During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter, in The Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Continue reading Looking At : Aug 2, 2020.
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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter, in The Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
I love a dose of grip work; it's a great way to challenge yourself. It's also a particularly fun way to train.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
We'll be discussing this in a lot more detail in an upcoming Gymchat (and if you'd like to be involved, let me know); the idea of starting your strength-training well into your senior years.
We've looked at a number of older athletes over the years (for an idea of how many there are, just take a glance at the 'still got it' tag on the blog), and this quote sums up my thinking perfectly.
From the post 'Exercise in Healthy Older Adults' :
In short, it's never too late to start.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
I initially wrote this back in 2006 during a brief period without coffee (I tried giving it up, but ultimately switched to the current 'one cup per day' routine), and it's still a very intriguing idea. Although I take the occasional nap and get a regular caffeine fix, I rarely combine the two.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
I drink a lot of water (mostly in the form of green tea, unless it's during a workout). Still, how do you work out how much you need?
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
I love a dose of grip work; it's a great way to challenge yourself. It's also a particularly fun way to train.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
Previously : In Gymchat 271 we discussed Forskolin For Fat Loss & Building Muscle with Examine.com's own Kurtis Frank and Personal Trainer & Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Great conversation.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
I love the home gym - it's definitely the perfect place to focus, and to really get to work. Particularly when you're training solo.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
My diet has been gradually improving for years (since I began lifting weights), becoming cleaner and more streamlined over time. This was all with the purpose of having a greater intensity in the gym, and recovering faster. Of course there are many other benefits; these are just the two that were on my radar.
In May 2009 I decided to make a transition to a new eating approach altogether, the Paleo Diet. Not only did I experience a number of incredible health benefits, the intensity and recovery aspects increased markedly. Here's a brief look at the main benefits of the Paleo Diet, as far as strength-training is concerned.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
Good stuff.
Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.
Results matching “Australia”
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter, in 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 : Road to Strong
Davie Easton
Its only 110kg per hand....
Looking At : Jul 26, 2020
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 : Eating My Old Strongman Diet For A Day - 15,000 Calories! (Brian Shaw)
This is a great way to see just how much difference a good diet can make. Whether you're a competing Strongman or not.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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 : Dynamic Thumb Training with the Titan's Telegraph Key
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.
TTK.
Still, there's always a different way of looking at things. Here's an excellent example of that - Jedd shows just how a piece of equipment like the TTK can be put to a slightly uncommon use. I'll let him explain.
From the article Getting the Most out of Your TTK :
Thumb training can be broken up into at least four different types: Dynamic, Static, and Extensor, and Multi-Planar.The focus of this article will be Dynamic thumb training with the Titan's Telegraph Key, or TTK.
One way to mix things up a bit is to make the Range of Motion longer by adding something underneath the finger-side handle. A catalog is a perfect choice for this. This makes the hand work through a longer range of motion the muscles are not used to. The first time I did this, I was sore for several days from the new stimulus. This technique has worked great for me in my quest for lifting heavier and wider block weights.
A brief demonstration :
Love it.
Checking Out : UCAN SuperStarch (Energy Powders and Bars)
These sound great.
I came across these via Tim Ferriss' '5-Bullet Friday' newsletter. The UCAN SuperStarch range is a collection of low carbohydrate powders & energy bars, with a strong focus on the low-GI side of things.
To dive in a little deeper, swing by the website. I also strongly recommend Tim's newsletter, which itself peels back the curtain a bit.
The UCAN SuperStarch range.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 27 Jul 2020.
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 : Kettlebell, TRX, & Ultimate Sandbag Exercises for Healthy Shoulders and Happier Hamstrings
Troy Anderson
Look after yourself.- Looking At : Jul 19, 2020
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 : The 'Right' Way to Grip The Bar (Jeff Cavaliere)
Elbow pain when lifting? These changes make a huge difference.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: Training When Travelling
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.
We've had a number of questions over the years along the lines of 'how do I train when travelling?'. Mark Konen's approach (from the article Pack Light, Train Hard) :
I am visiting my sedentary family soon and I will not be near a gym so here is my plan:Well traveled suitcase.
First, there is a wide variety of bodyweight exercises I can do including push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, burpees, squats, pull-ups and jumping rope. I can fashion these as a circuit or even as a Tabata workout. So, the first thing I will pack is the Gymboss interval timer. Since I will already have my laptop with me, I could also use an online Tabata timer.
To make the bodyweight exercises even more challenging, I will bring along my jumpstretch bands; specifically the mini-bands. I can add resistance to any exercise I do and can also use it for assistance in pull-ups and range of motion (ROM) work. I also have a couple minor, nagging injuries that would benefit from some band work.
I will bring some running gear and would run in areas where I could also find some things like rocks to lift and throw. I may add in some hills and speed training. (I do use the word "speed" with a sense of humor)!
I'll toss in a Captains of Crush Gripper. I can use that while watching sports on the tube.
OK, so far so good. But I really would like to do some heavy lifting so what can I do that is the same as what I would do at my home gym? Sandbag training! All I have to do is to take my sandbag liners of 50, 25 and 10#, empty them at home and then go buy a couple of 50# bags at a hardware store close to where I'll be staying. Sand is cheap.
That about covers all I could possibly need to get in great workouts while out of town. Since I am going to a colder clime, it may be unlikely there will be a heavy snowfall this early in the season, but if I happen to be in a big snowstorm, you can't beat snow shovelling! Snow shovel intervals could be interesting, challenging and fun. Come to think of it, I'll have to look in my dad's garage. I wonder if he has a sledgehammer? I may be able to talk my mom into steering the car while I push it down the street for time or reps!
Good stuff.
Checking Out : Bouncing Back (Book)
Sounds great.
It seems that my 'books to read' pile gets taller by the day, and this one certainly makes it aboard. Bouncing Back is very simply a book that covers the 'What happens now?' aspect of the journey to a post-athletic world.
To dive in a little deeper, swing by the book's Indiegogo page. Be warned though, you'll be waiting until December for the full version.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 20 Jul 2020.
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 Dragon Flag
Al Kavadlo | Follow @salkavadlo
Ready for a challenge?- Looking At : Jul 12, 2020
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 : Cryotherapy Chamber for the Home Gym (Eddie 'The Beast' Hall)
Very interesting recovery device.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: It's Never Too Late to Start
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.
We'll be discussing this in a lot more detail in an upcoming Gymchat (and if you'd like to be involved, let me know); the idea of starting your strength-training well into your senior years.
We've looked at a number of older athletes over the years (for an idea of how many there are, just take a glance at the 'still got it' tag on the blog), and this quote sums up my thinking perfectly.
From the post 'Exercise in Healthy Older Adults' :
Age is not a contraindication to exercise, which can usually be initiated safely in older persons.
In short, it's never too late to start.
Checking Out : MedHub (Smart Medical Intake Adviser)
Interesting idea.
The MedHub is a smart container for your medications/supplements, with a smartphone app holding the various details. It'll automatically advise when a pill (or pills) is/are to be taken, and the quantity. Perfect.
To see the device itself :
The MedHub.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 13 Jul 2020.
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 : Thomas Topham - The First Modern Strongman
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
Ready to build your own? Here's how. - Looking At : Jul 5, 2020
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 : Strongmen Benching in Planet Fitness (Shawstrength)
Nice one.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: Try a Caffeine Nap
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.
Caffeine Napping.
For a start, they take place at different times of the day.
I'm curious though - has anyone here sampled a Caffeine Nap? I'd love to hear your thoughts; particularly if it's a regular thing.
From the article 'Caffeine Napping' :
Sleep researchers at Loughborough University were looking at various ways to keep motorists awake on long journeys. The winner - perhaps somewhat surprisingly - was the 'caffeine nap'.
The idea is simple : drink a cup of coffee and immediately take a brief (15-20min) nap. This helps clear the body of adenosine, a chemical commonly believed to make you drowsy.
Very interesting indeed.
Checking Out : Amazfit ZenBuds (Sleep-Focused Earbuds)
These look great.
The Amazfit ZenBuds are lightweight earbuds with a definite focus on sleep. With noise cancellation, soothing sounds, sleep monitoring & alarm functions.
Great mix.
A little video :
The Amazfit ZenBuds.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 6 Jul 2020.
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 : Blast from the Past - Neck Training Methods
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
Ready to build your own? Here's how. - Looking At : Jun 28, 2020
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 : The Key to SuperHuman Strength (Michael Eckert)
Interesting approach.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: Tie Your Water Consumption to the Number of Calories You Burn
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.
Water.
From the article 8 Glasses of Water Per Day?, a bit of history that'll make the whole thing a lot clearer :
Most people are aware that the drinking of plenty of water is advisable, and anecdotal evidence suggests that more = better (up to a point). However, where did the current guideline of '8 cups per day' come from?
According to Valtin (i) the origin is probably the 1945 recommendation made by the Food and Nutrition Board of the US National Research Council. This stated :
A suitable allowance of water for adults is 2.5 liters daily in most instances. An ordinary standard for diverse persons is 1 milliliter for each calorie of food. Most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods.
The 2.5 litres was changed to 8 x 8 fluid ounce cups in later recommendations, but is otherwise unchanged.
Incidentally, if you're wondering how to work out the number of calories you're burning these days - here's how to work it out.
Checking Out : OYO Nova Gym (Portable Training Equipment)
Nice one.
Remember the OYO DoubleFlex Black? Here's its newer, beefier cousin - the OYO Nova. Similar design (ideal for travelling), double the resistance.
Nice and heavy.
A little video :
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.
Continue reading Monday, 29 Jun 2020.
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 : DIY - Home-Made Gym Equipment
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
Ready to build your own? Here's how. - Looking At : Jun 21, 2020
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 : Garage Gym Build & Tour (Brian Alsruhe)
The pandemic's certainly rough on an awful lot of people, and here's a great way to deal with things - building an impromptu home gym. Nice one.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: Dynamic Thumb Training with the Titan's Telegraph Key
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.
TTK.
Still, there's always a different way of looking at things. Here's an excellent example of that - Jedd shows just how a piece of equipment like the TTK can be put to a slightly uncommon use. I'll let him explain.
From the article Getting the Most out of Your TTK :
Thumb training can be broken up into at least four different types: Dynamic, Static, and Extensor, and Multi-Planar.The focus of this article will be Dynamic thumb training with the Titan's Telegraph Key, or TTK.
One way to mix things up a bit is to make the Range of Motion longer by adding something underneath the finger-side handle. A catalog is a perfect choice for this. This makes the hand work through a longer range of motion the muscles are not used to. The first time I did this, I was sore for several days from the new stimulus. This technique has worked great for me in my quest for lifting heavier and wider block weights.
A brief demonstration :
Love it.
Checking Out : LMP S2 (Reusable Protective Face Mask)
Nice one.
As you'd expect, there are plenty of face masks currently on offer. One of those I've been looking at recently is the LMP S2 - a re-usable setup which is already shipping.
The video below gives you a general idea of what's oon offer, and the site goes into detail on the various features. Looks good.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 22 Jun 2020.
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 : Using Pulse Rate to Determine Rest Break Length
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
How long do you rest between sets? - Looking At : Jun 14, 2020
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 : 5 Tips for Easier Pull Ups (Marine Sgt Michael Eckert)
Nice one.
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.
Kurtis Frank. Photo by Kira Beriault.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: Lifting Without a Spotter
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.
I love the home gym - it's definitely the perfect place to focus, and to really get to work. Particularly when you're training solo.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when lifting by yourself. In the Setting Up the Home Gym Gymchat, Andrew noted his own guidelines for Lifting Without a Spotter. Good stuff.
From Gymchat 167 - Setting Up the Home Gym :
My personal general rules for lifting without a spotter:Don't do:
Do:
- 1. Anything I haven't done before.
- 2. Anything that could get me killed.
- 3. Anything that I am not 100% sure that I will get all the reps.
- 4. Anything that I cannot do with good form.
- 1. Anything that doesn't violate the "don't do" and will get me stronger!
Love it.
Checking Out : MAPS Capstone Challenge (Studying The Use Of MDMA To Help Treat PTSD)
Love it.
I came across this via the latest issue of Tim Ferriss' '5 Bullet Friday' newsletter - the MAPS Capstone Challenge. This challenge is to provide the funding necessary ($30 million USD) to complete the studies required for FDA approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Wonderful.
The abovelinked site contains more information on the challenge itself. If you'd like to know a little more about either Tim Ferriss or MAPS, here's a conversation from last year's 'Psychedelic Science Summit' :
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.
Continue reading Monday, 15 Jun 2020.
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 : Holding the Bar in the Front Squat
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
How do you hang on to it? Like this. - Looking At : Jun 7, 2020
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 : Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi Takes on the US Marine Obstacle Course (Austen Alexander)
Nice one. It's always wonderful to see the many different approaches to fitness, in this case it's the US Marines' Obstacle Course.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: How a Paleo Diet Can Benefit Strength Training
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.
My diet has been gradually improving for years (since I began lifting weights), becoming cleaner and more streamlined over time. This was all with the purpose of having a greater intensity in the gym, and recovering faster. Of course there are many other benefits; these are just the two that were on my radar.
In May 2009 I decided to make a transition to a new eating approach altogether, the Paleo Diet. Not only did I experience a number of incredible health benefits, the intensity and recovery aspects increased markedly. Here's a brief look at the main benefits of the Paleo Diet, as far as strength-training is concerned.
From The Straight to the Bar Guide to the Paleo Diet :
As strength-training is a major part of my life, I was careful to ensure that the Paleo Diet integrated well with it. I'm pleased to report that it's a great mix, and even comes with a number of benefits. These include :Energy levels maintained : as your body isn't being subjected to constant insulin spikes under the Paleo Diet, you'll have a much more stable level of energy going in to the gym. This is particularly noticeable after you've been on the diet for a few weeks or so.
Better recovery : although it's most notable in the form of improved sleep, you'll find that your body's ability to recover from your workouts is improved overall. And this is definitely a good thing.
Improved focus : one of the most surprising benefits from a switch to Paleo (in my case at least) has been an improvement in mental clarity. This change can have a very subtle effect on training; remembering exactly what happened in a prior session and just how much impact it had. Additionally, you'll find an array of subtle benefits from it when you're outside the gym. Love it.
Fantastic.
Checking Out : Aggressive Strength Conversations Podcast Episode 1 (Mike Mahler & Ory Ortega)
Keen to dive in.
My list of 'videos to watch' (training-related and otherwise) seems to grow steadily, with new ones always appearing on the list. Next up is Mike Mahler's Aggressive Strength Conversations, which I'm about to dive in to.
If you're similarly intrigued, the first episode - a chat with Ory Ortega - is below :
Mike Mahler's Aggressive Strength Conversations.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 8 Jun 2020.
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 Step-up : a Real Squat Alternative?
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
Beautifully simple. - Looking At : May 31, 2020
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 : Doctor's Nighttime Routine For Better Sleep (Dr Mike Varshavski)
I'm a huge fan of sleep as a recovery method. Here's a quick look at a basic nighttime routine from the medical side of things.
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.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find the entire video here.
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: Constantly Fine-Tune Things
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.
I've received more emails over the years on the transition to biphasic sleeping than almost anything else I've ever written. I can't thank everyone enough for those, they really are appreciated. Thank you.
Most of them take the form of 'do you think this would work...' and the answer is usually to try it and see. I really haven't made any large structural changes to the original routine; however there has been a little fine-tuning. A snippet from the article Biphasic Sleep : 30 Day Summary explains the overall idea :
Nap in the Sun.
When I started doing this, my idea was to have a 1.5 hour nap and a 3 hour main sleep period. This proved to be a little under what my body required, and I switched to a 3/4.5 hour split (3 hours by default, 4.5 on workout days). Once again this didn't feel like quite enough, and I changed to a regular 1.5 hour nap followed by a 4.5 hour sleep (every day). This feels right.
I say this to demonstrate that making small changes can be of benefit, and I'll continue to make them as required. As the volume of weight training increases (as it almost certainly will), as I age and as my life situation in general changes; the length of the main sleep period will change.
Good stuff.
Checking Out : OTARI (Interactive Workout Mat)
Intriguing combination.The OTARI is a Yoga mat (although it has plenty of potential uses for other aspects of training) with a strong interactive component. In addition to a screen with specific advice relating too the workout, the inbuilt AI can help to offer specific advice on form (there's a camera built in to the mat).
A little video :
The OTARI Interactive Workout Mat.
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.
Continue reading Monday, 1 Jun 2020.
