During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :
- Gem From The Vault : Kipping Pull-ups
Al Kavadlo
Cheating, or just a different approach? - Looking At : Apr 20, 2014
Scott Andrew Bird
What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.
Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.
Video : ANW 6 Warmup Room Session
More Ninja Bedroom goodness.
Gymchat 245 - Feats of Strength (Grip Strength) (Jedd Johnson)
In this discussion we'll be investigating two key aspects of grip work - the various feats you'll occasionally see, and grip training in general. Tackling these is the insanely strong Jedd Johnson, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Jedd and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Q&A (during the discussion itself).
And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.
Details -
Who : The insanely strong Jedd Johnson, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett
Topic : Feats of Strength (Grip Strength)
When : Wednesday Apr 30, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, and ask questions, directly on the Event page. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.
See you there.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.
Tip of the Week: A Routine for Neck-Training Beginners
Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, Google+, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.
I love a dose of neck training. Using a neck harness, a fitness ball, bodyweight exercises and so on. There are certainly more than a few ways to do it.
This tip comes to us from last year's Gymchat on the topic, and is a routine aimed at complete neck-training beginners who are looking to get started on this wonderful journey. Over to Andrew Nalepa.
Good news for anyone who is beginning neck training, "you" are pretty much all you need. I like Mike Bruce's beginner program on Straight to the Bar, but another really simple beginner program is this :
Lay on your back on the floor, or on your bed, and just raise your head, curling your chin to your upper chest, as many times as you can. Then lay on your stomach, and raise your chin to the ceiling as many times as possible. Then lay on your side and curl your ear toward your shoulder as many times as you can, and then lay on your other side and do the same thing.
Many people who have never done any neck training have difficulty just laying on their back and curling just their head 20 times. It is a really simple starting point just using gravity. To progress, you could do more reps, do more sets, or start holding a book to your head as you do your repetitions.
NB : if you like the sound of this and want to further explore the wonderful world of neck training, check out the free guide here. The exercises, equipment and techniques you'll need.
Re-reading : Pushing the Limits!
Fantastic book.We looked at this one (both the PDF version and the paperback) a little over a year ago. If you missed it the first time around, check it out. Highly recommended.
To give you an idea of what it's all about, here's a brief passage from Jason Ferruggia's foreword (full version here) :
Pushing the Limits! is the book I wish I had when I first started working out. Knowing Al's secrets and various progressions would have saved me years of wasted time, frustration and injuries. As awesome as Raising the Bar was I think Al has taken it to another level with Pushing the Limits!. The variations of The Big Three and progressions Al lays out will keep you busy for years.
Al Kavadlo's Pushing the Limits!. Superb.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :
Good stuff Bret, looks great.
Ready to share your strength-training passion with the people around you? Why not grab some of the Straight to the Bar Wallpapers shown here, designed by Glenn Bird, Rory Hickman and You.
Absolutely free.
Of course, we'd also love to see some of your own designs. If you've got one that you'd love to share with an incredibly passionate, strength-focussed audience, just upload it somewhere and send us the URL.
Perfect.
NB : the above images are hosted by Flickr - head over to the SttB Flickr Group for more.
I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :
- Gem From The Vault : Why Conditioning is King
Dean Coulson
Have you got what it takes? - Looking At : Apr 13, 2014
Scott Andrew Bird
What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.
Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.
Video : Belt Squat Protocol
Very interesting idea, and a fantastic exercise - the Belt Squat.
Gymchat 244 - TBA
In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - there's a full list here. And if you've got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we'd love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.
Tip of the Week: Ice for Better Sleep
Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, Google+, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.
Sleep is easily my favourite form of recovery. Huge fan of a well-timed nap, and the associated dietary fine-tuning. Love it.
This tip comes to us from the Gymchat on sleep as a recovery method, and is a comment by Personal Trainer Derek Peruo on how he helps his new clients get a solid dose of shut-eye. Very interesting approach.
Over to Derek :For sleep, I usually recommend zinc and magnesium. If those don't help, I also recommend an ice pack to the back of the neck right before bed.
The ice pack lowers core temperature and promotes the release of melatonin.
And yes, all of those things work extremely well. Good stuff.
Checking Out : Improving Your Pull-ups (Frank DiMeo)
Good stuff.I'm a huge fan the various forms of pull-ups, and the Gymchat last week was certainly an excellent exploration of the area. Nice one guys.
Improving Your Pull-ups is one of the many superb resources mentioned in the discussion. This is the Kindle edition of Frank's own book on the subject, outlining a 12 week program that does exactly what the title suggests. And in no small way.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :
Good stuff Bret, looks great.
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :
- The Reversal of Sports : From 'Aspirational' to 'Pure'
Scott Andrew Bird
Possible? Likely? What do you think will happen? - Looking At : Apr 6, 2014
Scott Andrew Bird
What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.
Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.
Video : World's Highest Push-up
Gymchat 243 - How to Improve Your Pull Ups (Frank DiMeo)
This week we're taking a detailed look at these amazing exercises, and discussing how to increase both their quality and quantity. Whether you can already knock them out by the dozen, or are gearing up for your first.
Helping us tackle this one - as well as your questions (just post them on the Event page, or use the Q&A tool during the discussion itself) is Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Frank and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Q&A (during the discussion itself).
And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.
Details -
Who : Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett
Topic : How to Improve Your Pull Ups
When : Wednesday Apr 9, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, and ask questions, directly on the Event page. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.
See you there.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.
Tip of the Week: Speedbag Punch Technique
Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, Google+, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.
The humble speedbag is a fantastic tool. When it comes to the right way to use it, there's no better place to discuss technique than the incredible Speed Bag Forum.
Amazing place.
This tip comes to us from SBF's own Alan Kahn, and looks at a couple of the basic techniques (leading up to a front + side punch combination). Good stuff.
Checking Out : 8 Weeks to SEALFIT - A Navy SEAL's Guide to Unconventional Training for Physical and Mental Toughness
Looks great.I'm a big fan of both physical and mental strength, and this book has an intriguing combination of the two. Mark Divine's 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.
Full review shortly, in the meantime here's a comment from the Amazon page to give you a taste :
Jumping into this program taught me something really important: you cannot HIDE from the work required here. I've been doing more traditional weight lifting and strength programs at the gym over the last many months, and while the plans and programs have gone rather well for me, in just six days of working on this program I realized that I hadn't been giving it my all, and I'd been cutting corners. With 8 Weeks to SEALfit, if you stay committed to the work in front of you, you can't hide. And that's a great thing.
Good stuff. 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :
Good stuff Bret, looks great.
The images used on this site come from a number of sources. These are :
Header
There are two images currently used in the header for this site :
- A serious deadlift session, courtesy Steve Collins (Momofoto)
- Mike Bruce Performing a 1,500lb Rack Pull
Greatly appreciated guys, cheers.
Articles
These come from a number of sources; notably Flickr (those which have been licensed for this purpose). The remainder are either sent in from readers, my own, or purchased for use with a particular story.
Sidebar
There are several images used in the sidebar for this site, notably :
- The 'Images of Strength'
- The 'In The Wild' pictures from readers, wearing their Straight to the Bar Gear
We talk about The 'In The Wild' photos in the 'T-Shirt' section below. As for The 'Images of Strength' :
These are from the 'photos' category, shown randomly throughout the site. You can see all of them here.
If you'd like to point us to one you've seen elsewhere (no watermarks please), drop us a line and send us the URL. We'll add as many as we can.
NB : wherever possible, we ask the original photographer if it's OK to re-publish their work. If you know who that is (or it's one of your own images), just let us know. Cheers.
T-Shirts
As long-term readers will attest, we've commissioned a number of T-Shirt designs over the years looking at the world of training from a number of angles. One-off designs for specific events, as well as those designed for more general wear.
You'll find the current collection here.
Note that :
- The main designer we use - Glenn Bird - is my brother (for more of his work, check out glennbirdart.com). If you're thinking 'that name sounds familiar', that's why.
- We also love seeing these clothes 'in the wild'. If you'd like to share your photo, just upload it somewhere and send us a link. We'll post these in the sidebar. Cheers.
Wallpapers & 'Phone Backgrounds
Now it's over to you - time to show us your design skills.
We love seeing (and using!) your strength-related images as backgrounds for various computers and mobile devices. If you've got a design you'd love to share with the superb audience here, just save it in the various sizes used by different devices (we've got a couple of examples to show you what they are), upload them somewhere and send us a link. We'll share them on the main site, on Google+ and so on.
Other Merchandise
During my own workouts, I like to keep track of what I'm doing - notably the exercises, weights and reps - using a simple spreadsheet on an iPhone. It's not necessarily any better or worse than the typical pencil & paper notebook combination; it's just what I like using.
If you're the same, check out some of the iPhone Cases & Skins my brother Glenn has designed. Beautiful.
The 'Looking At' Articles
These articles summarise the various things we've been discussing during the week - on Google+, Twitter and the blog itself. It's a great way to keep up-to-date with the world of strength training.
The image is a photo I took at the Echo Point lookout in Katoomba, next to the Three Sisters. If you're planning a visit to Sydney, Australia, Echo Point is well worth a look. Great place.
(btw, if you're looking for 'Things to see in Sydney, Australia', here are a few other places to check out. )
The images used on this site come from a number of sources. These are :
Header
There are two images currently used in the header for this site :
- A serious deadlift session, courtesy Steve Collins (Momofoto)
- Mike Bruce Performing a 1,500lb Rack Pull
Greatly appreciated guys, cheers.
Articles
These come from a number of sources; notably Flickr (those which have been licensed for this purpose). The remainder are either sent in from readers, my own, or purchased for use with a particular story.
Sidebar
There are several images used in the sidebar for this site, notably :
- The 'Images of Strength'
- The 'In The Wild' pictures from readers, wearing their Straight to the Bar Gear
We talk about The 'In The Wild' photos in the 'T-Shirt' section below. As for The 'Images of Strength' :
These are from the 'photos' category, shown randomly throughout the site. You can see all of them here.
If you'd like to point us to one you've seen elsewhere (no watermarks please), drop us a line and send us the URL. We'll add as many as we can.
NB : wherever possible, we ask the original photographer if it's OK to re-publish their work. If you know who that is (or it's one of your own images), just let us know. Cheers.
T-Shirts
As long-term readers will attest, we've commissioned a number of T-Shirt designs over the years looking at the world of training from a number of angles. One-off designs for specific events, as well as those designed for more general wear.
You'll find the current collection here.
Note that :
- The main designer we use - Glenn Bird - is my brother (for more of his work, check out glennbirdart.com). If you're thinking 'that name sounds familiar', that's why.
- We also love seeing these clothes 'in the wild'. If you'd like to share your photo, just upload it somewhere and send us a link. We'll post these in the sidebar. Cheers.
Wallpapers & 'Phone Backgrounds
Now it's over to you - time to show us your design skills.
We love seeing (and using!) your strength-related images as backgrounds for various computers and mobile devices. If you've got a design you'd love to share with the superb audience here, just save it in the various sizes used by different devices (we've got a couple of examples to show you what they are), upload them somewhere and send us a link. We'll share them on the main site, on Google+ and so on.
Other Merchandise
During my own workouts, I like to keep track of what I'm doing - notably the exercises, weights and reps - using a simple spreadsheet on an iPhone. It's not necessarily any better or worse than the typical pencil & paper notebook combination; it's just what I like using.
If you're the same, check out some of the iPhone Cases & Skins my brother Glenn has designed. Beautiful.
The 'Looking At' Articles
These articles summarise the various things we've been discussing during the week - on Google+, Twitter and the blog itself. It's a great way to keep up-to-date with the world of strength training.
The image is a photo I took at the Echo Point lookout in Katoomba, next to the Three Sisters. If you're planning a visit to Sydney, Australia, Echo Point is well worth a look. Great place.
(btw, if you're looking for 'Things to see in Sydney, Australia', here are a few other places to check out. )
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Video for Gymchat 242 - The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (Bill Piche) - SttB Articles
Thanks again to everyone who watched and sent in questions for the discussion Gymchat 242 - The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance [with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett] - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video.