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,…

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Starting Strength

A muscular man wearing a backpack

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…

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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.…

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🛠️ 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…

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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…

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Fuel the Engine: Power, Recovery, Work Capacity

by: Josh Bryant In some circles, pairing serious strength training with ‘aerobic’ sounds about as likely as G. Gordon Liddy teaming up with Timothy Leary on the college lecture circuit. But wait—there’s more! That actually happened!  So, turn on, tune in, and find out how this unlikely duo can lead to some serious gains. Aerobic…

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Neck Training: The Key to Hidden Total Strength

by: Josh Bryant The first time I ever saw serious neck training was back at the YMCA in 1994 with my best friend, Adam BenShea. We’d just downed a feast at Jack in the Box, strolled in, and, lo and behold, there stood this old head who looked like he could pull your pancreas out…

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Serious Mass Mastery: Real-World Bro Science from the Legends

Josh and The Manchild destroying the lobster buffet at the Indian Casino circa 2005. “You ain’t gonna get big eating poultry!” Garry Frank barked as we inhaled steak and eggs at Waffle House at 2 AM after a squat session. And he wasn’t wrong—ain’t nobody adding serious bulk nibbling like a bird! This reminds me…

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10 Traits of True Strength Masters

by: Josh Bryant Tom Haviland squatting an easy 811 (and he is not a powerlifter). I’ve trained everyone from elite special forces to world-record-holding powerlifters, with my athletes rewriting the bench press record books more times than Kid Rock’s been kicked out of Waffle House. Toss in some traditional pro athletes and the likes of…

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