Zach Even-Esh - The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning How to Get Stronger and Tougher--In the Gym and in Life--Using the Training Secrets of the Athletic Elite

When it comes to functional strength and conditioningold school styleZach Even-Esh has been there, done that. Zach is a master at developing young athletes who not only become world class at their sport, but also develop the strength of character to be successful at whatever they choose in life. I highly recommend this book, as it will open your eyes to reality-based training.

CDR MARK DIVINE, founder SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind, NYT bestselling author 8 Weeks to SEALFIT and The Way of the SEAL.

At Spartan, we have always said the world needs a thorough encyclopedia on strength and conditioning. Whether it is our own athletes attending our races, moms, or even the elite special forces we speak to, everyone is looking for an edge. Zachs Encyclopedia is exactly what todays society needs to build a stronger mind, body and life, just as we encourage here at Spartan. The inspirational life lessons shared in this book along with these training methods are what make this book powerful and timeless. You owe it to yourself to read this book if you want to change your life.

JOE DE SENA, founder, The Spartan Race.

If theres a hardcore, super-functional tool or tactic for maximizing strength, speed or muscle, its herebodyweight, kettlebells, barbells, tires, ropes, sandbags, kegs and sleds. The bodyweight section alone is worth more than the price of the bookits a must read for calisthenics fans. What interests me particularly is Zachs emphasis on bodyweight for athleticism and conditioning, as well as raw strength. There are dozens of very, very powerful drills and unique approaches here. Ive no doubt this book will be considered the bible of old school athletic strength training over the coming decades.

PAUL WADE, author, Convict Conditioning

No book combines the old-school methods of strength training and muscle-building with the new science of performance enhancement and athletic conditioning better than The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning. And no author delivers his knowledge with more heart and passion than Zach Even-Esh. This bible of strength is an inspiring must-read for every athlete, coach and fitness enthusiast of any age who wants to help themselves or others get an edge on the competition and become bigger, stronger, faster and tougher.

TOM VENUTO, author, Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle

From the minute I began reading I was completely captivated. The mixture of life lessons along with powerful workout information is what makes this book truly phenomenal and one that belongs on any strength enthusiasts book shelf.

AJ ROBERTS, 2x All-Time Powerlifting World Record Holder

This big book has a lot of soul. I love how Zachs unique voice comes through. I love the mix of bodybuilding and wrestling and power training and farm-boy strength combined with the sincere earnestness of his ongoing quest for continual physical improvement. I love his crazed, gonzo approach towards fitness and strength and functionality. Zach has thrown a big lasso around a hell-of-a-lot of athletic modes. Zach has transformed himself, and ergo, he knows of what he speaks. Best of all, most important of all, he gets irrefutable results for his people. I love the functional, uber-fit physiques of Zach students, the final finished products. In one word, Zach, Awesome!

MARTY GALLAGHER, author, The Purposeful Primitive

Books like Zach Even-Eshs new work, The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning, simply arent written any more. I felt like I was back in 1964 thumbing through Strength and Health getting the answers to strength: its the basics, its hard work and there is a funny story that needs to be told to get me to understand the simplicity of it all. If you are new, this book is your one-stop-shop for just about everything. You get every tool, every idea and practically every mistake as Zach takes us on his journey. The sections on elite athletes are told as clearly as possible and I think I coached Strong and Useless, too. I really enjoyed that section as we all face the same obstacles as we try to figure how to translate the relatively straight line in the weight room into the chaos of the athletic field. Zach gives you these answers.

Certainly, it is fine in practice the way Zach explores training, but the book is just fun to read, too. Its a hands-on book from a hands-on coach and you get the feeling you know everybody he is talking about in each story. The book needs a two-way radio: Yeah, I know that guy! Its a great book that will open up a few eyes and maybe a few windows in your training. Enjoy.

DAN JOHN, author, Never Let Go

Zachs wisdom is both bold and heartwarming at the same time. Besides a touching, often humorous story, what Zach provides is an incredibly comprehensive manual which details not only strength and conditioning, but also speed training, muscle building, feats of strength and more. Zach provides years worth of material in this fantastic resource.

DANNY KAVADLO, author, Diamond-Cut Abs

I have been a strength coach for over 30 years and this by far is one of the most powerful strength training books I have read. Its a tool that every strength coach, new or old, every person who trains new or old, should have in their toolbox. This book will be required reading for all my trainers and athletes from this point on.

COACH JOHN MCKENNA, Athletic Performance Director, Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, NJ

Zach Even-Esh throws down the gauntletchallenging you to live strong, think strong, and be strong. The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning inspires and educates allowing you to elevate your training both mentally and physically. The information in this book will not only make you a better athlete, but also a better person.

JON BRUNEY, author,