Here we go, STRONG Life Podcast ep. 199 with Rachel Balkovec. Rachel interviewed me for her Theta Wave Podcast while on my drive to teaching and we got into some awesome history behind my training, my childhood and how these experiences have shaped my coaching philosophy. I share the infamous story of "Andrei The Giant" from Israel and lots of history from The Underground Strength Gym including how my mindset has changed from the business focus to the coaching / teaching focus. Prepare … [Read more...]
Golden Era Strength & Muscle Building Lessons from Irvin “Zabo” Koszewski
Nothing fires me up more than looking through my old bodybuilding books and magazines. The magazines from the 50s through the 70s are my favorite. These magazines had information on powerlifting, weightlifting, bodybuilding, nutrition and lifestyle. The Golden Era of Bodybuilding was MORE than what we see in today's bodybuilding world. Irvin “Zabo” Koszewski was one of my favorite bodybuilders from the early days of The Golden Era so I wanted to make a video on how he inspired me, how he … [Read more...]
Power Cleans for Athletes? The How & Why with Zach & Travis Mash
To power clean or not? THAT is the question. The answer of yes or no as well as HOW to Power Clean will vary depending on MANY scenarios that I discuss below in the videos on my own & with Travis Mash. SOME of those factors that will influence the how & why behind the Power Clean Are: College / High School setting where you KNOW you are with those kids for years or long term for the majority of the training Independent Strength Coach where athletes come / go for countless … [Read more...]
Developing Mental Toughness & The Importance of Your Training Atmosphere
Your training atmosphere can either build your mental toughness or put up road blocks in developing mental toughness. Your Training Atmosphere is key. Some will say you must have loud music and you must be surrounded by other highly motivated lifters and athletes. I used to say exactly that and still love that experience. But there is much to be said about the opposite, when you have no one surrounding you to inspire or motivate you, except for yourself. There is no music or the music … [Read more...]
The Best Squat Shoes?
~ THE SQUAT POEM ~ My e mails and social media messages are being taken over by questions that have LESS to do with what it takes to be strong and more to do with the shoes one should be wearing, the best belt, etc. I've had people walk into my gym who looked like they NEVER lifted a day in their life and asked me what "training system are you using? Conjugate or linear periodization?" The WRONG questions are being asked. The short cuts, fads and gimmicks are being chased. Yet there is 1 … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep 22 w/ Barbell Shrugged: HOW to Get STRONG. FAST.
In this episode of The STRONG Life podcast, The Barbell Shrugged Crew and I discuss program design and reverse engineering training AND life. We break down how we look at safely, effectively and quickly help people build themselves UP, both physically and mentally. These are the methods used at The Underground Strength Gym for youth athletes all the way up to Olympic level athletes. Give this a listen and make yourself smarter and STRONGER. WHY? Because we are ALL Coaches. You either coach … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Podcast 17: Barbell Buddha | Living Your Dreams & Being STRONG
In this episode of The STRONG Life, I interview Chris Moore, aka Barbell Buddha. Chris has been in the iron game since he was a child. He became a different kind of a "meathead". Yes, he loved lifting heavy and he was damn good at it. But he also loved learning about life and what it takes to live a life on your own terms; Doing the things we all desire.... - Lifting Heavy - Drinking Coffee - Living Life on Your Own Terms … [Read more...]
STRONGCast 13: Travis Mash On Weightlifting, Powerlifting & Family
In this ass kicking episode of The STRONGCast I interview my friend and ass kicker, world record holder and top Weightlifting Coach, Travis Mash. In this episode Travis and I talk about: … [Read more...]
3 Speed Training Fallacies To Avoid
3 Speed Training Fallacies to Avoid By Travis Hansen / Author, The Speed Training Encyclopedia In this article we will explore and identify three of the most common speed training myths on the market today. It’s quite possible to perhaps argue the three that I’m going to select, however, these three are, in my opinion, are the most common of all the potential myths out there. … [Read more...]
How To Increase Your Squat AND Should You Wear A Belt?
Monday is national bench press day. Or is it? For those who understand the ticket to gaining size and strength is in their commitment to the SQUAT, Monday is a day to SQUAT. Here are a few critical tips to ensure you squat correctly, squat safely and don't get caught with weak legs. As my old Wrestling Coach told me in the gym one day..... … [Read more...]