Dumbbells and Sandbags - By Jim Duggan

During the years that I trained at Iron Island Gym, one of the more interesting things about the gym was the fact that new equipment was always coming into the facility.  Many of us who lifted there got used to the fact that every few weeks, there were new pieces of equipment on the gym floor.  I’m sure that, given Dr. Ken’s reputation and expertise, companies would seek his opinions on new items being developed.  Various benches, racks, machines, and specialty bars would always seem to “appear” in the gym.  Ironmind, Sorinex, Kell, Southern Exercise, to name just a few manufacturers, were always well represented on the floor of Iron Island.  And I can safely say that the members of the gym were only too happy to give their equipment a try.  

     One day, all of the black York plates that had been such a mainstay of the place had been replaced by the now famous ( and much sought after! ) purple Iron Island custom plates.  Another time, the dozens of Hammer Strength machines that had been there from day one, had been completely replaced by similar machines made by Nautilus ( the rumor at the time was that Dr. Ken had had some sort of falling out with Hammer Strength, so he simply changed the entire gym!).  

     In any event, whatever the reason, we had to “be on our toes” at Iron Island.  You never wanted to get too accustomed to one particular machine since, it could be replaced the next time you showed up at the gym.  On the other hand, you could always count on being on cutting edge of new equipment.  If a new heavy duty bar came out, you just knew that you didn’t have to wait for a review in Powerlifting USA magazine to find out about it.  The bar in question would be in the gym ready to use.  I remember one year, a special cobalt bar that was manufactured in California ( I think it was from Mav-Rik), had just arrived. I mean Dr. Ken and Ralph had literally just unpacked it and placed it on one of the lifting platforms!  I just happened to be there, and as luck would have it, I planned on doing Deadlifts that afternoon.  Naturally, Dr. Ken suggested that I try it out and I did.  And, not surprisingly, it was a great bar, and I really liked the feel of it.  So much so that, whenever I did high-rep Deadlifts, I would always use the cobalt bar.  

     I think that having new equipment is a good thing.  At Bruno’s, we trained on the same equipment that had been there from the beginning.  Larry didn’t have the means of getting equipment on consignment, or overhauling everything on a whim.  Plus, he felt strongly that the stuff he purchased from York was good enough to last a lifetime. The only exception to this was back in 1984 when Larry purchased a couple of the York Power Bars, which were new at the time.  

     In fairness to Larry, back in the early 1980s, the equipment that was being made simply was just not that good.  A lot of it was not very well built, and was not able to withstand being used ( and abused ) by lifters.  And the machines back then were nothing at all like the stuff later developed  by Nautilus, Hammer Strength, and others.  

     Flash forward to today.  Bruno’s Health Club, Iron Island Gym, and other “lifting gyms” are long gone.  Most commercial gyms, as I have often lamented, are a joke.  Serious lifting has taken a backseat to taking pictures and videos to be posted on social media.  Lifters have been replaced by “influencers” who, upon casual glance, look as if they have never lifted heavy in their lives.  Even when someone does actually perform a Squat or Bench Press, their form is usually so atrocious that they cannot be taken seriously ( except, of course, by other posers and attention seekers).  And if, by chance, you do encounter a gym where serious lifting is taking place, you are likely to encounter a bunch of steroid users.  In other words, you just can’t win.

     Unless, of course, you are fortunate enough to be able to train at home.  Home gyms gained popularity during the Covid lockdown.  And many people who started training at home during that time are still going strong being cellar dwellers, garage gorillas, or whatever term you wish to apply to that special breed who get it done at home, on their own, with no fanfare and, luckily, none of the drama of training in public.

     I’ve written about my home workouts in the past.  Not having to deal with a commercial gym has been a blessing.  Having my own equipment has made my training easier, enjoyable, and productive.  What more can one ask for when it comes to your workouts?

     About six months ago, I started to incorporate sandbags in my training.  It was actually at the suggestion of my friend Steve Weiner that I purchased my first sandbag.  Like most things in life – and lifting- one thing leads to another and in no time I had several sandbags of various sizes.  The advantages of using heavy sandbags are well documented in numerous articles, and I am not going to attempt to take any credit for discovering sandbag training.  It has been around for a long time, and I was simply wise enough to keep an open mind and give it a try.  I think an extremely important quality to have as an older lifter is to be open to changes and new ideas.  This is actually important to lifters of any age, but I think it requires some measure of maturity to actually be able to change one’s lifting habits.  As Apollo Creed said to Rocky Balboa in Rocky III, “ It takes a helluva man to change.”

     Another new piece of equipment that I have recently acquired can hardly be described as new at all:  Heavy Dumbbells.  I’ve always believed in the benefits of using heavy DBs in any productive training program.  Over the years, I have acquired a complete set of York “roundheads” to go along with various plate-loaded, and thick-handled dumbbells.  But the dumbbells that I have recently acquired are another story.

     A couple months ago, my friend Tim Culver offered for sale a bunch of heavy dumbbells that he had acquired. Over the years, I have purchased many items from Tim.  He is a good man, as well as the biggest fan of Bruno Sammartino  that I have ever known.  Just being a diehard Bruno fan is enough, but Tim is also someone who I am proud to call a friend. And when I inquired about purchasing a pair of the DBs, he was only too happy to facilitate the process.

      These dumbbells were originally from the training facility of the Baltimore Ravens.  Naturally, since they were designed for a professional football team, they are heavy duty and durable. I ordered a pair of dumbbells that weighed 152.5 Lbs each.  Not the heaviest DBs around, but here’s the catch:  They have a 1-3/4” handle to make these thing absolute beasts to try to lift.  Back in the day at Iron Island, Dr. Ken had 200 Lb. DBs, but they had normal size handles, so they were not difficult to lift.  But these “Raven” dumbbells- with their 1-3/4” handles- were another story entirely.

    When the DBs arrived, it was hard enough to just get them off the truck.  Naturally, I had to try to lift them right away, and let me tell you that these things truly are BEASTS!  They are not for playing games.  So, I finally planned to use them in an actual workout.  After doing several sets of Good Mornings, I decided that I would try to tackle the dumbbells as a “finisher.”  I quickly realizes that these things will require a lot of work on my part to make them a finisher.  I was only able to get three reps with each one!  I plan on incorporating them- along with my sandbags- into my workout routine.

     You’re never too old, or too experienced to try new things or accept new challenges.  Whether it’s a heavy pair of dumbbells, or a new training regimen, if you keep an open mind, and put in the requisite effort and progression, then you can continue to make gains.

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More From Bradley Steiner - By Jim Duggan

It should come as no surprise that I am a big fan of the writing of Bradley J. Steiner.  Over the years, there have been many outstanding “strength writers,” but even amongst the great Iron Game writers of all time, Mr. Steiner stood out as someone who was truly inspirational.  I have several of his books, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in increasing his/her knowledge about getting stronger to read his books.  And if you can get your hands on some old Ironman magazines, then you will be able to benefit from his many articles.

     For many years, he had a monthly column devoted to answering questions submitted from Ironman readers.  These classic columns provide a wealth of information that would benefit both experienced lifters, as well as those new to the sport.  The wisdom he disseminated each month is timeless, and much more useful than anything you’ll find among today’s “influencers,” and internet “experts.”  

     The May 1980 edition of Ironman, like just about every other issue of this great publication, had several informative articles, as well as the usual contest coverage, interesting features, and other interesting tidbits offered by Peary Rader.  But while looking through this vintage issue, it was Bradley Steiner’s Question Box on page 36 that caught my eye.  While there may have only been three questions, they were each significant since they are questions that are still being asked by trainees today, nearly forty-five years later.

     The first question was “Does one need to join a health club or gym in order to develop an outstanding physique and great strength?”

     How many aspiring lifters ask themselves that very question today?  The answer that Mr. Steiner provided in 1980 is the same response to anyone asking that question in 2025.  “One of the greatest mistakes that aspiring trainees make is to believe that, by joining a gym or health club, they are ‘guaranteed’ a good physique or lifting success!”  

     Not withstanding the fact that there are NO guarantees when it comes to training, an aspiring lifter should never be led to believe that by simply enrolling in a gym that they have found the golden ticket to strength and health.  If you don’t make it to the gym on a consistent basis, then you will not make gains, of course.  If you don’t train hard, and progressively then you will not get stronger.  

     And, of course, most commercial gyms today are a complete joke.  The atmosphere in most of these places is not one where one can be inspired to train hard.  Most people who train in a commercial gym are more interested in taking selfies, or making videos of themselves doing baby exercises and then sharing them on social media.  And forget about the “personal trainers” who work at these places.  Most, if not all, of them are nothing but cheerleaders and rep-counters.  

     Mr. Steiner goes on to say that he had never trained in a commercial gym.  And he goes on to support his position by stating that home training is more private.  It permits exclusive use of available equipment ( you don’t have to wait for your bench or squat rack to open up), and it allows you much greater opportunity for concentration and intensive mental focusing upon the workout.  “This is much more important than chrome-plated equipment, by the way.”  Truer words were never spoken!  

     You also save money lifting at home, in addition to the time saved from having to travel to and from the gym.  And he makes a very salient point considering the current state of today’s commercial gyms:  “Lifting at home keeps you away from some who pass out poor training advice that might confuse you.”  Who wants to be around the yo-yos in most gyms today?

     There are, of course, exceptions to training alone.  If you are engaged in heavy training and are doing Bench Presses and/or Squats, then you MUST utilize spotters, or train inside a power rack with safety pins inserted to prevent the bar from crashing down on you.  NEVER bench press or squat alone.  Safety must always be paramount in any heavy training program.

     Another note about training alone.  There are some people who insist on training in a “group environment.”  While it may be fashionable to lift with a group ( Gym Bros Rule!), take a moment to think about something.  If you plan on entering a powerlifting or weightlifting contest, when your name is called and you step onto the platform and approach the loaded bar, you will be there by yourself.  Nobody is going to help you lift that heavy weight.  Your retinue of friends and gym bros will be of no help.  And if you think that “psyching yourself up” will make a difference, just remember that emotion will only take you so far.  At some point it will boil down to your strength against the weight.  I always think back to the words of the great David Rigert:  “Timidity is a great disadvantage in heavy athletics.  When you are alone with a great weight you must be very, very brave.  Many men are brave when they are with other men, but timid when alone.”  So, if you are contemplating entering a lifting contest, you might as well as get used to attacking heavy weights by yourself, without the comfort of having a gym full of screaming supporters and cheerleaders.

     The second question that was posed to Mr. Steiner is a very simple one to answer:  “At what point in my training should I start using steroids?”  It’s not hard to imagine what Mr. Steiner’s response would be to that inquiry.  I think anyone reading this article would have the same answer.  But I will quote him directly.

     “The use of any drugs whatsoever to assist in the development of muscle, strength, and/or athletic ability is the curse of modern physical training. Under no circumstances should anyone ever use drugs to ‘help’ his development.  Steroids are a threat to health and may even cause premature death for users.”

     Back in the 1980s it was common for lifters and bodybuilders to use steroids.  I’d like to say that today- 45 years later- steroids are no longer an issue in the world of strength.  But, unfortunately, steroids, PEDs, “gear,” or whatever euphemism you want to use, are still here.  And don’t talk about testing because most organizational testing is a joke.  If you’re fortunate enough to be able to train in an environment devoid of any drug use ( or the tolerance of such use) then consider yourself lucky.  

     “Most of the top men use drugs to boost gains.  I submit that this is indicative of a generally sick and perverse trend in the physical culture field, and sensible persons will counter it.  We must bring bodybuilding back to the position of being a healthful art- not a ridiculous farce!”  

     “Don’t use drugs at all, no matter what anyone tells you.  Better to develop with training, good food, rest, and a healthy attitude, and keep what you develop until the end of your years.”

     Sound advice from a legendary strength writer that is just as relevant today as it was forty-five years ago.  In a future article, I will cover the third question from this column which pertains to workout duration and touches the subject of abbreviated training.  Something that is directly related to natural training and drug-free lifting.

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2025: Looking Back and Looking Ahead - By Jim Duggan

Traditionally, January is a time of reflection, as well as looking forward to the year ahead.  New Year’s resolutions are as much a part of the holiday as watching the ball drop at Times Square, and not surprisingly, many people make resolutions about getting in shape, losing weight, and working out more.  Unfortunately, many resolutions fall by the wayside by the middle of January.  

     As I write this article, it is only January 10th, but I would not be at all surprised if many of the commercial gyms- which a week ago were brimming with activity- are becoming deserted.  New Year’s resolutions, and the subsequent breaking of those resolutions, go hand-in-hand.  So, if you’re unlucky enough to have to train in a commercial gym, take heart.  That power rack you were hoping to use, or those machines you want to try will no longer have a line of people waiting to use them.  

     I’ve made mention of the phenomenon of the “Resolutioners,” that familiar breed of person who is a cross between a “pumper,” and a “toner” who invade gyms and health clubs throughout the land.  For the better part of the last year, they haven’t lifted anything heavier than a fork.  Like locusts, or gypsy moths, their arrival is expected, their presence annoying, and their departure can’t come soon enough. But every once in a while, you may find one who actually makes it until February before giving up their exercise goals.  So, if you’re dealing with the resolutioners, be patient for a little longer.  

     What about those who are actually serious about working out more?  The ones who actually have a goal, and a systematic plan for achieving that goal.  The person who has the discipline to put in the work to achieve their goals, as well as having the mental toughness to realize that, even if they have a bad day or two, they will not give up on their goal, no matter how tough it may get. The one’s will make sacrifices in order to get their workouts in, and will have the self-control to say no to a hot fudge sundae, if their goal is to lose a few pounds.

     For those of us who are lucky enough to “hoist the steel,” goals are something to which we are not only accustomed, we actually look forward to achieving things.  And believe me, we ARE very lucky to be able to lift weights.  Once you reach a certain age, you will come to understand that being able to lift weights two or three times per week is something for which to be grateful.  And as such, it is something not to be taken for granted.  

     As I look back on last year, I was very happy to have reached certain goas which I had set.  During the Spring, I was able to do a Trap Bar Deadlift of 525 Lbs on my thick-handled trap bar.  Like all of my deadlifts, it was done without straps, belt, or wraps.  And definitely no raised handles! ( Raised handles are a pet peeve of mine!).  The ease with which I did has inspired me to believe that I can move the poundage up and look forward to bigger and better things this year.  

     I was also able to accomplish my annual Birthday Challenge in July, and as always, I plan on doing something similar this year to celebrate my 61st trip around the Sun.  More on that in six months.  I’ve also purchased various size sandbags which I plan on incorporating into my training this year.  This is something new, and I look forward to seeing what dedicated sandbag training can accomplish. I also recently purchased a Titan Yukon Bar.  It’s an awesome bar, and I look forward to using it for various movements.  I think it’s vitally important to always have new goals, no matter how old you are, or how long you have been “in the game.”

     Last month, just after Christmas, Bruno’s Barbarians held their annual reunion dinner.  As always, it was held at Domenico’s restaurant, in Levittown, Long Island.  I’ve mentioned in previous articles that Domenico’s, in addition to being one of the very best Italian restaurants on Long Island, was the site of many post-contest dinners for the members of Bruno’s Health Club.  Since it was only a few blocks away from the gym, it was the perfect location to gather after a contest.  Nowadays, it’s a great place to reminisce.  All of us are in our sixties now, but we are still “breathing defiance” ( as Carl Linich would say).  

     Unfortunately, as I had detailed in last month’s article, one of the Barbarians, Tom Tedesco, died suddenly at the age of 69.  Tommy was a legendary lifter for many years, and while he was missed at Domenico’s, his presence was definitely felt.  But memories are not Tommy’s only contribution to Bruno’s.  He left behind something more tangible:  As I look through my photo gallery of 2024, one of the very last pictures that I saved was from a text that Tommy had shared with us.  It was his final workout session of 2023, which he had posted a year ago, on New Year’s Eve.  The exercises were not your typical “pumping” movements, but rather five or six exercises that combined push/pull movements with isometrics and various holds.  It’s definitely a routine that can be used to build overall body strength.  

1.  Isometric Three-Stage Snatch Pull

          Lift to Knees, hold 5-7 seconds

          Move to Power Position, hold

          Move to Full Extension, Shrug, Hold, Drop

2.    Hack Squat ( Bar on Floor Behind Legs)  5 Sets of 3

3.    Barbell Row  5 Sets of 5

4.    Overhead DB Holds, One-Arm, 5-7 seconds each

5.    Ab Pulldowns with Rope  5 Sets of 7

6.    Push-Ups Off Bench  5 Sets of 3

         For those who believe in the value of abbreviated training, this routine is a perfect way to incorporate olympic lifting movements into your training.  Sort of the best of both worlds.  And while there may be some YouTube warriors who like to claim to be Olympic lifters, Tommy was the real deal.  Anyone who can compete for decades in legitimate, sanctioned contests, and maintain a high level of excellence into his late sixties is someone worth following.  And the best part of this workout is that you don’t have to be skilled in Olympic lifting in order to benefit from it.  The movements are simple, yet effective.  And while you won’t pump up your arms, blast your lats, or blitz your thighs, you will definitely get stronger.

     If you want to try something new for 2025, whether it be for the short-term, or if it’s something that you want to do over the course of the entire year, Tommy’s routine will work, if you push the poundages.  And since this workout is relatively brief, you can incorporate Squats or Deadlifts on your second lifting day of the week, while still allowing for adequate recuperation.  The only downside, if there is one, is that for most people, you will have to have access to an Olympic bar and pulley set up, which means a commercial gym, unless you have a really good home gym set up.  But don’t fret about going to the gym.  As I said before, there’s a good chance that the gyms should be relatively empty soon.  And if it’s still crowded now, just give it a couple more weeks, and then the Resolutioners will have all disappeared!

Happy New Year!

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Layoff ... Not Lay Around - By Burt Gam

Greetings and Happy Holidays to all. And best of health in the coming year.

I have been away for awhile and felt a bit inspired with the upcoming new year upon us. My current personal  situation in my life has required me to take a break from training. Family/medical issues, but really I usually take a 10-15 day layoff from weight training at the end of each calender year regardless. So I thought it might be an appropriate time to get back into the game with the topic of periodic layoffs, why they are important, and lastly some appropriate physical activities to engage in while getting some much needed rest from weight training for the body to heal and rejuvinate itself.

To start, I believe it is important to note that this is not to imply that taking periodic breaks from heavy training means turning into a "couch potato". What it means is sometimes it is beneficial to redirect one's energy with other physical activities while you plan either your next cycle of training, or lay out your training plan and goals you wish to achieve during the next calender year.

First off, it likely is beneficial to take short rest breaks several times a year. Whether it be in 8,10, or 12 week cycles. Obviously doing the math, the shorter the cycles the more frequent the rest breaks become. As I get older, I am finding that 8-10 week cycles allow my body to recuperate better than pushing it to 12 weeks. The joints and tendon issues seem to resolve themselves better, and the mind is refreshed because your CNS needs a break as well. 

When I was younger, I generally trained pretty much all year but in retrospect, probably not the best choice being older and wiser now. The chances of injury likely increase when you continuously push the heavy weights without rest breaks. Progress is halted, symptoms of insomnia, elevated blood pressure and heartbeat are some of the signs that it is time to take some much needed time off.

On the topic of substitute physical activities, the options are as varied as your interests. I usually like to spend my time working generally on some limiting factors which are somewhat neglected like aerobic activities and stretching. I love to do laps in the pool and use styrafoam dumbells for resistance to build cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Mobility work is extremely effective in water. Range of motion and heart health, aside from being important for overall health, can actually benefit your weight training when you restart your program. The heart pumps the blood and nutrients to your muscles and body, clears out the chemical by-products in the blood produced by training. Swimming in particular is excellent for giving the lats, delts, triceps, and the often neglected rotator cuff muscles a thorough workout. Very therapeutic. And benefits of mobility work in the pool will carry over as well. But anything you enjoy, jogging, biking, hiking with a back pack, rowing/kayaking/ canoeing, running sprints, stretching/yoga/pilates, martial arts/sparring....Almost endless choices!

At the end of your rest period you will be physically and mentally prepared to jump back into action with your training with renewed vigor!
On a related topic, catching up on much needed sleep and dietary adjustments can be done to support your training which are vitally important for continued gains. Weight training is our joy and our passion. Good overall health is our goal. God Bless and happy training 2025!

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Heavy Training Is A Must - By Jim Duggan

Some of my favorite vintage magazines are the Ironman magazines from the Peary Rader years.  When I say “vintage,” I really mean to say “old.”  It’s hard to believe, but Peary Rader stopped putting out Ironman nearly forty years ago.  Thankfully, there are decades worth of back-issues to study, cherish, and learn from.  Yes, you can learn a lot from reading old books and magazines.

     One of my favorite writers from that era is Bradley Steiner.  I’ve written about Mr. Steiner numerous times.  His writing style, his no-nonsense, basic approach to getting stronger transcends the decades.  His strong stance against the use of steroids is something else that has appealed to me over the years.  I was fortunate enough to have trained in an atmosphere at Bruno’s where drug-free lifting was the norm, steroid users were not tolerated, and that hard, heavy work on the basic exercises was the way everyone trained.  Decades later, I am still unalterably against the use of steroids or other PEDs, and I still like to train heavy on the basics.  I can thank Larry “Bruno” Licandro for providing me with a philosophy that has endured over the years.  Of course, there have been others who have provided inspiration through their writings, their actions, and their longevity of strength.  Anyone who still fights the fight, hoists the steel, and does it naturally, and without gimmicks,  has earned a well-deserved right to be proud of their workouts.

     Fifty years ago, the November 1974 issue of Ironman magazine had an article by Mr. Steiner titled “Why Heavy Training Is A Must.”  In many ways, this article was not much different from others that he has written over the years.  But back then, there was a lot of misinformation being disseminated.  Unfortunately, fifty years later, not much has changed.  There is still a lot of bad advice being disguised as training advice, spread by pumper, toners, or steroid-bloated druggies ( sometimes they refer to themselves as “influencers”).   And with the power of social media, they can spread their bad ideas quicker than ever, and to a larger audience.  

     I’m not going to summarize the entire article, but rather just emphasize some of the important points that are made.  As I’ve already mentioned, many of these points have been written about before.  But quality information can not be repeated enough.  

Avoid too much training at any one workout, and avoid too many workouts in any one week.  Of all training advice offered to new trainees, this particular warning is the sine qua  non for drug-free lifters.  How many times have you seen people in the gym training six days per week, in marathon workout sessions,  “training bodyparts,” in an effort to emulate the “champs” featured in the muscle magazines?  And how many times do you see these people fail, due to overtraining, injury, or both? One of the most difficult tasks that a qualified trainer has is convincing people that you can get brutally strong by training twice per week, with each training session lasting not more than 90 minutes.  Some people will eventually learn to “see the light.”  Others will slave away for years, with little or no gains, and nothing to show for their efforts.  

     “Pumping routines do not build muscle or strength.”  It isn’t difficult to see where Mr. Steiner stood when it came to pumping and toning.  I always like to think back to one of Bob Whelan’s old t-shirts, which read:  “No Toning. No Chrome. No Bull. Just the workout of your life!”  Proper weight-training builds by increasing the thickness of the muscle fibers.  Fifty years ago, Mr. Steiner was warning against the foolishness of simply pumping and toning your muscles.  Only hard work will properly build up your muscles and develop lasting strength.  

     Extremely heavy resistance must be used  ultimately by the trainee- if really outstanding development is the goal.  Naturally, heavy training must be built up gradually.  And, of course, your exercises must be done in proper form.  But the main thing is that it does not take too many sets to produce results.  

     He also mentions the importance of constantly adding weight to the bar.  Poundage progression.  This is as basic as it gets.  The whole idea of progressive resistance training is the idea of progression.  Yet, how many times do you see people using the same weights week after week, month after month?  

     It is by no means easy to train heavy.  But the greater effort required by heavy workouts is always rewarded handsomely.  Gains in strength and size are the goal of most trainees, especially when first starting out.  But like anything else in life, nothing good comes easy.  Most successful drug-free lifters have more than paid their dues in the form of heavy workouts on the basics.  Sure, an all-out set of twenty reps in the Squat or Deadlift is not something to look forward to.  If done correctly, you will actually dread the idea of lifting to the point of momentary failure or fatigue.  But the resultant gains in size and strength will more than make up for the temporary discomfort.  

     If you’ve never read any of Bradley Steiner’s books, I encourage you to try to locate some of them.  Or try to obtain some vintage Ironman issues from the 1970s and 1980s.  You will instantly have access to ideas and advice that will serve you for years.  These are the same ideas that have built strong men and women over the years.  Even if you are an experienced lifter, you can still benefit from reading from one of the great Iron Game writers.  And if you are new to weight-training, then you can not get off to a better start than by reading about the value of heavy lifting on the basics.  Countless lifters have reaped the benefits from such training.

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Remembering Tom Tedesco - By Jim Duggan

Back in 1983, when I first joined Bruno’s Health Club, there was no shortage of characters who trained there.  In those days, there was an actual “Sign-in Sheet,” which you would sign upon entering the gym.  A casual glance at a typical sign-in sheet would show names such as “The Wolverine,” “The Old Man,” “Thunderlips,” “Goat Balls,” and other assorted monikers.  It got to the point where you could predict the names that would be there on certain days and at certain times.  Yet, every time I would show up, among the colorful nicknames, there would be a simple entry that was simply “TNT.”  At first, I thought it was another nickname indicating something to do with explosiveness or something along those lines.  

     It wasn’t until I had been there a few months that I found out that TNT was actually the initials of a certain Thomas Neil Tedesco.  I knew little about him except that he was close friends of Larry “Bruno” Licandro, and that he competed in Olympic weightlifting.  Eventually, I found myself training with Tommy on a semi-regular basis.  At the time, Larry had several York Racks, and sometimes, due to the number of guys working out, you had to share the equipment and “work in” with someone else.  As someone who was still relatively new to the game, I benefitted greatly from the Squat sessions that we would share.  

     My first impression of him was that he seemed to have a very business-like, almost professional approach to his workouts. Unlike what you see in today’s YouTube videos, there was no screaming like a banshee, no sloppy sets done in a slipshod manner.  Each set was done in impeccable form, in a smooth, controlled fashion.  After each set, he would take a block of chalk, and make a mark on the Squat Rack, so that he could keep track of his six sets of six.  Even his attire exuded professionalism.  He would wear his Empire State Games warm-up suit ( minus the jacket, of course).  He would even show up to the gym clean-shaven! During our sets, we would hardly say a word to each other except for if we had to add weight to the bar.  I learned a lot about how to approach my workouts from those early years with Tommy.

     Unknown to me at the time, those Squat workouts were the beginning of a friendship that would last over forty years.  A few years later, when I began to compete, I tried to emulate his business-like approach to the science of “hoisting the steel.”  We competed in many contest together over the years.  Along with Larry, Chris Newins, Bob Sailor, Mike Doucette, Steve Matthews, and myself, Tommy was a charter member of Team Bruno, or “Bruno’s Barbarians,” a phrase that was originated with Tommy.  

     I have written about Tommy in previous articles, and in different publications. Back in 2011, I wrote an article in The Dinosaur Files detailing Tommy’s comeback from a near-fatal bicycle accident.  And just last year, I dedicated an article in Hardgainer 2.0 to Tommy and his performance in Master Weightlifting Contests, even in his late 60s, he was still competing, and coaching young lifters.  I can easily see how a lifter just starting out could benefit from Tommy’s tutelage and expertise.  What I couldn’t easily see was how a 69 year-old man could still perform Snatches and Clean and Jerks!  He not only lifted, he dominated and was a legitimate threat to National and World records!

     Tommy wasn’t content to compete in weightlifting.  In the mid 1980s, he started competing in powerlifting contests. He did this mainly as a change of pace.  Something different.  Some change of pace!  He placed in every contest he ever entered, even though he competed in the ultra-competitive 100kg class, and, since he was primarily an Olympic lifter, he rarely trained the Bench Press.  Plus, he rarely wore supportive equipment.  And, like every member of Bruno’s Tommy’s lifting was Lifetime Drug-Free.  His Best Lifts are as follows:

Snatch-120kg

Clean and Jerk-155kg

Squat-575 Lbs

Bench Press-290 Lbs

Deadlift-620 Lbs

     One of the most impressive things I’ve ever witnessed was a dual contest he did in the Spring of 1992.  It was actually two different contests on the same day:  an Olympic weightlifting meet, followed by a powerlifting contest.  Tommy entered BOTH contests and literally had a perfect day.  He went 15 for 15!  He didn’t miss a lift!  I doubt there are many people who can make a similar claim.

     Over the last few days, after I learned of his untimely passing, I have reminisced about what an incredible lifter and person he was.  In addition to his lifting, he was also a student of martial arts during his lifting years.  As a journalism major in the 1970s, he traveled to York and spent time with Bob Hoffman, John Terpak, and other members of the “York Gang.”  He was also an accomplished musician, having spent a good deal of his fifties and sixties playing bass for a local band, Ophelia’s Pain.  I remember one particular Bruno’s reunion where he showed us pictures of when he spent a weekend playing and performing with Roger Daltrey! If ever there was a Renaissance Man among strength athletes, Tommy certainly qualified.

    When I look back to those days when I would see “TNT” written on the sign-in sheet among all those colorful nicknames, I realize that Thomas Neil Tedesco was probably the most colorful, as well as the most compelling member of that gym.

Rest in Power, Tommy Thunder!

Bruno’s Barbarians Forever.

     

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Off To A Great Start - By RJ Hicks

My 13 month old son had his first workout! ... 2.5 pound crawls. Haha! (This is a joke!) 

Editor's Note: Awesome RJ! Great picture! Hahaha! This will be so cool for him to show his friends when he really does start training. 

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Pressing and Trap Bar Deadlifts - A Great Combination - By Jim Duggan

Hard, heavy workouts on basic exercises are the best way to develop greater strength and muscle mass. Whether you are a beginner, or have been “hoisting the steel” for many years, you simply cannot escape the basics if you want to make progress.  This is especially true if you are a drug-free athlete.  There are no shortcuts.

     I was very fortunate to have learned this lesson when I joined Bruno’s Health Club in the Summer of 1983.  I was nineteen years old, and I was lucky to get in “on the ground floor,” so to speak.  Over forty years later, I am still fortunate to be able to train hard and heavy on the basics.  I’ve never lost sight of the fact that hard work on basic movements is the sine qua non of building lasting strength.  And over the years, I have trained in many gyms where this lesson was reinforced.  I won’t list every gym I ever joined ( I don’t think I can even remember ALL of them), but the gym that most closely reminded me of Bruno’s was Iron Island Gym, which I joined in the Winter of 1992.  

     There have been many articles written about Iron Island, some even by me, over the years.  Suffice to say that it was a gym that was worthy of every good thing that was ever written about it by members and guests alike.  It was at Iron Island that I was first introduced to the Trap Bar.  Up until that time, I had only seen articles about this wonderful piece of equipment.  But upon joining, and seeing it in person, I had to try it out.  And, like most people who have tried the Trap Bar, I was instantly impressed.

     During the past thirty years or so, I have always tried to include some form of Trap Bar Deadlifting in my workouts.  Sometimes it was an adjunct for my regular deadlift workouts.  One brutal, high-rep set of Trap Bar Deadlifts is an excellent assistance movement for the Deadlift.  Most powerlifters would benefit greatly from incorporating the Trap Bar into their training.  Whether as a primary movement during the “off season,” or an assistance exercise during contest preparation.  

    Several years ago, I purchased a thick-handled Trap Bar.  Since I do all of my training at home now, it made all the sense in the world to ensure that I had a Trap Bar.  And the one I have, 2” thick all around, guarantees that I will always have a brutal workout at my disposal whenever I want.  I have done just about every type of workout with it:  high reps ( 20 or more), lower reps for sets of five or six.  I’ve even devoted certain amounts of time to working towards a personal best for one rep ( 525 Lbs as of this writing).  One thing that I would like to make clear is that my Trap Bar does NOT have raised handles to shorten the range of the movement.  In the past few years, there have been any number of “lifters” posting pictures of their Trap Bar prowess for all to see.  One only has to see the raised handles ( sometimes 6” or more), use of lifting straps, heavy duty lifting belt and knee wraps to realize that they are doing a partial, assisted movement at best.  Stay away from the gimmicks and artificial aids.  You can build great strength with a thick-handled bar ( or dumbbells) over a full range of motion while at the same time eschewing the use of a belt.  

     It is because of my belief in the value of the Trap Bar that I was honored to participate in the “Trapped on Long Island” lifting event which was a fundraiser for the Dr. Ken Leistner Memorial Scholarship Fund at Logan University as well as the Lakeview Youth Federation.  Anyone who was familiar with Dr. Ken was aware of his close association and relationship with the Lakeview Youth Federation, and this event was in honor of Dr. Ken as well as Coach Charles Nanton, who was one of the founders of the federation.  Coach Nanton had recently passed away.  The event was the idea of Kathy Leistner, who has staged events of this type over the years at her home training facility.  

     The last time I had seen Dr. Ken had been when he still owned Iron Island.  One of the things that I regret is the fact that I had lost touch with a man for whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration.  Hardly a day goes by that I don’t chastise myself for not making a greater effort to keep in touch.  But the fact is that you can still feel his presence at the training facility which is still used to help others realize their strength and conditioning goals.  

     The lifting event took place on Saturday, August 3, and there were two events:  Clean and Press and Trap Bar Deadlift.  Sounds pretty easy on paper, doesn’t it?  But there was a catch:  Each event had to be done for fifty repetitions.  You read that right:  100 total reps on a brutally hot and humid August day.  And it was a timed event too!  Ten minutes to complete the Clean and Presses and then a two minute rest before the ten minutes to complete the Trap Bar Deadlifts.  

     As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, I’ve always believed that high-rep Deadlifts have a place in any serious lifter’s training regimen.  But fifty reps!  And after fifty Clean and Presses!  There’s an old saying that goes “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.”  I believe the person who first coined that expression had to be someone who had to do 100 total reps on a day when the temperature approached triple digits.  

     The Clean and Press is another movement which needs no explanation as to its importance in anyone’s training routine.  And you do not need to be an Olympic weightlifter to reap the benefits of this fine movement.  Just about every muscle group is taxed by this exercise, and if you want to challenge yourself then try to do a high rep set of Clean and Presses using either a barbell, or a set of heavy dumbbells.  Back in 2018, for my birthday workout that year, I wanted to do as many reps as possible with 75 Lb dumbbells in the DB Clean and Press. I think I was able to complete 12 reps.  Again, it looks simple on paper, and if all you had to do was clean the DBs once and press them twelve times it isn’t difficult at all.  But when you have to do a separate clean for each rep then that changes everything.  

     Another point that I would like to make is that it makes perfect sense to do these two movements on the same day.  The Clean and Press is a perfect way to warm up you back and hips for deadlifting.  Hopefully there is nobody reading this who engages in the silly practice of “body part training.”  Leave that sort of silliness for the pumpers and toners.  Real men and women who want to get strong realize that it is important to train the LIFTS rather than individual body parts.  

     Lately, I have been using my 60 Lb Center Mass Bells for the Clean and Press.  I only do one or two sets of ten reps.  I find that going heavier will inevitably cause me to lean back too much.  And while this will enable me to use more weight, there is no excuse to sacrifice good form.  After the CMB Presses, I move on to my Trap Bar.  I’ve been using several different rep schemes lately in an effort to add variety to my workouts.  My most recent workouts include doing a moderately heavy double, followed by eight sets of triples with a lighter poundage with only 90 seconds between each set.  It’s challenging to say the least, but I am encouraged by the results so far.  

     If you have been training for a long time, sometimes you need a reminder that it is the constant attention to the basics done consistently with an eye toward poundage progression that yield the best results.  And that the ability to embrace brutally hard work is the one thing that will deliver the best results.  I’d like to thank Kathy Leistner for this important lesson, even if it is a couple months too late.  I’d also like to acknowledge Barbara Cittadino from Barbara’s Photo Creations who took more pictures than I have ever seen from the event, including the one below.

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A Dynamic Four Star Plan - By Jim Duggan

I have written many articles about the old Ironman magazines, the Peary Rader version of Ironman, to be precise.  What a great magazine! It covered every facet of the Iron Game.  And it did it in a way that did not rely on fancy advertising, hawking overpriced bogus supplements.  It didn’t glorify steroid-bloated bodybuilders.  What it did was put out a magazine containing quality training information.  Whether you were a weightlifter, bodybuilder, powerlifter, or just someone interested in gaining size, strength, and vigorous good health, there was something for you.

     One of the very best things about Peary Rader’s Ironman was the fact that he utilized some of the very best writers to contribute to his wonderful magazine.  I’ve mentioned the many quality Ironman writers in previous articles, but I wanted to devote this month’s article to one of the very best writers of his time.  

     The September 1974 issue of Ironman had a very selection of articles from which to choose.  David Willoughby, Arthur Jones, and Dr. Ken Leistner all contributed to this special issue.  I could have easily chosen one of these gentlemen to be the subject of this month’s article, but I chose I man who I have written about before.  Bradley J. Steiner’s contributions to the world of strength, health, and self-defense cannot be adequately described in one article.  He was simply one of the very best Iron Game writers.  After Dr. Ken, he is my favorite writer of all time.  

     In the September 1974 Ironman, Mr. Steiner wrote an article “The Dynamic Four Star Plan To The Build You Want.”  A casual look at this title would seem to give the indication that it is a bodybuilding article.  While I have nothing against bodybuilding ( drug-free bodybuilding to be exact), I have always preferred to read about, write about, and participate in the development of STRENGTH.  

     However, very early in the article, he states that the “Four Steps” to success that he describes can be applied to any and every area of your life.  Successful results are inevitable if you follow the four step plan in the article.  So let’s take a look at this successful plan, which was first published fifty years ago.

     The first step is to VISUALIZE YOUR GOAL.  You must “Believe in the realization of what you want to become.”  Negativism has no place in this plan.  No matter what you present condition, you can overcome it if you believe wholeheartedly that you can, according to Mr. Steiner.  One of the best quotes of this section is as follows:  “There is more power in honest, determined, positive self imagery than you can begin to imagine.”  

      Mr. Steiner is not trying to be a cheerleader in these words.  It is simply a matter of visualizing clearly and consistently the goals you wish to achieve.  You can’t expect to have faith in yourself if you have no idea of what you wish to attain.  Naturally, you have to have a plan to achieve these goals, and that will come later in the article.  

     The next step is to be wholly absorbed in the attainment of your goals.  Whether it is to gain twenty pounds of muscle, or add 25 Lbs to your Bench Press, you must become obsessed with achieving that which you set out to accomplish.  And Mr. Steiner makes a very interesting point:  “ You can’t be unusual and physically superior to the average without becoming ‘different’ from other people.”  Sometimes we lose sight of that fact.  But if you wish to officially Bench Press 400 Lbs, then you must reasonable accept the fact that you are NOT normal.  After all, how many people can legitimately bench 400?  Not many.  So naturally, the training required to achieve that goal will be different from that being done by the average person in the gym.  When Bob Whelan had his training facility in Washington, DC, I remember visiting him there one day, along with Drew Israel.  One of the things I distinctly remember is a sign on the front door which read: “If You Train Here, You Are NOT Normal.”  And, if you are truly devoted to getting stronger, then truer words were never spoken!  Why be normal, when you can train to be as strong as possible?

     This kind of thinking can also apply to your everyday life.  Don’t be afraid to be different than your co-workers, friends, and others you may encounter in your day to day existence.  “Seek out those individuals who share, or at least who genuinely respect, you for what you are.  “Cultivate the habit of seeking those surroundings, those people, and those interests and pursuits that will ENHANCE and ADD to your central goals in life.”  

     The third step is to seek out “Good Instruction, Education, and Knowledge that will teach you how to reach your goal.”  Study your subject, and seek out quality sources of information.  Become a student of strength.  If you can seek out people who have achieved great strength, by all means do so.  “Developing the body is as much a process of education as is developing the mind.”  Mr. Steiner even mentions several authors who he considers to be the finest Iron Game authors.  The names he mentions should be familiar to many readers.  Peary Rader, Bob Hoffman, and Harry B. Paschall are mentioned by Mr. Steiner.  I’m sure humility prevented him from mentioning his own expertise and skill as a writer, but any impartial reader would recognize the greatness that Mr. Steiner possessed.  

     Another point that I’d like to mention is something that was not an issue fifty years ago, but should be obvious today.  Do NOT rely on internet experts, influencers, or other self-proclaimed experts.  If somebody is claiming to be a champion, but never states what he lifts, then perhaps he is a more chump than champ and should be ignored.  And, of course, the muscle magazines of today, those that are still in existence, are nothing more than comics than sources of information.

     The fourth step is probably the most important:  “NEVER GIVE UP!”  You are the ultimate ruler of your life, and you cannot let others discourage you from pursuing your goals.  To reach any worthwhile goal takes a long time and a lot of hard work.  You must be ready to give before you get, according to Mr. Steiner, and that neat phrase encapsulates what is wrong with many people who train today.  How many aspiring lifters are willing to give of themselves to attain their goals.  

     There will always be temporary setbacks. Injuries, illness, school/job issues.  But like any other obstacles, they must be dealt with.  Lifting, especially drug-free lifting, will always have its ups and downs, but if you persist and stick to the basics then the reward will be strength, health, and happiness.  

     The four-step plan works, according to Mr. Steiner.  But in order to make it work, “You must try it, live it, believe it.  That’s what makes any success.”  It’s not difficult to see how an article written fifty years ago can describe a plan for success, especially when you consider the magazine in which it originally appeared and the fact that it was written by the one and only Bradley Steiner.

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