In the early 2000s when I began Underground Strength, it was truly "Underground". At the time, the "in thing" was training on one leg, on a bosu ball or physio ball. You had to use a medicine ball, rotating, half kneeling and doing what many today consider "circus tricks". That was when "functional training" became the buzz word along with the infamous "core training". Many of the "popular" Coaches laughed at me and made jokes. During an interview one day I remember saying, "I would put my … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Squats Can Cure The All Too Common Complaining Syndrome
Does that person REALLY need to complain about ________? The answer? Probably not. What good does complaining REALLY do for anyone? Any time somebody complains to me about something that has NOTHING to do with them and matter of fact doesn't hurt them or anyone else, all I can think to myself is..... If this person would experience some struggles, like some 20 rep gut check squats, they would be minding own business! … [Read more...]
Strength Lessons from The Iron Gladiators of The 80s & 90s
Photo Cred: Grégoire Alessandrini / http://www.nyc90s.com The photo above is from the no longer open, Gladiator Gym. This gym was housed in "Alphabet City" in The East Village of NYC. Pro Bodybuilders used to train there. Hard charging weightlifters trained there. The unspoken rule was simple: Train Your Ass Off. Intensity Rules. This was the story in MANY local gyms back when I was a teen and in my early 20s. So when I was a teen and in my early 20s, the way I learned was by getting under … [Read more...]
Phantom Of The Anvil
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." - Bruce Lee This photo alone speaks volumes. Somehow, while searching "Anvil Lifting" and being inspired from an old Kevin Tolbert photo (see below) I came across another photo on the web, credit to USAWA. I saw it and immediately thought to myself, HOLY SHYT!!! This Dude is a F**ing TANK! I'm almost tempted to say NOTHING else as the photo speaks for … [Read more...]
Iron Roots Podcast Ep. 1 | 5 X 5 Strength Training + The Power of Push Ups
Here's your Underground Strength Challenge for this month along with Iron Roots Podcast episode 1 where I dive into the History behind the 5 x 5 strength training program! It's ALL about the basics in this one, post your comments, weights used, etc in the comments section. I also added The Iron Roots Podcast episode on where The 5 x 5 Strength Training system originated with Reg Park as well as the way Bill Starr implemented 5 x 5 in his book, The Strongest Shall Survive! … [Read more...]
Bottoms UP & The DEATH Grip
Having a powerful, bone crushing grip is one of the cornerstones of a legit, strong MAN. Heck, you might even say that being Man means you must have a bone crushing grip. You KNOW you remember the guy who always shook your hand when you were younger that had you walking away saying to yourself, "WOW, that Dude has got one helluva grip!" Do you think people say the same thing about you? If not, then I must say, "Houston, we've got a problem". If you're gonna use the Kettlebell drill in the … [Read more...]
Prison Strength Training & Convict Conditioning
MANY years ago (2005 or 2006) I took a trip to the prison where the movie Lock Up was filmed with Sly Stallone. I wanted to learn how the inmates trained. In a nut shell, I was hungry to learn from anyone who was strong, fast and powerful. I had seen a documentary on how inmates are training every day and I found out a friend of mine had a family member who was a LT working with "The Lifers". This friend of mine introduced me to her Dad who was open to bringing me in to chat with these guys … [Read more...]
Another Convict Conditioning QnA
Photo Above, from Convict Conditioning Book, by Paul Wade __________________ Hey Coach- I'm a 16 year old sophomore out of Dallas, TX, a varsity football player and wrestler. I've been a proud Undergrounder since the Summer after my freshman year, and I can't begin to tell you what incredible results I've gotten from performing simple, ground based barbell movements mixed with some light strongman work (sandbag stuff, mostly) has done for my athletic career. The UTM taught me how to program … [Read more...]
I don’t need no stinkin’ gym!
Today I headed to the playground to kill it an OLD monkey bar type gym. And although I own a gym, I still prefer the outdoors. If I lived in a year round warm weather area, my gym would be constructed with no roof and all outdoor training, very much like the weight pit (the old one) at Muscle Beach where Arnold used to kill it. Check the videos below with a mix of outdoor and indoor training. I know they'll hype you up and give you ideas on how to kill it and begin your very own … [Read more...]
Episode # 45: The premiere of Neck TV!?!?!
More good times at The Ryan Lee Boot Camp. Elliot Hulse mans the flip cam and there's more to come, this is part 1.... We were eating breakfast together and began talking about bodybuilding for muscle growth, 3 and 4 way splits rather than 2 way splits. We decided we better share all our info and get it out there! What has been your best muscle building, strength gaining system? Post your answer below. Kill it! --Coach Z-- PS: Brute strength, rugged muscle.... get my home study course at … [Read more...]