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 : The Ab Wheel
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Beautifully simple.

  
  

• Looking At : Feb 21, 2021
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  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 a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : Fix ANY Shoulder Problem (Trevor Bachmeyer)

Time for a little prehab work. Great info.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook etc) shortly.

In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - (there's an example below, and 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.

Al Kavadlo performing a Dragon Flag.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Modifying Lifts - The Jefferson

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, the blog; and the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

This tip comes to us from Jason's superb article 29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner; and looks at just one of the many ways to put a partly-loaded barbell to work. The Modified Jefferson Lift.

Over to Jason :

This is where you straddle the barbell with both legs, and grasp above the weights while you lower yourself straight down as if sitting down into a chair. The R.O.M. is limited so you can use heavier weights if you feel comfortable.

You can modify all kinds of lifts in similar ways. Good fun.

Checking Out : Exerbell (Travel-Focused Kettle-Shaped-Sandbag)

Interesting idea.

The Exerbell is a cross between a kettlebell and sandbag, designed with travel workouts (Remember them? Won't be long.) in mind. Great combination.

To give you a brief look at the bag/bell itself, a little video :

The Exerbell.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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 : The Ab Wheel
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Beautifully simple.

  
  

• Looking At : Feb 21, 2021
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  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 a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : Fix ANY Shoulder Problem (Trevor Bachmeyer)

Time for a little prehab work. Great info.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook etc) shortly.

In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - (there's an example below, and 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.

Al Kavadlo performing a Dragon Flag.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Modifying Lifts - The Jefferson

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, the blog; and the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

This tip comes to us from Jason's superb article 29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner; and looks at just one of the many ways to put a partly-loaded barbell to work. The Modified Jefferson Lift.

Over to Jason :

This is where you straddle the barbell with both legs, and grasp above the weights while you lower yourself straight down as if sitting down into a chair. The R.O.M. is limited so you can use heavier weights if you feel comfortable.

You can modify all kinds of lifts in similar ways. Good fun.

Checking Out : Exerbell (Travel-Focused Kettle-Shaped-Sandbag)

Interesting idea.

The Exerbell is a cross between a kettlebell and sandbag, designed with travel workouts (Remember them? Won't be long.) in mind. Great combination.

To give you a brief look at the bag/bell itself, a little video :

The Exerbell.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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 : 8 Glasses of Water Per Day?
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Burn more, drink more.

  
  

• Looking At : Feb 14, 2021
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  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 a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : Safety and Autonomous Cars (Frenchie)

A Tesla FSD (beta) drive to the hospital, and to a Police Station. An early preview of a wonderful, life-saving future.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook etc) shortly.

In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - (there's an example below, and 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.

Ryan Burgess.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week : Finding a Good Training Partner

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, the blog; and the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

This tip comes to us from the Gymchat on 'Motivation', and is part of a longer discussion of training partners. Enjoy.

Over to Roger :

Roger Lawson.

Finding a good training partner is rough and really all depends on the person's temperament. Some like to train with someone who is far above them as motivation to get better while others like someone who is at their level or slightly beyond them, otherwise they get discouraged because the gap is so wide (a prime example of that negative self talk).

I would start by just searching the gym for someone who does a similar style of training (or something completely different if you're in to trying new things) that you do or someone who has attributes that you'd like to have (e.g. freaky strong, etc) and strike up a chat with them. You already have at least the gym in common, so start there.

Checking Out : Limbic Active (Physical Gaming Console)

Incredible potential.

The Limbic Active bills itself as a 'Physical Gaming Console', though it has possibilities far beyond that. An incredible variety of medical & fitness applications.

Still, the various active games offered look wonderful. And yes, you can add your own.

To give you a brief look at the system itself, a little video :

The Limbic Active.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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 : I Love the Smell of Coffee in the Morning
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Quality, not quantity.

  
  

• Looking At : Feb 7, 2021
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  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 a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : How The COVID-19 Vaccines Could Lead To A Cure For Cancer (Joe Scott)

A fascinating look at the history of vaccines, and the potential future uses of the ideas behind the mRNA-based COVID-19 ones. Although it comes at a terrible cost, it's a wonderful silver lining.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook etc) shortly.

In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - (there's an example below, and 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.

Adam Farrah.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week : Strengthen Your Neck, Reduce Pain, Increase Lifts

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, the blog; and the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to strengthen your neck.

Over to Josh :

When starting a neck strengthening program, you must be careful to be very progressive... start slow and easy and work your way up to more challenging exercises over time. For example, you can begin your exercise program by doing simple chin tucks while sitting or standing. (See video)

Once you get comfortable with basic sitting/standing chin tucks, you can try doing the exercise lying down. Build up to doing around 10 reps, holding for 5 to 10 seconds each rep. The goal is to increase the muscular endurance of your muscles as well as their strength. Your neck is designed to carry the weight of your head all day, not to lift trains or buses!

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article. A great read.

Checking Out : Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover (Thermoregulation Add-On For Your Mattress)

Interesting idea.

Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover.

With dual zone temperature control (just in case), and a companion app for your smartphone. To see exactly how you slept, and get a little coaching if desired.

The Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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 : Soothing Music and a Handful of New PRs
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Relax, breathe deeper, perform better.

  
  

• Looking At : Jan 31, 2021
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  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 a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : How Weightlifting Changed My Life (Henry Rollins)

Feel like working out right now? You certainly will (and likely quite a bit more) after watching this.

NB : Incidentally, if you ever have an opportunity to help someone else begin their own fitness journey, take it. As you can see, it really can have a massive impact.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook etc) shortly.

In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - (there's an example below, and 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.

Chris Lutz.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

New Writer : Mike Beatty

Mike Beatty.

Checking Out : Pivot Bed (A Folding Bed Which Transforms Into A Home Gym)

Interesting combination.

The Pivot Bed is a wall-mounted bed which can be quickly transformed into a basic home gym. Space for a little free-weight work, inbuilt bars for chin-ups and assorted ab exercises, and a variety of mounts for video screens. Perfect.

It even has connections for an optional power rack and dip bars.

A little video :

The Pivot Bed.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.