Whether you're on the 'fitness enthusiast' or 'fitness professional' side of the fence (or perhaps a little of both), chances are you've had an idea at some point for a new piece of equipment. Or perhaps a change to an existing one.

This week we'll be discussing the various ways to go from 'wouldn't it be good if...' to having your own line of fitness equipment. Where do you start? How do you get the word out? Who do you ask for help?

Helping us tackle this one is Exercise Physiologist Eric Chessen, 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 Eric and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly.

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 : Exercise Physiologist Eric Chessen, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Carving out a Niche in the Strength Equipment Business
When : Monday Dec 8, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

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
  Time to make your own.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 30, 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 : Rope Row with Eccentric Control

Interesting idea.

Gymchat 266 - Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself (Sincere Hogan)

I first read about this concept in the writings of Robert Cialdini (highly recommended), and I have to say that it works extremely well.

This week we'll be discussing what it is, and the many ways to use it in a fitness context. Whether you're on the Regular Gymgoer or Fitness Professional side of the fence.

Helping us tackle this one is New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, 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 Sincere and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly.

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 : New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself
When : Monday Dec 1, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Coming Up : We've got several fantastic discussions coming up shortly - with Powerlifter Bill Piche, Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Palfrey and many, many others. Of course, we're always scheduling more; if you'd like to suggest either a topic or a person that should definitely be on the show, drop us a line. Cheers.

Tip of the Week: License Plate Tearing 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.

This tip comes to us from performing Strongman Chris Rider, and is from his superb article Tearing A License Plate. Enjoy.

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Following a thorough description of the safety requirements for performing this feat (and it really can be a dangerous one, so proceed carefully), comes the basic technique involved. Over to Chris :

Now that we have ourselves protected, it's time to grab the plate. I personally like to tear plates at chest level, and that is the method I am going to discuss. As a dry run without a plate, place your dominant hand in a hammer style grip. Place the pinky side of that hand just above the bottom of the sternum. Now place the other fist in the same manner below the dominant one so you have the thumb side of the non-dominant and the pinky side of the dominant meeting. Squeeze as hard as you can and push your hands in opposite directions with the top hand going slightly upward and the bottom hand going slightly downward. If you push straight through, the potential for being cut dramatically increases.

Want more? No problem. Head over to the original article, and watch the video below to see it in action. Beautiful.

Checking Out : 20% Off Everything at Dragon Door

There are certainly plenty of sales at this time of year. All manner of books, DVDs and strength-training equipment.

One that I've been checking out here (stocking up on a few things) is the 20% sale at Dragon Door. 20% off absolutely everything.

Just use the code CMSALE at checkout.

btw, we've noted several of the items as they've appeared - books, DVDs and the various kettlebell packages. It's great stuff.

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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 first read about this concept in the writings of Robert Cialdini (highly recommended), and I have to say that it works extremely well.

This week we'll be discussing what it is, and the many ways to use it in a fitness context. Whether you're on the Regular Gymgoer or Fitness Professional side of the fence.

Helping us tackle this one is New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, 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 Sincere and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly.

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 : New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself
When : Monday Dec 1, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Imagine this scenario :

You swipe your card on the way into the gym, and various things are configured to the way you like them. The music's the type you like, and only for you (basic music players & headphones are freely available at the main desk). The air temperature in the area is roughly what you like. As is the water temperature & pressure when you're having a shower after your workout.

All of these things - and a whole lot more - are automatically set according to your preferences, and can easily be overridden if you're seeking something different that day. Same workout, with a much more personalised feeling.

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What do you think - is this something you'd like; and in the gym only, or in other areas - around your own home perhaps?

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
  How long do you rest between sets?

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 23, 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 : Using a Foam Roller

Good demonstration Mike.

Gymchat 264 - TBA

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

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.

Coming Up : We've got several fantastic discussions coming up shortly - with Powerlifter Bill Piche, Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Palfrey and many, many others. Of course, we're always scheduling more; if you'd like to suggest either a topic or a person that should definitely be on the show, drop us a line. Cheers.

Tip of the Week: Improvements in Fitness Trained Autistic Clients

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.

This tip comes to us from Eric Chessen, and was part of the conversation on Fitness & Autism. Great discussion.

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From the Fitness & Autism discussion, in response to the question :

What kind of short term and long term improvements do you see in your autistic clients once you start training them?

It depends on the individual, but it is never only physical improvement. That's why I created the PAC Profile, because we're never just looking at physical ability, but adaptive and cognitive abilities as well. In the short-term, I've had athletes begin to really enjoy movement and improve in their gross motor skills, strength, stability, and stamina.

In the long term it becomes a lifestyle, and the athletes begin to embrace movement and fitness.

Good stuff. Whether you know autistic individuals or not, it's great to know what's possible.

Re-Investigating : The TRX Suspension Trainer

As you might expect at this time of the year, we've been talking a lot lately about training when travelling. How to get the sweat flowing when you're away from home.

Personally, I'm a big fan of suspension training - been using a TRX for years. Beautiful thing.

I'm sure that many of you have seen things like the TRX in action; or used one yourself. Just in case though, here's a bit of video to help show what it is and how you can put it to work :

Cheers Umberto.

And of course, there's Derek's excellent guide on getting the most out of this incredible tool : Suspension Training 101. Absolutely free.

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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 :

• Gem From The Vault : Holding the Bar in the Front Squat
  Scott Andrew Bird
  How do you hang on to it? Like this.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 16, 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 : Plank With Leg Lift

Nice one Sally.

Looks simple, but isn't.

Gymchat 264 - Serious Training for Older Lifters (Bill Kociaba)

No matter what age you are, if you like lifting heavy, you like lifting heavy. At some point though, chances are you've been steered toward the lighter weights and less challenging routines. The exercises designed with older clients in mind.

This week we'll be steering things back toward the serious iron. Helping us find out what's realistic - and what's desirable - when training older clients, is Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist Bill Kociaba; together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Bill and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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 : Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist Bill Kociaba, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Serious Training for Older Lifters
When : Monday Nov 17, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

Coming Up : We've got several fantastic discussions coming up shortly - with Powerlifter Bill Piche, Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Palfrey and many, many others. Of course, we're always scheduling more; if you'd like to suggest either a topic or a person that should definitely be on the show, drop us a line. Cheers.

Tip of the Week: Why Warm Up?

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.

This tip comes to us from Kirk Fontaine, and is a snippet from the discussion Stretching & Warming Up. Was a great one.

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In response to a couple of questions on 'Why Warm Up?' :

If you are to participate in exercise the first thing you need to do is warm up. The warm up is important to prepare your mind and body so that you can get the very best out of the exercise. The effect of a warm up on preventing injury is not clear however research does suggest increased muscle temperature decreases the risk of muscle tear.

Warming up will :

• Increase your heart rate to give you increased blood flow around the body to the muscles
• Improve oxygen delivery to the muscles
• Stimulate faster muscle contraction
• Improve the joints' ability to endure stress.

Good stuff.

Re-Reading : The Grip Master's Manual

This is a truly superb book.

We've noted this one many times over the years, it's certainly an essential book to have on your fitness shelves. If you haven't come across it before, here's a quick snippet from the Amazon page to give you an idea of what it's about :

This book is THE book when it comes to grip training and becoming a well rounded athlete. Brookfield lays this book out very logically starting with a section on getting ready. He then progresses through: Advanced Lower Arm and Grip Training; Advanced Grip Challenges; and Steel Bending. No matter where you turn to this book is filled with helpful tips and ideas to get your workouts going.

The Grip Master's Manual. Fantastic.

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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.

Looks great.

Clubbell 5x5 is Alberto Gallazi's take on the classic 5x5 approach, applied specifically to club training. Simple idea, with an awful lot behind it.

We'll be taking a closer look at the entire package shortly, but suffice to say there are a number of manuals and videos included. For the full list :

clubbell5x5.com

Good stuff.