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...]
Do NOT Conform, Be ALPHA
When you are in your 20s you don't see the slight differences among people. You're just living it up. You're moving forward. Then, you hit your 30s and you're charging forward in your own life, so you just put your head down and work. You assume everyone is on a similar path of pushing for growth, success and strength. Maybe you have a family now, maybe not. Maybe a career? Maybe not? Maybe just a "job" that "pays the bills". Then your mid and late 30s come and you see how people begin to … [Read more...]
Training In Your 40s & Strength Coach Start Up Tips
I can't believe I am writing an article about "Training in your 40s"..... I remember training in my teens and 20s. The saying Time goes fast is a severe understatement! The Ultimate Warrior used to tell me that he would give a handful of his years to go back to his 20s and "Feel that f--in' Power!" That being said, training in your 40s is different for everyone. I've been training since age 13 so the mileage of hard and heavy training has beaten me up. If you're in your 40s and haven't done … [Read more...]
Deep Belly Breathing + Lifestyle Mistakes
Pay attention. Pay attention to the details. Deny them as I did and eventually your body will be put in it's place through injury, pain and frustration. In this Video I discuss breathing through the belly, or as Elliott Hulse often says, "breathe into your balls". This could be one of the most important Videos for your health. It all depends, as I like to say. When you are young and in your 20s, you feel indestructible, but, as the mileage of training builds up, you look back and wish you … [Read more...]
My Thoughts On Training As You “Get Older” & The BEST Workout Program
I was 27 years old and getting my car filled up on gas at the local gas station. It was almost Summer time and I was wearing shorts and a t shirt. A guy I knew saw me and said, "Holy shit, son, you're all ripped up. I used to look like that. Wait until you get my age, you won't have the time to train anymore. I used to be just like you......" Those were the famous words I began hearing on the regular, "Just like you....." Listen, things change as you get older, and whether they change for … [Read more...]
What to Do When Powerlifting Sucks?
This scenario might anger many, but, it may also be a stone throw away from happening to you. Check out this e mail I received and see my thoughts below: Zach, Just wanted to send you an email to let you know how much I appreciate how many bodyweight resources you are giving us. We've spoken via email before, but to reiterate, I played 4 years of college football at a small D3 school in Chicago. During my time there I developed chronic neck injuries that left me with Thoracic Outlet … [Read more...]
Underground Strength Gym Bodyweight & Strength Training Tips
Did John Grimek have it right or what!? He was STRONG, athletic, lean and blended all the training modalities together. We've gotten away from that and everything is extreme left or right. When it comes to your health I am more of a believer nowadays in more balance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxCwyPKFESs More and more of my workouts are becoming bodyweight based. I also include Bodybuilding, Weightlifting, Odd Objects, Powerlifting...... Why choose only one method or style? … [Read more...]
Muscle Building Formula: Build Strength = Build (A Lot) More Muscle
The amount of complicated BS training is getting out of control. The truth is, it is simple. And, NOT easy. It also takes time. Not months, but YEARS of work. The formula to gaining size? It starts with STRENGTH. If you want to get BIG, then you better plan on getting stronger, period. Heavy weights, low to moderate reps, some high rep sets for finishers, lots of quality food, quality rest, basics, basics, basics. I know, ground breaking, right? Yet on the regular, so many … [Read more...]