Lift STRONG 2019 for Leukemia Lymphoma Society & Navy SEAL Foundation

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Manasquan, Scotch Plains

Since 2007 The Underground Strength Gym has been hosting The Lift STRONG Fundraiser as a benefit for The Leukemia Lymphoma Society and The Navy SEAL Foundation.

ALL proceeds are split equally to the 2 foundations.

Categories are for Middle School, High School, Adult Men and Women’s Open. This is a FUN event with prizes and raffles!

Date: Saturday, August 10th, 2019

Registration Time: 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM

Start Time: 10 AM

Location: The Manasquan Underground Strength Gym

202 East Main St Unit 4

Manasquan, NJ

*** IMPT. Parking Note ***

We do NOT have parking at the gym.

Please park at CVS or ACME.

Do NOT cross the tracks to enter the rear of the gym as traffic cops will give out tickets.

Walk behind Kenny’s Auto Garage and we are 1 building behind.

The Events for each Category are Below!

This year we are testing something different, we will hold 1 event for each category instead of the normal 3 events.

The goal is to keep it simple and get MORE people involved.

This is a fundraiser so the goal is to raise more money each and every year.

In 2018 we raised $5K and split this to both foundations! It was our most successful event to date!

Lift STRONG 2019 Categories & Events

There will be prizes for The Top 3 Finishers:

Top 3 Overall Middle School

• Middle School Age category is for 6th graders and those who just completed 8th grade

Top 3 Overall High School

•  High School Age Category is for those who are in high school or who JUST graduated last June and Older

Top 3 Women

•   Women are age 16 and up

Top 3 Men’s Open

• Men’s Open Age Category is for Men who have graduated High School in 2018 and Older

Top 3 Men’s Masters

• Age 40 & Up!

Donations will be at the Door.

Minimum Donations are $20 per person with options to donate more.

We will also be selling T Shirts at the event. Feel free to invite / bring your biggest fans, friends and family supporters to cheer you on!

Pre Register HERE by Signing our Online Waiver Form (MUST be 18 or Over to Sign the Form)!

If you are under the age of 18 you need a parent / guardian to sign the liability form.

Please bring a copy or screen shot on your phone your signed online form.

You can also sign the liability form at the gym the day of the event.

When you arrive at The Underground Strength Gym you can check in at the front desk with your name and donation.

If you are under the age of 18 you need a parent / guardian to sign the liability form.

Thank you!

–Zach and Team

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Lift STRONG Fundraiser 2018: Navy SEAL Foundation + Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Manasquan, Scotch Plains, Training Videos

Since the day I opened the FIRST warehouse location of The Underground Strength Gym (2007) we’ve been holding an annual (sometimes bi-annual) Lift STRONG Fundraiser.

ALL proceeds and donations go 50/ 50 to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society AND The Navy SEAL Foundation.

This event is always GREAT FUN with prices for Top 3 Finishers, Raffles, Shirts and overall, GREAT times.

It doesn’t matter whether or not you win or place top 3.

What matters is we show up TOGETHER to do GREAT for others.

Anyone can come and watch or donate. Of course, we NEED competitors and through the years people have shown up from near AND far!

Here are The Details of Lift STRONG 2018!

Date: Saturday, July 28th

Location: Manasquan Underground Strength Gym

202 East Main St

PARKING: CVS or ACME or Street Parking

Registration AT THE DOOR: 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM

Start Time: 10 AM

NOTE: This event usually runs approximately 90-120 minutes and we are 1 mile from the Beach as well as walking distance into down town Manasquan. 5 minutes from Jenkinsons Boardwalk.

We will try to bring a Grill to have a cook out afterwards! Standby for Updates!

Minimum Entry Fee: $20 Donation but MANY People Donate More.

Cash at the Door or Write a Check to either: LLS Org or Navy SEAL Foundation

The Events & Categories!

The Top 3 in These Categories Will Receive Prizes from our Sponsors:

Middle School (This Includes the 8th Graders who Just Finished Middle School)

High School (This Includes the Seniors who Just Graduated HS)

Mens Open (This Includes Adult Athletes Up to Age 39)

Mens Masters (Men 40 Years & Older)

Womens Category? (Age 16 + Older)

The more people who show up to compete and even just to watch, ALL the donations help.

In the past we’ve raised $3K or more so every year we want to break that record.

Every Year, People donate Well over the $20 minimum so show up with the goal of changing lives and supporting those who need our support!

Here are Videos from the Past Lift STRONG Events!

SPONSORS

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The STRONG Life Academy & Showing UP During “Tough Times”

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, Edison, Manasquan, NJ Baseball Training, NJ Basketball Training, NJ Cross Country Training, NJ Football Training, NJ Swim Training, NJ Track & Field Training, NJ Volleyball Training, NJ Wrestling Training, Nutrition, Scotch Plains, STRONG Life Academy, Success Stories, Training Videos, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

I am extremely excited to announce a new movement we’re bringing to the schools and The Underground Strength Gym.

It’s Called The STRONG Life Academy.

You can read all about it HERE.

If you’re a Coach, Teacher, Booster Club Parent, Athletic Director or Principal, you will want to look into The STRONG Life Academy asap.

Now……

Onto our topic for today.

I am a “Success” Junkie. I am constantly studying what separates the good from the great. Not just in athletes, but in all walks of life, all careers, etc.

My heart wants ALL of our athletes to be THE BEST, but, then I remind myself that this is simply NOT reality. If ALL of you are the best, then we ALL get the gold medal, and we all win, and it’s always a tie.

So I was listening / watching a video with Navy SEAL, Jocko Willink where he was discussing character.

In a nut shell, it’s ALL about doing the HARD thing.

“Doing the right thing is often the HARDEST thing to do”

It’s easier to quit.

It’s Easier to blame your parents, blame the ref, blame your coach.

It’s HOW you show up when the chips are down.

When the sports season starts….. Do you quit and blame school or do you find a way?

I look at our best athletes, they are also achieving honors in academics and going to great schools like Princeton, Rutgers, Johns Hopkins, NYU, etc.

They don’t choose 1 thing to be great at, they choose to be Great in ALL areas of life.

Excellence is all encompassing.

Decide now, how will you show up when things are not convenient, you’re busy, etc.

The most successful people keep going while average people quit.

You’re always 1 step away from Greatness.

It’s ALL a choice!

#STRONGLife TIP OF THE DAY for #Athletes 👊👊⚔️⚔️ / #ScotchPlains #Manasquan #WorldWide #UndergroundStrengthGym #GymMotivation #Teacher #Coach #NJ #JerseyShore #Success #RELENTLESS / @zevenesh @zevenesh

A post shared by UndergroundStrengthGym (@undergroundstrengthgym) on Nov 29, 2017 at 5:30am PST

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Navy SEAL Foundation & Hurricane Harvey Fundraiser at Scotch Plains Underground Strength Gym

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, Edison, Manasquan, Middlesex, Scotch Plains

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Yeti MMA’s Underground Strength Gym will host for a day filled with strength competition, food, fun and philanthropy on Sept. 16, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Underground Strength Gym will Donate 50% of All Proceeds Directly to the Navy SEAL Foundation and the other 50% to JJ Watt’s Houston Flood Relief Fund (Details HERE).

REGISTER HERE for The Fundraiser!

There will be Awards and Prizes for top three finishers in each division and one grand-prize for the Combo Parent/Child Division. 

We will also Raffle off Kettlebells from http://IntekStrength.com.

Prepare for a FUN time! ALL of our fundraisers create an experience that encourages all to have fun and do their best for a great cause! It doesn’t matter how strong you are, what matters is we all come together to benefit those who need our support!

ALL are welcome, Participants need not be a current member of Underground Strength Gym to enter and participate.

In the past, we’ve had participants travel from all around NJ, NY, Ct, Del. and even Mass.!

The Underground Strength Gym has held a fundraiser EVERY year since opening in 2007.

The early fundraisers were all benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Once the Manasquan Underground Strength Gym opened, we began holding fundraisers for Military Non Profit Foundations  and this is our 2nd event benefiting The Navy SEAL Foundation!

 

The Fundraiser Will Have Four Divisions:

• Middle School boys / girls 
• High School boys / girls 
• Adult male / female (High School Graduates)
• Masters Adult (40 yrs old+) in male and female categories 

  Each division will consist of 4 events, and points will be awarded for each event.

Prizes for the Top 3 Place winners in each division with a male / female category.

A combo Parent / Child division takes the cumulative score of parent and child in their respective divisions.

The Four events for the High School & Adult Division Are:

• 50-100 lbs medicine ball shouldering for max reps in 30 seconds
• Bench Press for Max Reps of a given weight
  
• 1 rep rising bar max out on the trap bar deadlift, and…..
• a mystery event!

Middle School Competitors:

– max reps of a dumbbell clean and press in 30 seconds 

– medicine ball shouldering for max reps in 30 seconds 

– sled drag for time

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WHY Athlete Success is NOT An Accident

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, Edison, Manasquan, Middlesex, NJ Baseball Training, NJ Swim Training, NJ Wrestling Training, Nutrition, Scotch Plains, Success Stories, Training Videos, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

[youtube width=”700″ height=”400″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDjIaPrxjPA[/youtube]

The past few weeks have been an amazing run for many of the athletes we get to work with each of our Underground Strength Gym Locations (Middlesex / Manasquan / Scotch Plains).

It’s hard keeping up and finding the news from our athletes who live up in North NJ as I am down the shore and, some of our athletes are so humble, they NEVER say a word about their success.

There is NOTHING wrong with sharing your success with us. Remember, your success story inspires others to achieve and believe in their abilities as well.

I saw The GMC Wrestling Tournament was filled with 8 finalists who are active or recent members of The Underground Strength Gym.

Full GMC Story Here with Bryan McLaughlin winning his 3rd title + The OW Award.

Down the Shore, a GREAT Story on Mia Rankin HERE as she is “The Fastest Swimmer in The Shore Conference”.

Updates on our Success Stories have been going to our Success Page if you Allow us to share them.

Some of the common traits among our most successful athletes are:

– Great Sport Coaches who also Support The Underground.

MANY Coaches actually threaten the athletes NOT to train with us or outside of the school and in turn hinder the athlete’s success.

It is VERY likely we’ve e mailed your Coach, Parent Booster Club and Athletic Director offering our help and simply introducing ourselves. Response rate is about 1 in 30 or 40 coaches will reply to an e mail.

– Very supportive Parents!

I often tell parents I am learning what to do from supportive parents and even what NOT to do according to our parents who don’t fully support their child.

Does your child train year round or only in the off season?

Do you seek convenience over excellence or do you understand that convenience and excellence are never found on the same street?

Does your child eat healthy or do you allow excess junk food?

Do you read our e mails / print out our nutrition guidelines / follow through on our tips or are you “too busy”?

Do you allow your child’s sport coach to threaten you out of training with us or do you stand up for what is best for your child?

– Be Humble & Coachable

Our most successful athletes are humble and coachable.

When we challenge them, they accept it, own it and take action.

They don’t brag, loud mouth or act high and mighty.

The athlete who can’t handle feedback and gets emotional every time you challenge them and coach them to be better will hit a wall.

In high school, you CAN achieve above average success merely through natural talent. But, to get to the top level you need to put in the work, not just in the gym but ALL areas of life.

We don’t want to work with a GREAT athlete who doesn’t want to be Great in school, social circles and life in general.  If you’re capable of doing better, we WILL let you know and we WILL Coach you to that level and beyond!

Ultimately, The KIDS Do the Work.

We do NOT take credit for your child’s success.

We do however, love seeing your child succeeding and want to share these inspirational stories.

Ultimately, we are facilitators of the overall process. There are MANY pieces to the puzzle of success.

We’re excited to share MORE Success Stories with you!

Follow us on INSTAGRAM

See Our Success Stories Page HERE

FREE Trial HERE

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East Brunswick Wrestler Achieves 100th WIN!

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, Edison, Manasquan, NJ Wrestling Training, Scotch Plains, Success Stories, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

Mark Schleiffer of East Brunswick (Princeton Commit) texted me yesterday after getting his 100th win!

Mark has been an all state wrestler throughout high school and has committed to wrestle at Princeton with his brother, Jon who was a 4 x All State Wrestler and a state champion his Senior Year.

I always tell parents and athletes, SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES.

What can we learn from Mark?

Here’s a List of common practices and traits I picked up on as soon as he sent me a text message.

– Mark trains year round with us. He never pulls the “I’m too busy” line during the in season.

– His grades are EXCELLENT. He has been accepted to Princeton University. He achieves Excellence in ALL areas of his life, NOT just wrestling.

– Mark does NOT live close to any of our locations and he STILL trains with us 2 x week In Season! I know kids who live IN town who don’t show up in season. Mark drives 45-60 minutes each way to train.

– Mark improves his skill training year round by training at CJA Wrestling Club w/ Gene Lezark. He has been going to CJA for MANY years, since middle school. He doesn’t bounce around to 5 different coaches. There is MUCH to be said about sticking to 1 system and LOYALTY.

– Mark is TOUGH. He is Disciplined. I never feel that the Coaches are more motivated than Mark is. This is MORE than motivation. This is called DISCIPLINE. Motivation fades, Discipline is the Strength to do what you must do, not just what you feel like doing.

Look at the above.

Do you find you are doing similar?

Success leaves clues!

How bad do you want it?

Don’t talk about it, BE ABOUT IT!

See you at The Underground!

Parents of Athletes

FREE Trial Info HERE

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Holiday Gift Ideas for The Underground Strength Gym

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Edison, Manasquan, Middlesex, NJ Baseball Training, Scotch Plains, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

Parents have asked me about gifts for their child or family members so Here are a few goodies to make everyone STRONG & Happy 🙂

1) Our Full Count Baseball / Underground Strength Tees

These tees are Specific for our members / parents of The Underground Strength Gym at Full Count Baseball In Middlesex.

“Excellence is The ONLY Standard”

2) The http://UndergroundStrengthBook.com

I wrote this book to inspire, educate and empower our youth, from middle school & up, The Encyclopedia
of Underground Strength has been endorsed by Navy SEALs, Coaches & Athletes around the world
and more.

3) Captains of Crush Grippers

Our Middle School Athletes Can Get The Trainer.

High School Athletes Can get The Trainer and / or The No. 1 Gripper HERE.

4) The Rumble Roller

Being Healthy is Crucial to your child’s Success.

Spend 5 minutes smashing up any tight areas and thank me later!

5) The Kettlebell

Simple & Effective.

Need a FAST training session?

Need some Extra training when not at The Underground?

Training In Season and Want to Crush some Basics for 10-15 minutes to get The Edge Over the Competition?

Of course you do!

Get your Kettlebells HERE.

6) Chess Set

The ultimate game that calms the mind AND trains the mind at the same time.

With the constant connection to technology at all times, disconnecting from tech and engaging the mind is powerful to say the least.

7) The Underground Strength Gym T Shirt

Good Enough is The Death of Greatness

8) The Ultimate Gift?

Hmmmmm……

Too often we place value on the tangible and not the intangible.

What about a great time with family, friends & loved ones?

How about some good food and great people.

How about the simple things and a focus on being grateful for everything we already have rather than having more stuff?

As I “grow Up” I cherish more the simple things in life!

[youtube width=”666″ height=”466″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ_aTjXObs[/youtube]

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LIFE Lessons & Champions from High School to College

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, Edison, Manasquan, NJ Baseball Training, NJ Football Training, Nutrition, Scotch Plains, Success Stories, Training Videos, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

[youtube width=”700″ height=”400″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uMWWGCl8YI[/youtube]

Note that Success Leaves Clues!

This Video comes from Chris Lee and Matty Mazarati, BOTH of these boys began training in high school and they trained ALL year long, in season and off season.

Chris played Baseball in Edison at JP Stevens and Matty played Football at Monroe which isn’t the closest drive to The Underground BUT he MADE IT HAPPEN.

He found a way to get that training in and it helped him get to a great college to continue doing great things!

They BOTH Trained Year Round, off season and in season.

In college, they come back and train during holiday and summer breaks.

Success

Success Takes NO Vacations!

It’s an Honor and Pleasure to see these boys grow into young, successful men, NOT just in sports, but most of all, in LIFE!!!

Live The Code 365

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NJ Baseball Strength & Conditioning / Performance Training Now at Full Count Baseball

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, NJ Baseball Training, Nutrition, Training Videos, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Full Count Baseball & Softball Academy in Middlesex, NJ.

[vimeo width=”700″ height=”400″]https://vimeo.com/172750568[/vimeo]

With the hectic schedules of athletes & parents, we have worked hard to create an opportunity for parents to take advantage of a full Baseball performance program under 1 roof.

The best Baseball players are NOT just highly skilled, but they are a cut above in their physical and mental preparation.

If you look back 10 + years ago, you rarely heard about Baseball players needing shoulder or Tommy John surgery.

Back then, many Baseball players played multiple sports which we highly encourage.

Back then, kids weren’t learning Baseball skills at such an advanced level nor were they playing so frequently. When a Baseball player learns to throw and hit harder, his / her body MUST be physically prepared for the work or an injury will be waiting for you around the corner.

Our training will focus on players in grades 6 and up.

[youtube width=”700″ height=”400″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYgx0OeiuMM[/youtube]

The Underground Strength Gym in our other locations has been working with middle school, high school and collegiate Baseball players since 2002 back when players would travel to my garage for specialized training.

With the numerous Baseball clubs at different times of the year, Baseball players are injuring themselves at rates greater than ever before.

And, with the repetitive nature of Baseball skills, many players are losing their athleticism which is slowing down your child’s overall sports performance.

To achieve your maximum potential requires the Baseball / Softball player to train the body and mind that supports and increases success on the field.

The goal of our Baseball Strength & Conditioning Program is to focus on the BIG picture:

– The baseball / softball coaches will teach the sport specific skills.

– We will build overall athleticism through a training program that BUILDS you into a better ball player. The training will NOT fatigue or take away from your Baseball skills.

– ALL training is age appropriate. We understand exactly what a middle school athlete needs at various ages as well as what each high school athlete needs at their various ages / stages of physical and mental development.

– Our training will develop greater joint & muscular strength to reduce chances of injury.

– The training will develop more speed & power that will transfer to hitting, throwing, running and agility on the field.

– The athlete will dramatically increase confidence both in sports AND in life.

– Nutrition Guidelines will be given to the parents and athletes to increase Baseball performance.

– Flexibility & Mobility will be address during each workout as well as with parents / baseball player education to create continuity from Baseball / Softball skills to lifestyle at home to training at The Underground.

– In a nut shell, training at The Underground Strength Gym combined with your Baseball Skills training, your child will get the advantage over the competition.

ALL athletes and parents are looking for an edge.

NOW is the time!

We’re excited to see you at Full Count Baseball & Softball Academy!

Sign Up for your FREE Trial HERE

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Success Story: Manasquan Athlete Changes His Attitude AND Life

Written by zach. Posted in Announcements, Articles, Athlete Training, Edison, Manasquan, NJ Baseball Training, NJ Football Training, NJ Wrestling Training, Nutrition, Scotch Plains, Success Stories, Training Videos, Underground Strength Camp, Workouts

I am inspired so often by the athletes we get to work with on a daily basis, I wish we had a full time camera crew in there to share their work ethic and dedication.

The training these athletes go through is beyond what my words can describe.

Many do not continue because it’s too hard for them. They’re not driven deeply enough to love the work.

But this story is Awesome.

Jimmy McGee of Howell, who trains at The Manasquan Underground Strength Gym has gone through a tremendous transformation.

His attitude has changed 180 degrees and he is a new kid!

Check out this Video and be ready to get inspired!

[youtube width=”700″ height=”400″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5wR6CliviI[/youtube]

Jimmy finishes his workout and ALWAYS asks me, “Can I do extra?”

This is what CHAMPIONS DO.

They do the extra work that “normal” athletes don’t want to do.

Everyone is capable of becoming a Champion.

But, capable and potential are what you CAN be.

The bottom line is what will you DO to become the Champion you have the potential to become.

Live The Code 365,

— Zach and Team —

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