Grab Bull Strength By The Horns

January 17, 2010 on 8:37 am | In Strength Training | 12 Comments

Here is a quick summary of some questions I have received but not posted on the site over the last six months…

(Combined) Reader Questions:  How do you feel about X? (x = concurrent periodization, linear periodization, undulated periodization, conjugated periodization, powerlifting, olympic lifting, kettlebells, distance running, crossfit). 

I’m going to try to summarize my answer very quickly, and I really hope this doesn’t sound arrogant.  Everything on that list has benefits to include in exercise, but the only program I 100% endorse is my own. 

12130368 gal Grab Bull Strength By The Horns

You can tell I was watching “Dodgeball” with my wife this week

For the new comers to the site, we have dubbed my training protocol the Bull Strength Method based off a saying of my father. 

He used to laugh at us when would go to the gym and do our “bodybuilding routines” off of random workout cards at the place.

“You want real muscles, spend a day threading and hanging pipe with me!” he would say. 

Looking back at it, he was right.  His friends could lift just about anything if they had to.  I didn’t get it back then since they didn’t look like bodybuilders, but strength comes in a lot of different packages.

strong lumberjack

This person may have never set foot in a gym, but is strong as hell.

Through the use of aspects from all the protocols mentioned above, I created the Bull Strength Method of using common primary lifts combined with odd object training, multi-planar movements, and some creative gym exercises. 

(SKIP TO THE BOTTOM FOR A BIG TIME REVIEW OF BULL STRENGTH)

The goal:  Get my athletes that “real world strength” my dad used to bust my chops about. 

And it has worked with huge results (you can check a few before and after pictures over on Bullstrength.com)

So why would you want to be “Bull Strong” anyways?

1.  Training like an athlete.  Who has the best muscular builds?  Usually its guys like football running backs, combat athletes, and similar athletes.  So, why not look like those guys…without all the getting hit!

bradyandrob Grab Bull Strength By The Horns

NFL QB Brady Quinn and trainer Rob Williams (his review of Bull Strength is below) 

2.  Lift Strong vs Live Strong.  I love hitting PRs in the gym…its addicting.  However, that would all be worthless (except for the nightly pose downs in the mirror) unless I could actually use that strength. 

For us, its more important to live strong as well.  I want to be able to pick my kids up, carry a dozen bags of groceries, and open every jar lid ever made!  Practical applications of strength are much more valuable to me. 

father son basketball 2 Grab Bull Strength By The Horns

3.  Beat Gym Boredom and Mental Fatigue.  I was a product of a linear periodization model in high school and college that was exposed to, generous estimate, 20 total exercises…ever! 

While scientifically speaking, a person could continue to see gains, but doing the same exercises for 10 plus years can really get a person stuck in a rut. 

So, while I don’t make many dedicated posts about Bull Strength, unless I’m giving stuff away, I needed to answer those basic questions. 

At the end of the day, there are a lot of valuable training methodologies, but I’m always going to strive or Bull Strength.

Thanks for the questions!

- Joe Hashey, CSCS -

Down Arrow Grab Bull Strength By The Horns

==>PS.  Men’s Health, Muscle and Fitness Contributor, as well a top trainer for EAS and has a gym of NFL athletes, Rob Williams just gave a powerful review of Bull Strength – NFL Athlete Trainer Reviews Bull Strength.

“Over the past few months I’ve gotten to know J-Hash (as I call him) and when it comes to creativity with training he is one of the most creative”….FINISH THE REVIEW HERE.  Get Bull Strength HERE.

I’m honored Rob, thank you!

Double PS.  BTW, if you liked this post, you may enjoy these Bulgarian Training Exercises.

12 Comments »

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

  1. just one question joe i work construction for a living so i have developed real world strength after 20+ years in construction what is the best approach as far as training

    Comment by yogi isbell — January 17, 2010 #

  2. Awesome Yogi! A few things – maintain a similar training style in the gym and then identify your imbalances and work on them in the gym.

    For example, if you push things over your head all day like hanging pipe then you should work on your pulling muscles to stay healthy.

    Identify what your primary muscles are used at work then hit the opposing and supporting groups.

    Hope that helps.

    Joe

    Comment by Admin: Joe Hashey, CSCS — January 17, 2010 #

  3. The exercises in the manual are awesome. A lot of unique training in there I had never even thought about before! 100% worth it. Tom

    ps just emailed you a question, thanks for all the help!

    Comment by TOM — January 17, 2010 #

  4. Thanks Tom – shot you an email back.

    I appreciate the support!

    Joe

    Comment by Admin: Joe Hashey, CSCS — January 17, 2010 #

  5. Congrats on the review it looks as if 2010 is starting off as a great year for Synergy. If anyone deserves it, you and your crew over there do. You always have great stuff to read and try as well. Thanks for inspiring me.

    Comment by Bryan — January 17, 2010 #

  6. Bryan – thanks, I truly appreciate it!!

    Its all the comments from yourself and other readers that keeps me putting info out.

    Thanks for pushing me!

    Joe

    Comment by Admin: Joe Hashey, CSCS — January 17, 2010 #

  7. Nice work bro! Instead of always chasing you on Twitter I am finally subscribed! Keep it up man!

    TE

    Comment by Tyler English — January 17, 2010 #

  8. Thanks Tyler! Nice to you aboard. (Tyler dominates fitness bootcamps)

    Joe

    Comment by Admin: Joe Hashey, CSCS — January 17, 2010 #

  9. Coach Hashey,

    I can remember reading some of your stuff posted on the Elite FTS website quite a while back before coming to your site, and I remember thinking “This guy is sharp as can be and has some phenomenal ideas I just don’t see others coming up with on a regular basis.”

    Fast forward to today, and I feel privileged to be able to come to your website on a regular basis.

    Comment by TJ — January 17, 2010 #

  10. Greetings from Hong Kong
    I really like your idea of Live Strong
    “Practical applications of strength are much more valuable to me”

    This statement is the core of why I work out…
    In a gym, I came across a young lad in his late teens, who’s quite well built, yet a “by-the-book and only-size-matters” kind of guy who always challenge others over very small points and attempt to make working out rocket science, otherwise he will comment ones workout as “shabby”

    I’m one of the guy being challenged…

    I told him
    “I work out because I have to move my patient/ casualty that might comes in different shape and sizes ASAP safely anytime, so, continuous improving and maintaining of my strength and endurance are my piority while getting big is not.

    Getting fit is something with science behind it, but most of the time, is some simple common sense
    rather then nuclear science that helps.”

    He gave me a “your exercise is shabby and I’m more Pro then you” look and leave…

    Strength does not do much if we cannot apply it into our daily life……

    Comment by Victor — January 18, 2010 #

  11. TJ,

    Thank you very much for your support and constantly visiting the site! Your kind words seriously put a smile on my face…then my wife looks over and says “what’s so funny over ther?!?”

    And I can just reply “I’m lucky to have awesome supporters on Synergy.”

    Thanks again and keep coming back!

    Joe

    Comment by Admin: Joe Hashey, CSCS — January 18, 2010 #

  12. Victory – exactly! Sure there is nothing wrong with bodybuilding specific workouts if you are a bodybuilder.

    But I want “Life specific workouts” because that’s what most people need!

    Joe

    Comment by Admin: Joe Hashey, CSCS — January 18, 2010 #

Leave a comment

XHTML: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Best Workouts In The World | Exercise Inspiration And Motivation | Football Strength Workouts | Muscle Building Articles | Strength Training | Strength Training Debates | Synergy Pictures | Unreal Strength Building | Workout Nutrition |

HOME - ABOUT US - MEDIA - STRENGTH TRAINING - SERVICES - ADMIN
Copyright © 2008 Synergy Athletics - Athlete Strength Trainers and Sport Coaches. Located in Endicott, New York.
Questions or Comments? Don't mess around! Email us directly: CoachHashey@synergy-athletics.com