Volume training was a BIG deal back in the 70s and then it made a comeback in the past 5-8 years. What's old is new again but the truth is, there is a time and place for everything. Who needs volume training and when should volume work be applied? When is the best time to implement volume training and who is best suited for volume work? How can you still train smart when applying volume training compared to the mistakes I made in my younger years by incorrectly applying volume … [Read more...]
205 | 1 KEY Trait of Successful Strength & Conditioning Coaches
In this episode of The STRONG Life Podcast I share The 1 KEY Trait of Successful Strength & Conditioning Coaches. And by the way, if you are NOT a Coach, then NO worries. This trait can be applied to ANY endeavor and / or career path. Remember, SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES! This quick podcast hit me this past weekend after attending and speaking at Pat Beith's Complete Speed & Power Summit. Man, I am fired UP! Every Coach who presented was also front and center learning from the other … [Read more...]
5 Thoughts (Tips) on Program Design for Athletes
I love studying and talking program design. But even more so, I LOVE Coaching. You see, LOTS of books, articles, "influencers" can TALK about program design but can you COACH? Can you COMMAND the room? I want to share these 5 thoughts (maybe you will see them as tips, maybe not) regarding Strength & Conditioning. If you're hungry to learn, this is for you. If you're "good enough" or "too busy", get back to searching for fads and gimmicks. Move along, nothing to see here, … [Read more...]
Josh Bryant & Al Vermeil: Cutting Though the Fads & Gimmicks of Strength & Conditioning
As of this article / podcast being posted, I have listened to this Bonus podcast with Al Vermeil and Josh Bryant 4 times! Yes, it is THAT GOOD! This STRONG Life Bonus was given to me by Josh Bryant who interviews Al Vermeil and I gotta say, this interview was not only inspiring and educational, it was refreshing! There are MANY times where I am just fed up with the BS of the fitness industry and the strength coach industry. Too many people worried about likes and reposts instead of … [Read more...]
Trap Bar Deadlift vs Conventional & Sumo Deadlift
There is no need for controversy in the Deadlift. ALL Deadlifts are awesome and beneficial for athletes, it all depends on when and where that specific deadlift variation is being utilized. I am not married to any exercise when it comes to training athletes and those who are, well, they are ultimately doing their athletes a disservice. You see, every athlete is different. Some respond better to certain exercises than others. Some of that response might be favored psychologically not just … [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...]
5 Reasons Why High Schools Need Expert Strength & Conditioning Coaches
I've been fighting this fight for a LONG time. I always say, The Kids are #1. Yet, when it comes to what happens in the weight room, I do NOT see this. I see administrators turning a blind eye to what happens in high school weight rooms, even though we've seen / heard on the news SERIOUS injuries (even death) occur due to unsafe training methods. - Do high school kids NEED "Navy SEAL Training"? - Do high school kids NEED to test their 1RM in the squat, bench and power clean? Here are … [Read more...]
STRONG Life 157 | Bret Contreras & The Art of (STRENGTH) Coaching
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 157 with The Glute Guy, PhD, Bret Contreras! Holy heck this was super inspiring to chat with Bret via Instagram. Our video below shows a tour of his gym, The Glute Lab! We chatted till the very last second of our 1 hr Instagram limit. Bret's Glute Lab is an awesome Gym. not just for women but for anyone who wants to get STRONG. We discuss the Coach's Eye, learning through coaching on the ground floor vs book smarts. We also discuss staying healthy, avoiding … [Read more...]
Being A Simple Man VS A Great Man, Same Difference?
I came across a great post by Jim Wendler on Instagram and then I elaborated on how these words from actor, Tom Hardy hit home for me. Now, I don't know anything about Tom Hardy. But, these words inspired me and I love to write. Writing for me has always been something I love to do, even if no one is reading. It's a therapy of sorts so I just put this out there.... From Tom Hardy: … [Read more...]
3 Strength AND Conditioning Tips
It's GREAT to be Strong. It's GREAT to be Conditioned..... But it's BEST when you have BOTH Strength AND Conditioning. If I can pit one example of this I'll use my friend, Jim Wendler, shown in videos below. He keeps everything simple. … [Read more...]