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...]
The Advantages of Being STRONG, Bill Starr Training & York Barbell Stories
The more years and Decades I put into training and coaching, the more I realize and learn that it keeps coming back to STRENGTH. I am not talking about Strong & Useless. Strength requires Speed. And, speed requires strength. They DO go hand in hand. In this video I share the following: The Advantages of Being STRONG & how it can save your neck, literally. The Story of my 80 lb York Globe Dumbbells and Training immediately after a Car Accident Bill Starr Inspiration … [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...]
5 x 5 Strength Training QnA
Where did the 5 x 5 program originate from? Well, it's been around for DECADES. To my knowledge, Reg Park started the 5 x 5 program. As 1 of the strongest bodybuilders ever, and, a man who could bench 500 lbs, I actually NEVER recall reading about 5 x 5 in my teen years. And I read EVERY bodybuilding magazine and a TON of bodybuilding books. I WISH I came across this program in my high school years. I was too busy doing pump up bull shyt. Although I DO recall a kid I used to lift with … [Read more...]
Safety Squat Bar VS The Straight Bar Squat for Athletes: Strength & Shoulder Health + 3 Week Squat Cycle
Above, Mark Chaillet Squats - Photo from Purposeful Primitive / Marty Gallagher After a recent squat workout with the athletes at The Underground Strength Gym, I began having a more serious conversation in my own mind regarding the use of the conjugate method, more specifically, how often to switch the safety squat bar vs the straight bar for squats with athletes, specifically, high school athletes. I share my thoughts in the videos below and in conversation form which you can also see … [Read more...]
Minimalist Training, Social Media Posts for Likes vs Impact & Training to be Dangerous
In this live Instagram I chat about the following: Minimalist Training, Social Media Posts for Likes vs Impact & Training to be Dangerous. With my hectic schedule it reminded me of my mid 20s when I went on a 2x week training program while going through grad school (1 hr commute each way), teaching full time, coaching wrestling and not wanting to give up my membership at Diamond Gym. Enjoy the show...... … [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...]
Iron Roots Podcast Ep. 1 | 5 X 5 Strength Training + The Power of Push Ups
Here's your Underground Strength Challenge for this month along with Iron Roots Podcast episode 1 where I dive into the History behind the 5 x 5 strength training program! It's ALL about the basics in this one, post your comments, weights used, etc in the comments section. I also added The Iron Roots Podcast episode on where The 5 x 5 Strength Training system originated with Reg Park as well as the way Bill Starr implemented 5 x 5 in his book, The Strongest Shall Survive! … [Read more...]
My Favorite Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Sport Training & Strength Training Books
I've Got an AWESOME video for you, and although it is a bit long (12 minutes), these are the books that have shaped and even changed my life.... So, grab some coffee, or a protein shake or maybe some fruit and veggies....but NOT all of them at one sitting!! ha ha Enjoy this video and drop a comment to add your own "Favorite" list when done! I'm psyched to hear about your list of favorite strength & conditioning books! … [Read more...]