There are MANY program design methods and variations that fall under each category of specific styles of program design and program organization. For example, we have the conjugate method, which is essentially an endless array of variations and options. We have progressive overload, aka linear periodization which many people talk down upon yet I have found this to work GREAT with athletes and even for myself. You can use linear progression with conjugate exercise selection. In the … [Read more...]
201: NFL Strength Coach, Jesse Ackerman | “The Work is the Reward”
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 201 with my man, Jesse Ackerman who is currently the Strength Coach for The Atlanta Falcons. We had a GREAT chat about training (both the physical and mental aspects) as well as life. Jesse shares his early history as a high school athlete and the powerful lessons he learned from those coaches and how it has shaped his philosophy today. We also get into Jesse's vast experience coaching at a variety of colleges and how those experiences shaped his coaching … [Read more...]
Program Design Tips for Athletes / Coaches & How We Train Youth to D1 Athletes at The Underground Strength Gym
With the release of The Underground Strength & Sports Performance Course, I wanted to give you a taste of what you'll be learning as you begin your journey towards becoming a Certified Underground Strength Coach. How do we run things at The Underground Strength Gym and how can you take these methods and apply to your existing sports performance program? Well, things have certainly changed since 2002 and guess what? Things change here on the regular. A BIG reason why is of course … [Read more...]
186 | Mike Guadango | Speed Training, Strength Coach Lifestyle & Grit
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 186 with Mike Guadango. In this episode we talk a LOT on Speed Training, the Strength Coach Lifestyle & Grit. This is my 2nd time with Mike on The STRONG Life Podcast and it was awesome. Here are just SOME of the topics we crushed: … [Read more...]
5 REAL World Speed & Agility Games
Walter Payton running his infamous hill. Photo Cred: https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180618/through-the-film-magnifier-vintage-suburban-photos Speed & Agility. This phrase has been misused and abused beyond recognition and it IS needed because kids are not outside playing. The local Basketball court in my town has been empty since I moved here 9 years ago. NEVER have I seen a pick up game of Basketball at this court. Here and there some kids are shooting around but nothing … [Read more...]
6 Random Thoughts on Bill Starr, Consistency, Being ‘Too Busy”, Strength vs Speed, What It Takes & The Future of Gyms
Image belongs to http://StartingStrength.com Here we go. A brain dump of some random topics and thoughts running through my head that I wanted to share with you. 6 Random Thoughts on Bill Starr, Consistency, Being 'Too Busy", Strength vs Speed, What It Takes & The Future of Gyms. I've been writing every morning, waking up at 5 AM as I upgrade and update The Original Underground Strength Manual. The next version is going to be The Underground Strength & Sports Performance … [Read more...]
STRONGER In Life & In The Gym: Be The Hammer, NOT The Nail
I came across a quote from the book RELENTLESS recently, it was simply yet powerful, it said this: "Life is complicated, training is not." This was awesome because simplicity can be and truly always will be powerful and effective. I love reading, listening to podcasts and learning in general. I pay attention for something small, something tiny that I can apply to my life and training. I've been encouraging others to do this for years as well, don't get overwhelmed, just get 1 take away … [Read more...]
WHY I Refuse To Bend for Mediocrity, Fads & Gimmicks
STRONG Life Episode 115, QnA from Instagram. This episode unfolds in a unique manner as each and every question keeps bringing me back to WHY we must stand our ground for Excellence. None of this "good enough" BS and figuring out how to make things easier for everyone. I am at a point where I am not going to refuse for wanting excellence. My ability to accept weak excuses has dwindled to nothing. Your excuse is your excuse. ALL in, ALL the time. Here's some of the Questions I … [Read more...]
How to Use Barbell Basics Strength Training For The WIN
It was 1990, The Summer after freshman year and I was finishing up my days traveling to the Metuchen YMCA. At the time, the weight room was down stairs, a small dungeon filled with York Barbell Weights, a York Isometric rack and a small radio where the big guys allowed me to bring in my cassette tape to play hard rock music. I knew these were my last days at The Y as construction was in full swing and a new weight room was coming. The few who trained at The Y were big guys. It was a small … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 82: Zach & NFL Veteran, John Welbourn Answer Your Questions!
Episode 82 of The STRONG Life Podcast was my favorite episode ever as NFL Veteran, John Welbourn and I work together to crush this QnA episode. Here are just SOME of the topics / questions we crushed in this jam packed 90 minute episode: - What Coaches are the Best Coaches & what traits do they have that makes them so great? - What does the movie 'Dead Poets Society' have to do with living a great life? - What is the best way to develop first step quickness in athletes? - How … [Read more...]