It is always inspiring to me when I dig up my old muscle magazines from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Those photos of John Grimek, Steve Reeves, Reg Park, etc simply exude strength. These men had physiques that proved what could be done with a few hard training sessions each week, while eating a well balanced diet. Meat, Eggs, Fish, Veggies, Fruits and some carbs. Simple. Not easy. John Grimek, pictured above is in his late 40s. Look at his back. His body is a symbol of work. WORK; The very thing … [Read more...]
Simple & Effective Nutrition Tips from Physical Culture, Silver & Golden Era Bodybuilding
I've been going through my old magazines from the 50s and 60s and really love seeing the nutrition basics. And a few weeks ago, someone sent me my original paper back of The Way to Live, which I recreated into The Russian Lion Power Course. So now, I am going through and rereading some of George Hackenschmidt's nutrition, training and lifestyle tips. Everything was so simple and yet so effective when we look at the nutrition and training tips dating back to the Physical Culture era (early … [Read more...]
STRONG Life 258: Josh Bryant | Crazy Gym Stories, Country Living & Training in Your 40s
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 258 with my bro, Josh Bryant. Josh Bryant is the co author of many of my favorite books under The Jail House Strong brand. Visit Josh's website HERE. In this episode we share some of our most memorable Crazy Gym Stories, thoughts on Country Living & Training in Your 40s. This episode embodies the STRONG Life philosophy as Josh and I discuss topics beyond the barbell and beyond the weight room. … [Read more...]
Training In Your 40s, Bulgarian Power Burst, Bench Press + Deadlift Tips
With my hectic schedule I am going through some short training sessions, around 15-20 minutes a clip. Sometimes I get 2 mini sessions a day and instead of complaining, I simply get it done. Announcing how tired or busy I am is a waste of time. Nobody cares, including myself. I despise even my own excuses. While at school where I coach, I might go through 3-4 exercises as a circuit of 3 - 4 rounds. I've used bodyweight, kettlebells, fat bells and some basic machines (perhaps a lat pulldown or … [Read more...]
My 6 Strength & Health Mistakes You Should Avoid
It's the weekend and that means lots of sports with the kids and STILL, early mornings for me to get things done. Sunday mornings are always for answering questions for my Strength Coach Mentorship group, The STRONG Life Brotherhood. Today, we've got Baseball & Tennis. It's gonna be a GREAT day. Yesterday I saw my Doctor to start planning for my knee surgery. It's time to fix this and take care of ME. And a BIG reason why my knee went downhill was because when it began … [Read more...]
Old Training Methods for New Results
At age 44, I am still learning and evolving with my training. 31 years into training and unlike many lifters and coaches, I am not moving forward with a closed mind. Listen, if you want to get better, you need an open mind. You need to have the hunger and desire to keep learning and keep improving. A closed mind helps no one. I've been adding a few new things for me but they are not new in the realm of training methods. Some of these training methods that I have started implementing with … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Podcast Ep. 229 | Dr. Doug Kechijian on Military Training + Training as We “Get Older”
Photo Cred: AirForeTimes.com STRONG Life Podcast Ep. 229 with my friend and trusted source for all things health & performance, Dr. Doug Kechijian. Dug and I met about 10 years ago (2010 I believe) at the Original Underground Strength Gym back when Brian Macknezie was running the CrossFit Endurance Seminar, which was awesome, by the way! In this episode, Doug and I discuss Military Training (both pre selection and post selection) & Training as We "Get Older". Doug had received a … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Insider Ep. 43 | Be TOUGHER Than Your Excuses
How many excuses can people come up with? Listen, I HATE my OWN excuses. But hearing everyone else with their excuses that never end makes me realize, holy sh-t, I am NOT on their level of weakness. Yes, I know, I know, who am I to judge? But here I am, judging, getting fired UP, hoping this short STRONG Life Insider fires YOU up so you can destroy anything that dares stand in your way. This episode is after receiving 2 replies to my newsletter from men who are TOUGH. Men who are … [Read more...]
Can You Build Muscle In Your 40s (And Older)? 25 Tips from Experience, The Classic & Golden Era of Bodybuilding
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. As you get older, the last thing you want is that WEAK attitude of "I'm just maintaining". 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 … [Read more...]