastard. Hells to the NO, Kids! Here is your time crunched, holiday workout. You can hit several of these all week through this hectic time of year. Crank this simple formula that I LOVE to use: Beginner / Intermediates can crank a 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 rep scheme Advanced Lifters go Prison Style: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6.....1 The set up for exercises and program design are simple. I prefer to do a … [Read more...]
The TRUTH About Bodyweight Workouts
Franco Columbu was a BEAST when it came to pull ups. He cranked them from all angles AND added weight to them as well. High reps AND low reps. Reminds me of my OLD Bodybuilding training partner.... We almost always began our workouts with chins and progressed to weighted chins. He would build up to chin ups with THREE 45 lb plates strapped to a weight belt. His back was THICK! It freaked people out! Heavy Chins and HEAVY barbell rows were his ticket. Back to the legend of Franco … [Read more...]
Bodyweight Workout For Size & Strength Using The “Ladder Technique”
I've spoken often about using the "ladder technique" with my Bodyweight Bodybuilding training course, but also with Kettlebell Workouts and sometimes with deadlifts as well and had great success. The ladder technique is a powerful way to increase your strength, pack on muscle and if used with an aggressive pace, you will also improve cardio and stimulate fat loss. Here's how I train when using ladders with bodyweight exercises: … [Read more...]
Hunting for a Playground Workout – The End?
I got LUCKY. I Found myself a GREAT playground, still in need of finding pull up bars and dip bars that are up HIGH so my feet don't drag on the ground. I've seen these "advanced playgrounds" in videos outside of the states & in the suburbs of NYC, but I fear there is a conspiracy to keep people weak by removing playgrounds all around the country. We filmed a TON of footage at this playground for the new Bodyweight Training Course. Now, although I've been cranking LOTS of bodyweight … [Read more...]
When Are You Strong Enough?
The question has been asked MANY times, and, I've posted similar to what I'm about to get into. Check this video as I answer the common question, "How do I Know when I am strong enough?" The REAL Answer: We can always become stronger or improve performance. Strength is skill / technique, so, adding weight or reps isn't the only way to demonstrate greater strength. Check the vid below and then drop a comment with your own thoughts. What about my Top 10 Bodyweight Exercises? I told … [Read more...]
Navy SEAL Training Tips
Not everyone wants to powerlift or use strongman training. Not everyone wants to throw heavy shit on their back or rip heavy shit off the ground. Hey, I can understand that AND respect it. I KNOW strength can be achieved through bodyweight workouts only. … [Read more...]
The Power Of Calisthenics & Convict Conditioning Inspiration
Above, Kyle and Cory Markovitch who train at The Underground Strength Gym hit the 1,000 Pul Up Club before Wrestling Season ended. GREAT kids with GREAT work ethic! BOTH were state qualifiers during their time as NJ High School Wrestlers for Cranford High School. __________ The power behind bodyweight training is tremendous. Not enough athletes and coaches give bodyweight training enough respect. It hit me the hardest as to WHY it's so important when I had a Football Player unable to do … [Read more...]