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Explosive Bench Pressing: Power Through Intention
by: Josh Bryant During my teenage years in Santa Barbara, I manned the front desk at Santa Barbara Gym & Fitness—a hardcore haven for iron addicts. That’s where I met a man we’ll call “Irving”—a former CIA case worker that lived in his van turned gym philosopher with a chip on his shoulder! His stories…
No Excuses: DIY Strongman Training Anywhere
by: Josh Bryant Josh- Deficit Deadlift at LA Fitness Can’t fit a yoke into the local chrome palace circle jerk masquerading as a gym? In the words of Pancho Villa: “I am not an educated man. I never had an opportunity to learn anything except how to fight.” Sometimes you gotta fight for your right…
Habit Hacks for the Hardcore: Attack and Dominate 2025
by: Josh Bryant Tom Haviland personifies building successful habits. The New Year isn’t just a calendar flip — it’s your shot to grab the bull by the balls and make Rocky Mountain oysters, forging the strongest and most disciplined version of yourself. Research shows only 9% of people see their New Year’s goals through. Guess…
Outlift, Outrun, Outlast: 50 Shades of Strength
We’re in a Strength Crisis — big numbers that only show up under perfect conditions. Strength that vanishes under fatigue and when shit hits the fan. Speed, skill, and precise movement that fall apart the moment pressure turns up. The question is: Will you be part of the problem or rise up as the solution?…
From Ox to Dynamite: Turning Raw Strength into Explosive Athletic Power
Josh on explosive strength training: We’ve all seen the world-class squatters who, when they sprint or jump, look like an inebriated walrus on a bulk gone too far. Strength without speed? Outside of powerlifting, in sport, it’s as useless as tits on a bullfrog. Athletes who dominate don’t just have power; they use it like…
Soviet Sports Psychology: The Mindset That Built Champions
by: Josh Bryant Soviet Superman Yuri Vlasov winning the Gold at the 1960 Olympics. The Soviet sports machine didn’t mess around—they churned out champions like moonshine in an Appalachian still. Whether it was lifting, wrestling, or running, they weren’t just showing up; they were there to dominate. Ruthless efficiency turned the competition into spectators. Sure,…
Starting Strength
by: Josh Bryant Popcorn Sutton didn’t leave moonshine to chance. The man had a system—every step was deliberate, every choice methodical. He didn’t just make moonshine; he perfected it. He’d scout for the right holler, find the crispest mountain water, and even ensure the pipes had the ideal patina to add character. The result? A…
Gift of Strength
Throwback to 1999: Squatting 555 at Santa Barbara Gym & Fitness under the watchful eye of Coach Steve Holl (RIP), with “Eagle Eyes” Jack Carrillo checking depth like a hawk At Santa Barbara Gym and Fitness, 16 years old, I wasn’t just there to lift—I was there to stake my claim on the totem pole.…
🛠️ Black Friday Sale: My Thank You to You!
I’m thankful for YOU. Because of your support, I get to do what I love every single day—helping you crush your goals while staying true to myself. Together, we’re building mental, physical, and spiritual strength, and that’s what fires me up. To show my gratitude, I’m offering 25% off all my programs—both the ones I’ve…
GENERAL ENDURANCE:The Foundation of Unstoppable Strength and Performance
by: Josh Bryant No one 440 pounds has close to the general endurance of Julius Maddox. Without general endurance, you’re like cheap whiskey—might get the job done, but you’ll never be top-shelf. Work capacity. General endurance. Call it what you want, but without it, your training, performance, and recovery will suffer. Too many lifters and…