Can you build muscle? Can you do it naturally? What about when you "get older"? Your 30s, 40s and 50s? I am not sure why we begin to think it's all over in our 30s and 40s. I have a funny feeling the internet confused you and the fact that I am saying, YES, You CAN build muscle & strength as you "get older", the internet will now sue me! I just saw a photo of Sly training hard at my buddy Gunnar Peterson's gym. Sly is 70! So with Sly being almost twice my age and still looking … [Read more...]
Training In Your 40s VS Training High School & College Athletes
The older you get, the harder the training gets! It's tougher to make gains and you can forget about that "maintenance" BS program. If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. I NEVER use the word "maintenance" when training anyone, including in season for athletes. Think about it, how weak does it sound when you say I'm just trying to maintain. It sounds like you fear the work. It makes me wonder, how long can my message of hard work and consistency on the basics live on … [Read more...]
Squats & My Strength Training Philosophy As I Get Older
Here's an excerpt from my updated version of The Underground Strength & Performance Manual (Almost Finished!). Make The Rep or Die….. I never saw anyone miss a rep in the squat until the internet came around. Not once in the gym did I see a guy bail out on a squat and we’re talking age 13 until my late 20s, guys squatting 4, 5 and 6 plates per side. Spotters knew how to spot and lifters were focused. It’s hard to focus when you kinda think you can or maybe you can’t. Check that phone … [Read more...]
143 | Dr. Tom Incledon | Injuries, Cancer, Nutrition & Strength Training
STRONG Life Podcast Ep. 143 with Dr. Tom Incledon. WOW, Mind blown in this episode and a part 2 is already in the making because we have MUCH more to talk about. BIG thanks to my sponsor, https://IntekStrength.com Use Code zach100 for 10% discount! Here's what Dr. Tom and I discuss in this episode: … [Read more...]
Iron History, THE Underground Strength Gym & Zach’s Training Program
I'm not a fun guy to be around when I don't get my training in. On the flip slide, when I train, I am at my most creative, I feel energized and almost reborn. I take you through a tour of THE Underground Strength Gym to explain why my training is going so well, how Louie Simmons influenced me, where the Iron History comes from at The Underground Strength Gym and much more. … [Read more...]
140 | Training for LIFE w/ Zach & Jim Steel
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 140 with my man, Jim Steel. This episode is great, and really, any time I chat with Jim it's like we're just hanging out and talking life. You're gonna love this episode as we discuss the following: … [Read more...]
They Said “Slow Down, You’re Working Too Hard.” THEY. ARE. WRONG.
Every morning I rise early. Before the dogs went to get out of their own beds. Before the sun has risen. I get the Coffee going for myself and my wife. I begin writing. My writing comes from my inner fire, which I began to recognize in myself as soon as I began lifting weights, circa June of 1989. The emotions that came from training were a mixture of many feelings; Anger, Safety, Confidence, Intensity, Passion, Loneliness, Bonding, Aggression and then some....... The majority of … [Read more...]
Knee Pain, Weightlifting Belts & Back to Bodybuilding
I've been getting questions regarding injuries, knee pain, back pain and nutrition for a LONG time. After 3 knee surgeries, a shoulder surgery, a broken nose, aches and pains since my early teens with Wrestling and practically living in the gym, I've experienced a LOT of ups and downs. I blend an approach where I experiment and figure things out for myself as well as reaching out to a few friends who have more experience than I do. Here's the deal. I used to always wear a thin … [Read more...]
28 Years of Lifting: Strength Training In Your 40s & Training As You Get Older
This is the article I dreaded ever having to write; "Training as you get older" or "Training in your 40s". Before I move forward, understand, these are my experiences. My experiences don't make anything universal or the end all, be all laws. Other guys my age might have a different training experience under their belt and in turn, they don't have the same mindset or physical experiences. Back up almost 30 years and I began training in June 1989, some 2 weeks before 8th grade ended. I was … [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...]