When I began going to the local YMCA as a kid, I rode my bike there. Unlike the kids of today who get a ride to The Underground Strength Gym, even if they live 2 blocks away. My bike ride was a good 15 minutes and I loved it. The fresh air, the excitement of heading to the gym to transform my body and to feel that pump. To me, there was nothing better in life than getting the pump and seeing my body transform in front of the mirror in what seemed like a daily occurrence. Spring and Summer … [Read more...]
272 | QnA: Training Large High School Groups & Training Stories from Old School Gyms
STRONG Life Podcast ep. 272 This episode is all QnA where I discuss / answer the following topics that came in from my Instagram: - Training Large High School Groups with limited space AND limited equipment - How to grow your gym / strength & conditioning business in a small town where nobody knows you - Inspiring Training Stories / Lessons Learned from Old School Gyms of the 80s and 90s compared to the gyms of today The STRONG Life Podcast is brought to you by SORINEX … [Read more...]
Shoulder Health, Deadlifts & 1989 YMCA Weight Room Stories
I remember as a kid reading Arnold's bodybuilding books and his Encyclopedia mentioned how he uses Deadlifts. He said to do "a few sets of a few reps". I took that as keeping it fast & furious, never killing the Deadlift or it will kill you. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and done. 3 x 3. 2 x 2. Any of the simple combos above seem to work very well. I recall when I Deadlifted 545 I never went heavier than 405 in training. Of course, I squatted heavy, did various rowing exercises, weighted … [Read more...]
The Story of The Infamous BIG Curl Bar
It was a summer morning in 1990 and I had arrived at my favorite place, The Metuchen YMCA. This wasn't the updated YMCA with their brand new equipment, nicely painted walls and senior citizens aimlessly roaming the gym floor. This was the small basement weight room that was treated like the red headed step child, outfitted with what we call today "old school" York Barbell equipment. Round Head York Dumbbells lined the dumbbell racks while the heavier dumbbells were left scattered on the floor. … [Read more...]
My Vintage York Barbell Gym Tour
I snagged a recent e bay auction with 600 lbs of vintage weights from York Barbell, Wonder Barbell, Jackson Barbell and Heathway Barbell. Little did I know this gentleman (who's identity can not be identified) had a BEAUTFUL Vintage York Barbell Gym in his basement. It was also cool AND ironic to see all the York Blobs he was selling on e bay and 1 of them was won by none other than the Grip King himself, Richard Sorin. It was ironic because I had JUST spoken with Richard by phone … [Read more...]