There's a lot of chatter going on regarding training athletes for speed and strength. Some coaches feel we're not doing enough speed / sprint work. Others realize that MANY athletes are too weak to sprint properly. And, have we forgotten? We need athletes to be TOUGH. Give kids an opportunity to train on their own in a weight room today and you'll see some benching and lots of "chest work" and of course, lots of curls. NO back training. NO DEEP Squats. Farmer … [Read more...]
Farmer Carries Are Great, But…..
Before I even owned my gym I met up with some guys who were competitive strongmen. I was training out of my garage mostly, here and there going to the local tire yard for some tire flips..... It was Saturday and it was their day of training events. I remember getting destroyed with their 220 lb farmer walks and some of their guys jogged with the weight. I was fired up and got chatting with these guys about their programming and made my adjustments. At the time, my lower body … [Read more...]
The “Crowd” Wants Sets & Reps But Coaching MUST Go BEYOND Sets & Reps
Above, The Crew at The Underground Strength Gym (Middlesex, NJ) Whenever I speak at a conference I tend to not speak about the exercise specifics, the sets, the reps..... First off, the majority of the speakers ARE going to speak on this. Secondly, you will find a GREAT deal of carry over in what we do when you organize a bunch of speakers. Why? Because what works will continue to work for many decades and centuries to come. The fads and gimmicks work on instagram or youtube, in the weight … [Read more...]
3 Reasons To Train Like A SAVAGE
Men need to train like uncontrolled savages & stop being so damn pretty when it comes to training & workouts. Start doing this at least SOME of the time. Not all of the time, but 1 x week, make it happen. Intense, Uncomfortable, Tough Workouts are GREAT for the mind AND body. The body is always capable of more, but through those perfect workouts that follow the perfect program design system and the best sets and reps, you NEVER truly develop your Inner Savage. I love telling the … [Read more...]
We Need MORE People Getting Farm Boy STRONG
Too many Coaches have gotten entirely too nice with athletes and their training. Or, they refuse to learn and refuse to change, in turn doing dangerous and stupid training that either doesn't work and / or injures athletes. "This is how I always trained....." is what they say. Small minds refuse to change. Small minded people never succeed beyond their own mind. Don't be "that guy". Everyday is a learning opportunity. I learn everyday, not just from other coaches, but from my athletes as I … [Read more...]
Warrior Workouts [March 2015], Random Thoughts & Various Inspiration
I am always finding inspiration. For some reason, everything I see inspires me in some shape or form. I am inspired to be better than I currently am as well as to not be like the things I see that bother me. I've tried to change, to calm down, to be less intense or less serious or even less passionate but it lasts very little. I'm just not a calm guy who lets things slide. I'm intense, passionate and fired up. It's like telling Dan Gable to stop being so intense. It doesn't work. It will … [Read more...]
Inside My Recent Training: Spartan Combat Training
I've been working around a nagging shoulder & bicep injury but finding a way to get it done and make it happen. The years and years of training are piling up since 1989 but I am grateful for all that happens to me as it makes me smarter and stronger. As I mentioned in the last STRONG Life podcast, "Everything that happens to you is the BEST thing that happens to you". The video below is Part 3 in the feature of my training where I dig deep and connect with my Warrior spirit. I have zero … [Read more...]
How & Why You Must Train Your INNER Warrior
Even the nicest guy / gal has an inner Warrior spirit. And even if you live in a town as nice and safe as where The Brady Bunch lived, you must train the mind, body and spirit to not only handle tough times, but to THRIVE in those times. Tough times are coming. They are always right around the corner in some shape or form. Training in a manner that connects you to your Inner Warrior is not going to be your typical workout. There has to be a sense of discomfort. Furthermore, you must LOVE the … [Read more...]
3 Ways To Improve Your Tire Flip & Strongman Lifts
Training the strongman lifts, I always tell others, must be earned. If you're a Strength Coach, seriously, stop letting everyone and their Mom flip tires. It leads to injuries and leads to a lack of respect for what it takes to be strong. We shouldn't have tires every 50 lbs separated so everyone can flip a tire. That's like saying everyone wins, it's always a tie! We shouldn't have Sandbags every 10 lbs so everyone can comfortably increase poundages. Odd objects are supposed to be … [Read more...]
Lift Strong Prep, Challenges & Life At The Underground Strength Gym
Things are REALLY rolling here at Underground Strength HQ. Summer is a CRAZY time of year for us: - We've got our 5th annual LIFT STRONG Fundraiser coming up (You're invited, to compete OR watch & support us). I am FIRED UP because we just got one of our Underground Adults, also a Chef, to come and grill for us, getting 6 ft grill and food and I am PSYCHED! - We have athletes in & out all summer as they attend various training camps, compete in local, state & national … [Read more...]