Missoula Underground Strength Training Center
Typical Gym: Feels like what I imagine a gynecologist's office looks like: sterile and full of pussies.
Underground Gym: A hardcore environment fosters hardcore lifting, which, you know, could be a good thing if you want to get jacked. There's nothing like bricks, cement, huge black widow spiders, and dirty dumbbells to get you in the right mood to lift heavy shit.
Typical Gym: Performing deadlifts, squats, or presses with heavy weight will garner funny looks. And God help you if you drop anything or make any noise louder than a moth landing on a marshmallow. Can you say "lunk alarm"?
Underground Gym: You get bonus points if you nearly blow a speaker and extra bonus points if your iPod mix suddenly goes from He Is Legend to Wu-Tang Clan to Miley Cyrus. (Although you'll hear a cacophony of what-the-fucks and possibly get a water bottle thrown at you.) Also, it's completely acceptable to finish a heavy deadlift, yell, and run around the gym making fun of people for two minutes.
Typical Gym: There are TVs, fat girls in spandex, and guys who decide to read an entire newspaper article in between sets of bench presses.
Underground Gym: There are blank walls to throw medicine balls at, almost no girls (ugly or hot) to ogle over causing you to drop a loaded barbell on your trachea, and everyone knows the meaning of "work in."
Typical Gym: Everything is segregated. There's the cardio room, the weight room, and the locker room.
Underground Gym: You can lift weights, do heavy sandbag carries, swing heavy kettlebells, and lie on the floor and curse all in the same room. Hell, you can even change your entire outfit if you go behind the dumbbell rack and don’t mind getting tennis balls thrown at you.
What about you? Got any good comparisons? Post 'em below!
And check out the Missoula Underground Strength Training Center!
Posted Oct 26, 2009 by .
This entry is filed under underground gyms.
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Comments for This Entry
Nate,
The underground gym...exactly the type of gym that where I can DO WORK!! I work out in a storage facility I VA Beach called the Strentgh Shop (youtube it).kettle bells, DB's, squat rack, sandbags, tires, and sleds. A place where you can focus on being perfect at the basics and where people don't come up to you and ask you what kind of work-out are you doing. Good post NATE..FUCKIN MOTIVATING!!
-ERIK
I've got a FLIP video camera. You guys have any idea on how to make it more clear? Maybe when I upload it to YouTube? Thanks!
-Nate
Nate, this is right on target. I like it. That's the kind of place I train. It's motivating--the "noise" and distraction at the "shiny gym" just doesn't do it for me.
Nate,
How did you find the gym? Did you "know a guy who knows a guy?" Or did you just google Hardcore Underground Gym?
I know of one space in Chicago that still caters to the big and strong (B&W Gym), but can't seem to find any others.
Maybe they are hiding in the suburbs...
I remember those things called "regular gyms", used to go there a looong time ago, it fucked with my testosterone and elevated my estrogen levels so I deiced to bounce.....these days I just drive by them and see shining disco lights......while I train somewhere a little more "comfortable" like so http://www.youtube.com/user/HocevarPerformance#p/u/8/QF-HUXDTApY
Anyone serious about training should find an underground gym close to you and you'll prolly get more results in a year than you did in the last 5...thats if you don't pussy out :)
Luka
Cool post Nate. The video looks pretty clear to me.
If you have a Mac you can edit your flip cam videos on Imovie and export them in different formats to upload into youtube.
Cool post Nate. The video looks pretty clear to me.
If you have a Mac you can edit your flip cam videos on Imovie and export them in different formats to upload into youtube.
At a typical gym, if I even THINK about doing a clean and press, a "personal trainer" will be on me like Opera at a all you can eat buffet. If I had an underground gym, I would be bustin out heavy sets without fear of ridicule or the evil PT death stare. Speaking of which, does anybody know of one in the Santa Barbara or Goleta, California area? I'm in need of some rusty dumbbells and Iron Maiden!
Nice! I wish they had this kind of stuff in Hong Kong lol.
That's really cool I have seen some picks of gyms in KC where I train, but they are all invite only. Cool to see a video of one.
Typical Gym - No Chalk Allowed
Underground Gym - Chalk is required
I am lucky I work in a "underground gym" that I also train at myself. I also have a 2nd underground gym within 5 minutes I train strongman events at on the weekend. I have trained in "typical gyms" in the past but I have been so spoiled in the past 6 or 7 years that when I go out of town and try to train at a "typical gym" it is horrible.
Ironically enough we have train tracks outback as well.
Speaking of underground gyms Elliot Hulse posted this video the other day. IF you live in the Tampa, FL area it is a must: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTJl8TRbfRw
I've googled and asked around, but have yet to find a good underground gym that is within an hours drive. Any advice?!? I figure living in California it would be easy, but have had no luck yet.
Nate- great video! That place looks awesome! I'd love to train there. I sent you an email, btw.
@Alex- whereabouts in CA are you? I own an "underground gym" in Santa Fe Springs...Near you at all?
This looks like a good place to workout, wish I had a place like that. I go to the Gold's Gym in Downtown Pittsburgh. It is not bad if I make sure to go at a non-peek time (lunch or right after work.) I usually stay in the smallest section "Gold's Classic." It's a shame that this part is so small, it always seems to be the part where most people want to be. There are so many cardio sections it's crazy, a "theater cardio" room, cardio machines upstairs and cardio machines downstairs. This is definitely not Arnold's Gold's!
Tony - I'm in Chino Hills, but work in Fullerton, but I still think Santa Fe Springs is a little far to drive for working out. Thanks though!
Cool Gym. My gym is not quite a "regular" gym but not quite "underground" either. I am usually the only person in the joint for my entire workout which is cool w/ me.
Also, Missoula is a cool town. I spent an evening there making my way back to a friends house in Great Falls after a large loop that included Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons, and a small part of Idaho. Had losts of beers in a place called "Hammerjacks" I think. I love it out there in Big Sky Country.
cmon nate, that video was only half way to an underground gym... I know nothin can campare to Jersey so that will have to do but you've been to defranco's training! no bar or locker rooms.... no bosu balls or kids sitting down and doing curls. i couldnt hear the music or anyone training either... and a front door and signs and windows? its a nice looking gym, but its not underground like defranco's!
Good stuff...Too bad the the gym at my university is the exact opposite of that. It's treadmill and stationary bikes galore topped with testosterone-killing hip hop music...Eh it'll have to do for now. Meanwhile I'll continue to piss them off with my "abnormal" ways.
I do take offence to the fat joke you have in this article. I am a fat person that is working hard in the gym. I lost over 110 pounds and I am down to 270. next time if I were you I would think twice what you say on here. Some people are working on it. Way to generalize those people that are fat. No wonder people take offense to you and your views toward women. Now do you think this cave man attitude would last long dare I say at a planet fitness? Those people would gladly be thrown out. Did you train fat people? I would never come to your gym I would walk the other way.
Nate
I like your message of working hard but I don't really see why you have to bash on people who go to a normal gym bro...I mean not all of us have access to an underground gym like you do or even know of any...And to be someone who is helping people no matter what conditions and bash on them with this I think is ignorant of you...I would think again before posting something like this because I use to respect your work and ethics and now I just think you're a douchebag who knows a lot about working out...This article just seems like "If you don't train underground don't train at all" and you're calling people pussies? I don't know dude, but please give some respect to people who are trying in the gym...Typical or Underground...Who honestly gives a fuck as long as you're doing it to help yourself out in life...
Guys, I'm pretty sure Nate didn't mean to bash anyone in this article, but rather point out two different populations of trainees. The whole typical gym vs. underground gym is a comparison of the contrasting mindsets of these trainees. The "typical gym" is dominated by those with a passive attitude towards training. These people look at training as a half-ass chore rather than a way of life and a means of permanent self-improvement through reprogramming oneself. Not ALL of those who go to a typical gym are like this. There's always a small handful of typical gym-goers who have the "underground" mindset. I can see how the "fat girls in spandex" line can offend you Linda; it obviously sounds like you've worked very hard and made tremendous progress (110 pounds is truly phenomenal) and to read something like that would seem like a big middle finger to all the hard work you've put in. However, that offensive line about fat people rather refers to those who are overweight yet do nothing but hit the treadmill watching whatever is on the overhead television screen and going home to a box of donuts and sitting on the couch. This is my opinion on the true message of this article and I'm certain that Nate had the same intentions.
-Sep
C'mon people. You all need to calm down. It is called freedom of speech. I think Sep hit the nail on the head as to where Nate was headed. Your taking it all personally as sort of a "Nate against me" approach.
-Chad
People still look at me funny when I tell them I want to train at a hardcore gym, and usually start looking up the number to the local mental hospital when I tell them my dream in life is to open one. I just tell them, "that's fine, you can keep going to Gold's, I'm actually trying to see results."
As for the FlipCam, I can't see the vid right now since I'm at work, but I have one too and all my videos that I upload to youtube show up as HD. What model do you have?
I don't even get an underground gym; I had to make my own.
http://digitaldiscipline.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/workout-2-aug-001.jpg
Pushes 100F in there during the summer (Florida, home of humidity, heat, and a whole lot of damn insects). On the upside, this really cuts down on warmup times.
I'm afraid to turn the stereo up too far or do chin-ups on the joists, because the fucking roof will fall on me.
I just took a glance at the website, only 25 bucks a month for this?!? I think now is the time if anybody out there looking to start up a gym like this to do so. There are plenty of vacant commercial warehouses that have sat vacant that need some loving, and what better way to give back to the strength training communities then to build one of these beauties.
@ Derek
My friend Mike used to be a personal trainer at the Golds Gym where I trained. He opened up the Missoula Underground Strength Training Center a few months ago.
@ Linda
I'm very impressed with the weight loss and only wish you the best of luck. I actually did train a lot of fat people. They got that way because of their poor self image, poor food choices, lack of motivation, and general helplessness. They sought me out once they knew they needed to make a change. It seems like you've already done that. Good for you.
@ Christian
Thanks for the post. But I think you're taking it a bit too personally. I used to work at a health club, man. And until recently, I trained at a Gold's Gym. So I'm no stranger to the "typical gym". Still, I think there are a lot of guys going through the motions and wasting effort. Are there guys like this at Underground gyms, too? Sure. But it's amazing what the environment can do for you.
But a douchebag? C'mon now. I prefer the term "vaginal cleanser."
@ Rafe
Nice setup!
-Nate
TYPICAL GYM: You find people actually yawning during and after their workouts.
UNDERGROUND GYM: You find people laying on the floor cursing, preventing themselves from puking, with their lungs on fire, unable to control their legs, and, did I say cursing?
TYPICAL GYM: You feel the king of the world after your 1RM 225 squat.
UNDERGROUND GYM: The stupid assholes are on speed day with 225 in their backs. (True story)
TYPICAL GYM: When you hear some kind of grunting or a "Hell! Yeah!" is usually a guy flexing his biceps after doing a set of curls in the squat rack.
UNDERGROUND GYM: When you hear some kind of grunting or a "Hell! Yeah!" is usually a guy dropping some heavy poundage from the top position of a deadlift.
All I have to say is Albany Strength.
Check it out: http://www.albanystrength.com/TheGym.htm
Its not uncommon to witness a 700lb bench press.
@Skwat - I didn't feel like king of the world after repping out with 225 on Monday (I did 8)! *laugh*
Everyone's gotta start somewhere....
@Rafe - The day I did that 1RM I did feel like the king of the world (a couple of months ago). Not only that, I felt like the motherfucking k-to the-ing of the motherfucking w-to the-orld.
You see, I was in an expensive wholesome gym with only 1 power rack and no squat racks. Compared to the 95% of the population there, I was strong. Trainees squatting occasionally, Trainers struggling to deadlift 315lb for a rep. You get the picture.
The underground gym really put things into perspective.
What's my point explaining all this? If you wanna get good, you gotta compare yourself with the best so you get pushed.
@Skwat - I hear that. There's no (or at least, less) impetus to improve if you're the big fish in a small pond. My ghetto fabulous setup (see my 1st comment for pic) has me squatting in a bench press rack (one of the few benefits of being short) until I can afford a power rack.
As far as surrounding oneself with folks to chase... check out http://brandonsmash.com. See also: "People I will never, ever catch." *laugh*
Nate - sent u an e mail, hit me up beast when time allows!
Be awesome!
--Z--
Nate,
Excellent post and ideas.
I'm not sure I would isolate the differences to one type of gym versus another based on the paint on the walls or the rust (or lack on) on the equipment.
Rather: the people you train with make the difference. If you want to get strong, you have a better chance of achieving that goal by training with people stronger than you. If you want to get big, train with people bigger than you.
Of coure, it's a moot point, in most cases. That is, bigger, stronger people tend to want to train in more "underground" type settings; whereas more "traditional" gyms attract a less hardcore group.
That said, I personally think your post was hilarious. You have a knack for not letting the negativity get to you; good for you man.
Right on Nate! Hardcore underground gyms are the way to go for sure! I love my garage gym (aka the Extreme Human Performance center) --all the essentials, 2 x 2 rack, TX power bar, trap bar, big tires, sled, kettlbells, tons of free weights, bench, bands, chains, and loud metal music through the stereo. Nothing better.
If anyone is around the St Paul Minnesota area, drop me a line. Dave knows that it rocks!
Rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
http://www.ExtremeHumanPerformance.com
Excellent post, too bad some people get so offended, but this is America, say what you want and they'll have your head on a platter. I am the owner of The Strength Shop in VA Beach. If Anyone in the area is interested in checking out our style, please call or check out the site and video's...
http://www.youtube.com/user/mwich40#p/a/u/0/G9QB_UBH4HE
Great Post! I used to lift at a local YMCA and it fit everything you said about a typical gym. Needless to say i wasnt really seeing any progress. Then 2 summers ago i began working out at an underground gym (Finish First Sports Performance) in Pittsburgh. Sure enough over this past summer after hundreds of hours of hardwork i saw immense changes and i was even able to knock out 40 flips on a 400 pound tire at a bw of 135!
Fantastic information. Your determination and desire is very inspiring and I wish you all the continued success that you can handle. appreciate you, and what you do. Love your blog!
I need to find/join a underground gym. Any one know of any in LA County?
Rudy,
Not sure how far this is from you, but give it a shot...
http://bodysynergytraining.com/blog/
Rudy,
If you're anywhere near Santa Fe Springs then check out AST Gym at AuthenticSTG.blogspot.com
Haha its funny that you say "Lunk Alarm". A gym by my house that all my girl friends go to has a GIANT blue siren on the wall near the dumbbells with a poster saying " anyone that drops weight or judges others will be kindly asked to leave". While I was there my routine called for some hanging cleans and Ive never gotten so many weird looks in my life! someone move a bar quickly?! what!
Good article, does anybody know any underground gyms in the vancouver/richmond area? i really fucking hate working out with douchebags all around me. thanks.
@Derek:
If you're looking for a hardcore gym in Chicago, look into Quad's. Among other things, it's where Ed Coan trains, so that alone should convince you it's legit.
@Kyle
Quad's is awesome! I know it well. They have some great equipment there and definitely don't mind heavy training.
Thanks man!
Anyone knows a real gym (read underground gym) in or close by Reston VA, I used to be a daily member of B&W in Chicago and can not find anything real in Reston...I just hoipe I don't look in the right direction... Please don't send me to bullshit gyms like YMCA or other like that...
Hey that's cool. I found your gym thanks to Google, LOL:
http://www.themissoulaunderground.com
Montana? Shoot, that gives me a poor chance to ever work out with you.
I live in West Virignia.
My Gym is Fitnetics, but the REAL hardcore gym in town is Spadafore's (used to be Slammicks). It's been around since the 60s, which is a VERY long time for a gym.
You know it's hardcore because it's located in the industrial part of town, right next to a junkyard.
I might rejoin after I put on 20 more lbs of solid muscle.
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