This article is about GRIT & Toughness for the Strength & Conditioning Coach. This profession is NOT easy. The hours can be crazy and the vacations can be little but we are SO damn passionate about what we do, it's a double edged sword. I've been at The D1 Level and of course the independent level, running at times up to 4 locations of The Underground Strength Gym. Thank God for wrestling because it taught me to be TOUGH. From my first job working at JFK Fitness Center to my … [Read more...]
144 | STRONG Life QnA: Be HUNGRY to WIN, Work Ethic, Gym Business & My Disdain for Lazy Folk
There have always been people who disagree or find a way to avoid being strong, and, more precisely, avoiding ALL the WORK it takes to get Strong. The mindset, nutrition, the obsession, the grit, the discipline and the lifestyle that never ends to get STRONG is found among uncommon men and women. Since as long as I can remember and read about, there were always Doctors, athletes, lifters, coaches and you name it saying that "lifting weights" is bad for you, it will stunt your growth, make … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 129 | AN IRON WILL & Why We Must Fight Comfort
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 129 is a short and powerful episode. I dive into an excerpt from the book, An Iron Will and dissect how we can apply this excerpt to our day to day life. I also discuss a recent article written by Jim Steel, all about simplicity and how we must fight the conformity of being OWNED by technology. Deep down, I don't enjoy technology. As much as technology gives us all these advances in the world, it has broken down many barriers. For example, the 9-5 work day … [Read more...]
28 Years of Lifting: Strength Training In Your 40s & Training As You Get Older
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...]
Dare to be GREAT, Work Ethic & Spartan Lifestyle with Jason Woods
STRONG Life Podcast episode 124 with 19 yr old, Jason Woods. Jason traveled to NJ for The USC Cert with Travis Mash and I, flying here from Scotland. We got the podcast rolling as I drove him up to the train station and man, this was a blast! Rather than a typical interview, we simply recorded our conversation in the car and we chatted up some inspiring stuff. My throat was destroyed with pollen so apologies for the clearing of the throat! The content and adventure in this episode will … [Read more...]
STRONG Life Ep. 101: Work Ethic & The Mystery Of Coaching Athletes
STRONG Life Podcast Ep. 101 with Mike Guadango, Owner of Freak Strength. In this episode, I connect with a long time friend, Mike Guadango. Mike and I met back in the early days of The Underground Strength Gym when we would compete against DeFranco's Gym at his annual Strongman Challenge. Back then, Mike was a hard charging athlete with goals of become a Major League Baseball Player. Injuries have a funny way of changing our life path and that's exactly what happened with … [Read more...]
Genetics, Lame Excuses & Muscle Building
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." - Calvin Coolidge I explain to the athletes I work with on a daily basis how DEDICATION & Work Ethic … [Read more...]
The MOST Important Muscle to ALWAYS Work [Jamie Foxx Life Lesson]
I'm always amazed at how people will avoid the work and endure the pain that comes from losing.... Losing in sports.... Losing in a business they own.... Losing at good health.... I've known business owners with their business about go go under, a family to support and have given them advice to succeed and they STILL come up with excuses. It amazes me and shocks me how everyone KNOWS that it takes hard work to succeed yet many don't try their best. Is it safe to say that many people are … [Read more...]
The Value of Teaching Work Ethic & Avoiding The Delusional
Above, Opportunity knocks for those WILLING to work their ass off to get it. A crew of CUSC (Certified Underground Strength Coaches) at Elliott Hulse's Strength Camp. Some "get it" and some don't. Some think that what they see on the surface is what you get and the way it's always been. They see a pumping gym and assume it was easy. They don't see the tens of thousands of dollars (perhaps over 100 thousand) invested in training and business knowledge. They don't see the struggles that were … [Read more...]
STRONG Life 33: Ray Jaz, NO Easy Day & Arnold Legacy
You think you're working hard until someone makes you rethink what work ethic, commitment, intensity and passion looks like at the NEXT level. That is the key to the latest STRONG Life Podcast. I'll be giving you insight into the story behind a kid who may have rivaled my own passion and intensity as a kid from the gym, but, even better, he understood how to apply the lessons learned from the gym to his life and sports. … [Read more...]