This blog post will evolve as I evolve but for now, I am standing my ground on something I have picked up on tremendously over the past few years. I've learned this when it comes to understanding why some athletes are tough and competitive while others couldn't care less if they lost / lose over and over again. After working with over 1,000 athletes at The Underground Strength Gym, I've come across kids who simply do NOT care. They will cancel workouts 5 minutes before their schedule, … [Read more...]
STORY: How The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength Almost NEVER Happened, Until…
Above, Quatro Deuce, Joe DeSena and Myself at SPARTAN HQ (Pittsfield, Vt) the weekend The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning was Launched AND the Weekend of The SPARTAN Underground Mastermind. A Busy & Awesome Weekend Wrapped In One! ________________ Here's a story many of you don't know..... It's a story I wanted to share so you understand that I am just like you..... A story of how The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning never … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why You’re NOT Getting Stronger Or Bigger
Sometimes.... ya just gotta get The damn job done. Period. What to eat, how to train, optimal sets and reps, how long to rest, circa max phase, belt or no belt? I get these questions ALL the time and I go back to my days of lifting at The Metuchen YMCA in 1989 and 1990. Many of the guys in that crammed, old school weight room were built like brick shit houses. … [Read more...]
Train On Your OWN [GLADIATOR Mindset]
![Train On Your OWN [GLADIATOR Mindset]](https://zacheven-esh.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/RayJaz-singlet-underground-225x300.jpg)
I've been hearing the same old line since I was a young teen going to the gym with guns blazing. My friends and the "older guys" in the gym always complained about their lack of motivation. "I'm just not motivated....." "I need to train with you. You fire me up...." "I don't have it anymore....." The Ultimate Warrior always spoke about OWNING your life by doing your OWN work. Mr. R, aka Mr. Resistance is always trying to hold you down. He whispers in your ear and tells you that tomorrow is … [Read more...]
Encyclopedia Of Underground Strength [ALL Articles, Interviews & More!]
![Encyclopedia Of Underground Strength [ALL Articles, Interviews & More!]](https://zacheven-esh.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Zach-QD-Joe-Spartan-Underground-Book2-300x225.jpg)
Links to all the interviews, podcasts, articles, guest blogs & more featuring info on The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning: … [Read more...]
The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning [Finally Here!!]
![The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning [Finally Here!!]](https://zacheven-esh.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Mark-Divine-Underground-Strength-300x208.png)
The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning OK, Guys & Gals! THE Encyclopedia is FINALLY here and I promise you, the wait is well worth it. Like everything I do, I put my heart and soul into this book. It's a compilation of all the blood, sweat and tears that taught me about being STRONG both in the gym and in LIFE. And when I say blood, sweat and tears, that is ALL truth, as you'll find out in the first chapter of this Bad Ass Encylopedia..... … [Read more...]
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Encylopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning
BIG Announcement on the release of The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength & Conditioning in this video. You'll also see some heavy duty footage of our athletes attacking The Underground Strength gym. This book truly is my heart & soul. I poured everything I had into these pages. Your support means the world to me, here's a quick inside look.... … [Read more...]
Spartan Life 101: The Human Food Chain, Survival of The Fittest, Life & Business Success
These videos are going to make you think about what it REALLY takes to succeed in life. - Is there a "Human Food Chain"? - Does survival of the fittest still exist? - How to NOT allow society to shape you the way it shapes other people and how to avoid being a follower and part of the herd..... Check out this conversation with Joe DeSena when we get to the top of the mountain after climbing the 1 mile Death Race Staircase as well as our conversation in his backyard about lessons we've … [Read more...]
Top 3 Lessons Learned From Powerlifters
When I began training athletes, specifically wrestlers, I was lucky enough to learn about many of my training methods from Louie Simmons and Pavel. I would speak with Louie on a weekly basis, calling him during my lunch when I was a teacher and we would chat about training wrestlers, MMA fighters and overall building athletes into Bad Mother F**ers. My first set of Kettlebells was a pair of 53s and a pair of 70s. I read all of Pavel's books and training courses and began blending his strength … [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...]