hardcore training

Low Reps or High Reps: What’s Better? – Episode 337

In this episode we will address the question of reps. Should you do high reps or low reps? What’s better for strength gains, muscle growth, and fat loss? Does it vary from person to person? How many reps should you do as a beginner? Intermediate? Advanced lifter?  Is age a consideration? What about per muscle group?  Should you train the calves with the same rep range as the shoulders?  What if some muscles are predominantly fast twitch, and others are slow twitch? Does that change the recommendation? What load and rep range produces the best results?  And should you take… continue reading.

Gaining 80+ Pounds, Fist Fights, and the Legend of Renegade Gym

Back in the mid 90’s in a small town in Dirty Jersey, I opened Renegade Gym. It was one of the original hardcore, underground, warehouse style training facilities. The atmosphere was legendary, the results unmatched. Long before it was mainstream to push sleds and flip tires we did it. Way before you ever saw gymnastics rings in a gym we had them. Twenty years before it was cool to “train like an athlete,” we were doing it. Group workouts? Competitions? Record boards on the wall? Yup, we were doing that in ’96, son. As you approached the front door you… continue reading.

Do These to Become Bulletproof

I love loaded carries and include them in every training program I design. There is nothing more functional than picking up something heavy and walking with it. It’s manly, hardcore, old school shit. Makes you feel like a badass. Especially when you’re doing them in a public gym where no one else would dream of doing such a thing. Loaded carries bulletproof your entire body from head to toe. Ankle, knee and hip stability is increased from loaded carries. Your toes, feet and abs get stronger. continue reading.

Are You Up For This Shit?

Twenty plus years ago I had one of the original hardcore, underground, warehouse-style training facilities. Renegade Gym. The music was loud and angry. The attitude was pure ruthless aggression. The floor, covered with chalk. The walls with blood. The closet doors had holes in them. Some from a headbutt before a new PR attempt. Others from the many scuffles that broke out during an intense squat day. This was not a place you came to “exercise,” or “work out.” You came to train. continue reading.