This Week on Straight to the Bar
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 : Getting to Know Personal Trainer Vic Magary
Scott Bird & Vic Magary
I love finding out more about the people here - their training, background, ideas and goals. Always fascinating. - Looking At : Apr 21, 2013
Scott Andrew Bird
We've been discussing some very interesting techniques, products and services recently. Here are the highlights.
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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.
Video : Free Training Days
Gymchat 202 - TBA
However you take part, enjoy.
Details -
Who : TBA
Topic : TBA
When : Wednesday Apr 24, 9pm EST
How : Google+ Hangout. If you've never been to one, here's how to take part.
URL : We'll be announcing this shortly - both on the blog and on Google+ itself.
NB : If this is the first time you're joining us for one of the Video Gymchats, welcome. There are three basic ways to watch this (depending on whether you want to join us on the Hangout and ask a question or two, or just sit back and take it all in) - full details here. However you like to do it, we've got you covered.
Previously : In Gymchat 201 we talked about 'Hormonal Optimisation', with Personal Trainer and Strongman Josh Hewett and Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. Great discussion.
If you missed the broadcast, the video is available over on Kirk's Youtube Channel. That's also the best place to subscribe to the videos directly, and to see previous discussions.
If you'd like to suggest a future topic, or schedule an interview for one of the upcoming discussions, you can send us a message privately here, or swing by our Community site on Google+. Look forward to hearing from you.
Tip of the Week: Becoming Aware of Your Transverse Abdominis
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.
There's an awful lot more to abdominal work than exercises like the humble crunch. Everything from Louie's infamous 'Stand-Up Abs' to the many, many varieties of the squat.
Before doing any of that, however, it helps to understand a little about the various muscles being worked. For that, it's over to Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker.
For starters, from Kat's superb article Specific Training for the Transverse Abdominis: Belt It In, here's a quick way to learn to feel what your TA is doing :
Begin by becoming aware of this muscle. Sit upright on a bench. Have a partner face you, place both of his hands on your shoulders, and gently push you backward (gently!). Your goal is to maintain your upright position, not allowing your spine to extend/your back to arch. Your TA will kick in to achieve your goal.
Good stuff.
Checking Out : The Complete Hockey Training System
Looks great.We'll post a review shortly, but suffice to say that I'm really looking forward to this one. Written by none other than Personal Trainer Conor Doherty, the Complete Hockey Training System is a collection of considerations and routines designed to help athletes become stronger, faster and more flexible on the ice.
And if you've seen Conor in action on the Gymchats or the Conor's Corner videos, you know you're in for a treat.
The Complete Hockey Training System.
Quick update on the Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits we mentioned recently - superb idea.
As we noted, we'll be reviewing these shortly. And if you missed the announcement, here's a brief video to explain the basic idea :
For more information, head on over to the official site - renaissancefitnessinc.com.