STRONG Life Podcast Ep 224 here we GO. Zach's Earliest Trainee Goes from BEAST Athlete to BEAST in Business & Life. This was a GREAT time chatting with 1 of my earliest athletes from the garage days, Chris "Chow" Orzechowski. Chow was a high school wrestler when he began training with me and became a Coach & all around Leader at The Underground Strength Gym. Chow was part of the early days Garage Gym Wrecking Crew. This was a small group of wrestlers who had never qualified for … [Read more...]
223 | Zach & Joe DeSena on Being AWESOME, Strong & Healthy During COVID-19
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 223 with my man, Joe DeSena! I was up at 4:30 AM for this episode that we pulled from Instagram Live and it was POWERFUL. Right now we are living through some uncertain times. Some of us going through tougher times than others, no doubt. BUT, we ALL have options that can give you the opportunity to live a Stronger, Healthier, more AWESOME life! Enjoy this episode and please share with friends. Also, see the videos below for some ideas in training while your … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Insider Ep. 43 | Be TOUGHER Than Your Excuses
How many excuses can people come up with? Listen, I HATE my OWN excuses. But hearing everyone else with their excuses that never end makes me realize, holy sh-t, I am NOT on their level of weakness. Yes, I know, I know, who am I to judge? But here I am, judging, getting fired UP, hoping this short STRONG Life Insider fires YOU up so you can destroy anything that dares stand in your way. This episode is after receiving 2 replies to my newsletter from men who are TOUGH. Men who are … [Read more...]
5 SQUAT Variations You Should Be Doing
I've been squatting since age 13. I'm 5'10" and according to the fallacy, I should be 5'1" since squats "stunt your growth." I've done 50 sets of Squats in a day and didn't get rhabdo or need to go to the hospital. I've squatted 315 for 22 reps on my 22nd birthday and squatted 225 for 50 reps. Squats are good for the body AND the soul. But, as we get older and accumulate mileage of iron on the body, it's important to switch up those Squats. Use variations of the squat to work … [Read more...]
Hotel Gyms, Prison Strength Equipment & Inspiration
I heard the stories of this gym. Supposedly, it was quite the sight to see. At least that's what everyone was saying, so naturally, I HAD to see if there was A Gym God inside a hotel. It was Saturday around 10 AM and Marty Gallagher has just finished his presentation. I was fired UP and sitting down was the last thing my mind and body would dare conform to do. I changed into my gym shorts and hit the elevator to the 6th floor. What I saw was beautiful..... … [Read more...]
Tire Flip Instruction – Strongman Training Technique
After our recent Lift STRONG fundraiser, benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, I saw how countless athletes had NO clue how to properly flip the tire, especially the heavier, 600 lb tire. Even the guys who were built like brick shit houses were often found wrestling the 600 lb tire. Learning HOW to use your strength is critical if you want to be successful as an athlete. This is what we call "functional strength" - can your gym strength be used to apply OUTSIDE the gym. When I say … [Read more...]
The John Welbourn Sandbag Challenge
What happens when a former NFL, 311 lb BEAST challenges you? You step up and go BEAST mode.... and then quickly realize BEAST is what I will always be chasing.... Stay tuned for Part II. And, stay tuned for the results as to whether or not I was successful at getting John Welbourn to travel to NJ. Challenge for YOU: Video yourself shouldering a 130 lb sandbag for 30 reps. If you can beat 2 minutes, 17 seconds, I'll hook you up with The Underground Strength System. Like all good things in … [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 T Shirt Inspiration Contest Winner(s)!!
Damn, this was FREAKING TOUGH!! First, I want to thank ALL the BEASTS who submitted their videos. They were truly amazing, seeing how many of you train outdoors, in your garage, at playgrounds, in basements and without the rules yet still kicking ass. The Videos have fired me UP as well as fired up many people around the world!!! The videos submitted for Underground contests in the past were often very cut and dry, you saw them, and you knew which ones were THE most inspiring. Well, this … [Read more...]
Old School Strongman Sandbag Workout, Part II
Here is Part II of my Old School Strength Inspired Sandbag Workout. Part I, was inspired by The Mighty Hermann Goerner. Part II, still inspired by Hermann Goerner, but also inspired by Coach Ethan Reeve. Coach Reeve told me about a workout he did several years ago when I was down in North Carolina to speak at The NC State Strength Coaches Clinic. He did 100 D Ball sandball shouldering reps for BEST time. Coach Reeve was performing "Density Training" back in the early 70's when he … [Read more...]