Dan John & John Welbourn speak on this topic often, and as a Coach with multiple Underground Strength Gym locations plus coaching D1 Athletes from different areas, I have experienced how 3 factors (Genetics, Geography & Opportunity) have a profound impact on the success of an athlete. I will discuss those 3 factors below: … [Read more...]
274 | In Season Training for Athletes & Online Business Tips for Strength Coaches
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 274, HERE WE GO! This episode is a QnA but I also share some thoughts from the heart, about what is happening to our country and to our troops. As I get feedback from some friends who are "boots on the ground", I will share and find a way to help. In the Sports Performance / Strength & Conditioning side of things, I talk about how I adjust training for in season athletes at BOTH the private sector and the high school setting. Then, we close it out with … [Read more...]
Building Grit & Mental Toughness in Athletes “Safely” + 5 Training Tips
Mental Toughness. Here we go again. One of the most overused phrases in the coaching world. What is it? How do you help athletes "Get Tough" and why is it even important? Well, being a kid who grew up in the 80s and experiencing countless training styles and coaches, I am smart enough to see the changes and the evolution. And with all this experience comes a lot of mistakes and knowledge. What worked in the 80s and 90s doesn't always work today. As a high school athlete, my coach … [Read more...]
Barbarian Brothers Strength Training Lessons & Inspiration
Lessons & Inspiration from THE Barbarian Brothers. I know that some people will dismiss this information. Others are simply not ready for it. They don't have an open mind yet. For me, with my decades of experience, I have seen a lot and gone through a lot. This gives me a massive pool of knowledge and experience to pull from. So if you're ready, read on. Heck, even if you're not ready, jump in and read on...... The weight room at my high school has been PACKED to the gills since … [Read more...]
Strength Coach & Strength Training Lessons Learned Since 1989
It was June of 1989 when I began lifting weights in my brother's room. For a year, perhaps even 2 years, I was already intrigued with getting strong and building my body. I would read the bodybuilding books and magazines my brother had before I even began training. Unfortunately, those books were bodybuilding based. There were NO performance based training books available at the book stores. Unless I completely ignored them and only read what captured my attention. When I began coaching at a … [Read more...]
268 | Martin Rooney on Building GREAT Team Culture & Leadership
STRONG Life Podcast ep 268 with veteran guest, Martin Rooney. Martin always brings the thunder and as expected, I walked away fired up and enlightened to be a better coach and a better HUMAN. This was GREAT timing for a few reasons that are crucial to you and me. As a Coach in NJ and much of the USA, the restrictions have been lifted and sports will be going full tilt this year. My off season / Summer strength & conditioning at my school began today. School ended yesterday so we … [Read more...]
Men’s Strength Training in Your 40s: It Never Gets Easier
It was a Sunday evening and I was exhausted. I spent the weekend catching up on some much need R&R and luckily, the crappy weather allowed me to do so. It had been raining non stop since Friday afternoon. After some shopping and family time, I planned on sitting down on the couch, something I rarely do, kicking up my legs and resting. But, my daughter wanted to go to the gym. Deep down I wanted to encourage her to rest, but my wife encouraged me to go with her. I knew the toughest part of … [Read more...]
262 | QnA: Life Lessons Since Covid, High School Strength & Conditioning + New Dad Advice
STRONG Life Podcast ep 262 is a BEAST of a QnA! Great questions ranging from: - High School Strength & Conditioning career advice - My Knee Rehab / Recovery after meniscus repair - Communicating with athletes to build a TEAM of Leaders - Why I am starting a New Certification, The SSPC (Strength & Sports Performance Coach) https://www.instagram.com/sspcoaches/ - What help does a Strength Coach Certification REALLY do for you? - Advice for a new Dad This was a … [Read more...]
Don’t Get Stuck Being Strong AND Useless
In a recent interview I was listening to between Mike Robertson and NFL Strength Coach Joe "House" Kenn, Joe was asked an interesting question. He was asked what he would like to see more of AND what he wishes he focused on in his younger years. His answer was...... MORE Bodyweight Training, More Playground Workouts and the ability to Move your Own Bodyweight. I've personally deadlifted over 500 lbs, squatted 455 for reps, benched over 300 lbs and at 220 lbs can perform 25 pull ups … [Read more...]