Card tearing is by far one of the most well-known feats of strength in the history of strongmen. Picking up a deck, positioning it firmly in the hands and shredding it to pieces is what you will be doing after you read on about some specific components you might have missed... factors that could be holding you back from destroying this tough strength feat!

Stabilization

Stabilization is EXTREMELY important when attempting to tear cards; if you do not have a solid grip on the deck, cards will start slipping and just attempting to get a nice tear started will be close to impossible. "What can I do to counter act this?!" you ask... well I have some exercise suggestions that will improve not only your stabilization but also your crushing strength:

• Crimp grip around the worlds
• Crimp grip static holds
• "Choke" static holds with implement card deck

Crimp grip around the worlds are an incredible way to build not only stability but also endurance, crushing strength, and wrist strength. Position two five pound plates or two ten pound plates together (depending on your current strength levels, you might have to start off with the two fives to gauge) and place only your four fingers overtop of the combined plates in a sort of steering wheel set up. The image above shows the grip set up...

Quick reminder : this week we're taking a peek into what we think the future will be like; particularly surrounding the world of fitness. And when you consider what things were like back in 1994 (the same length of time in the other direction) compared to now, you can see that some things are pretty similar; and a lot isn't.
Here's the perfect opportunity for you to share your visions (and hopes, and goals) of the fitness world in just 18 years time.

Join us for Gymchat 173 - Fitness in 2030. Fantastic.

---

The world will be a very different place in 2030.

No matter what your vision of the future - something from a sci-fi novel or a technologically advanced version of what we have now - there will undoubtedly be a lot of changes involved. Particularly when it comes to health & fitness.


If you're currently a Personal Trainer (or use one), what sorts of changes would you expect to see over the next 18 years? Will the average age of your clients increase; as people live longer, healthier lives? Will you gradually move away from one-on-one coaching to working with groups and clients online?

And most importantly (particularly as various physical repairs and enhancements get closer and closer) :

Will people still want to train if they don't have to?

There's a lot to think about, whether you're on the trainer or client side of the fence. Whatever you think is likely to happen - and what you'd like to see - we'd love to hear about it. Join us for Fitness in 2030. Fantastic.

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 : Training Partners
  Kira Robert Clarke (Fight Geek)
  What's your training partner like? If you haven't got one, what sorts of things should you look for? Kira explores.

  
  

• Looking At : Jun 10, 2012
  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 : Pike-Ups (with suspension trainer)

Beautifully simple.

If you've just got yourself a suspension trainer and would like to know what to do with it, this is a great place to start. The Pike-Up.

NB : for a much more detailed look at putting this wonderful equipment to work, check out Derek's Suspension Training 101 ebook. Absolutely free.

Gymchat 173 - Fitness in 2030

The world will be a very different place in 2030.

No matter what your vision of the future - something from a sci-fi novel or a technologically advanced version of what we have now - there will undoubtedly be a lot of changes involved. Particularly when it comes to health & fitness.


If you're currently a Personal Trainer (or use one), what sorts of changes would you expect to see over the next 18 years? Will the average age of your clients increase; as people live longer, healthier lives? Will you gradually move away from one-on-one coaching to working with groups and clients online?

And most importantly (particularly as various physical repairs and enhancements get closer and closer) :

Will people still want to train if they don't have to?

There's a lot to think about, whether you're on the trainer or client side of the fence. Whatever you think is likely to happen - and what you'd like to see - we'd love to hear about it. Join us for Fitness in 2030. Fantastic.


Details -

Who Everyone who intends to be training in 18 years' time
Topic : Fitness in 2030
When : Wed Jun 13, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Where : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/c3Xw9qx6paS

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask any training-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Combat Athletics : Getting Ready for the Fight. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

Tip of the Week: Optimal Rowing Technique

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

---

If you've ever used a rowing machine, you'll know the feeling well. Sometimes everything just clicks, and sometimes it doesn't.

Like anything though, a little bit of technique goes a long way. From the post Concept2 Rowing Technique, CrossFit Oldtown takes a look at the right way to tackle an indoor rowing machine :

NB : although they're using a Concept2 in this video, the same approach applies to almost any rowing machine. Give it a shot.

Checking Out : RunTarget

Nice and simple.

I'm currently checking out a number of apps for the iPhone and iPad, and the first of those is RunTarget. Looks great.

RunTarget is a basic application that keeps track of where you are, and how fast you are running at any point in time. I'll give it a thorough exploration over the next week or so, but my first impression is certainly positive.

If you enjoy the occasional run as part of your training, it's well worth checking out. RunTarget.

Quick update on the superb Fixing Elbow Pain we mentioned recently. Suffice to say that if you've ever experienced conditions like Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow, it's essential reading.

Love it.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Quick reminder : although I studied Judo for several years whilst in High School, the majority of my training more recently has looked much more like that of a Strongman than that of a Combat Athlete.
This week we're looking at the differences between these two approaches, and the type of training that's required in order to be successful in the ring.

Join us for Gymchat 172 - Combat Athletics : Getting Ready for the Fight. Fantastic.

---

If you're involved in any form of combat, you'll be well aware that your training differs somewhat from bodybuilders, casual gymgoers and the vast majority of other athletes.

This week we're going to discuss what these differences are, and - if you're a combat athlete - how to train in a way that's going to help you win fights; not simply look as though you should. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Grapplefit's Barry Gibson.

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 :

• Gettin' Swole
  Derek Peruo
  Derek takes a close look at the Now Foods Arginine and Glutamine Performance Supplements.

  
  

• Are You Stretching Enough?
  John Cammidge
  Do you stretch? Before or after your workouts; or perhaps both?

  
  

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 : Shane Hamman - World Record Squatting from 1994

I love seeing stuff like this.

Although better known more recently as an Olympic Weightlifter, Shane Hamman began his strength sport career as a Powerlifter. Here he is in 1994, enjoying a little squatting. Nice one.

Gymchat 172 - Combat Athletics : Getting Ready for the Fight

If you're involved in any form of combat, you'll be well aware that your training differs somewhat from bodybuilders, casual gymgoers and the vast majority of other athletes.

This week we're going to discuss what these differences are, and - if you're a combat athlete - how to train in a way that's going to help you win fights; not simply look as though you should. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Grapplefit's Barry Gibson.

Join us for Gymchat 172 - Combat Athletics : Getting Ready for the Fight. Fantastic.


Details -

Who Grapplefit's Barry Gibson
Topic : Combat Athletics : Getting Ready for the Fight
When : Wed Jun 6, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Where : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/ZH1p27Zbgci

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask Barry any training-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Online Training III. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : Derek's just launched a consulting service, helping various trainers to set up their own online offerings. If you'd like to take advantage of this invaluable assistance (it really does speed things up), get in touch with him over at renaissancefitnessinc.com. Good stuff.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

Tip of the Week: It's Never Too Late to Start

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, Google+, the forums, the blog; and now 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 : Supersize Your Strength

This looks great.

I love reading books from people who have 'walked the walk', and Andy Bolton's certainly done that. Supersize Your Strength is simply a 16 week training program helping you to replicate that tremendous strength in your own training.

Perhaps unsurprisingly (especially if you've read any of his other work), it's very much a 'back to basics' approach. A blend of common sense, and thoroughly tested techniques that have produced some incredible results over the years.

If you're ready to become seriously strong, check out Andy Bolton's Supersize Your Strength.

Quick update on the superb RMAX Fathers Day Specials we mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Whether you're buying gear for yourself or for your father (or a bit of both), you'll love the things they've got discounted. Clubbells, instructional DVDs and a whole lot more.

Dive in.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

---

Quick reminder : this is an area which has certainly changed a lot over the past decade or so, and is now a very real option for a number of trainers and athletes alike. Online Training.


This week we're returning to our discussion on this very subject, taking a look at the what/why/how from both sides of the fence. If you're at all curious about the types of services available, how to find what you're looking for, or how to improve the training you're already involved in : join us for Online Training III. See you there.

---

If you're a strength coach or personal trainer, do you offer any online services as part of your training? If you're an athlete, have you ever used any; or would you like to find out a little more about them?

We first looked at this topic a little over a year ago, following a discussion on Setting Up a Strength Training Facility. If you're a personal trainer or strength coach, this is an ideal opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of offering online services.

Everything from custom program design to teleseminars and video training.


And if you're curious about online training from the other side of the fence (as the client), this is a great chance to find out a little more. Join Derek Peruo and I for Online Training III. Fantastic.

NB : if you're a Strength Coach or Personal Trainer currently offering online services, I'd love to add you to the 'Recommend Trainers' area of the forums. The first 5 people to contact me will be given free access (usually $99 per year) to this section.

Just send me a message privately, and we'll sort everything out.

What to Get?

Whether you're setting up a gym, beginning your fitness journey or anything in between : you'll find the necessary equipment here. Everything from a single kettlebell to a complete home gym.

• Bars & Plates

  

  York Barbell 300lb Olympic Weight Set.
  These items are very much at the heart of your gym. No matter how you like to train, there's a great chance that there are various bars & plates involved. Here are the ones I recommend.

  Bars from Champion, such as their Olympic Power Bar (or the set below)
  Plates from Body Solid or sets like this one

  NB : when you're buying the plates, if you can, buy a set of a few hundred pounds. Unless you're adding to an existing collection, you'll frequently be using several of them at once.
  
  

• Bending & Tearing Gear

  
  
  

  Beginners' Bag from FBBC.
  Braced or unbraced, short steel or long. If it can be bent, it's in here.

  Recommended : Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson's Bending Manual. Fantastic book.
  
  

• Grip Tools

  
  
  

  Red Rafter Leverage Block from Stronger Grip.
  If you're similarly obsessed with this incredibly addictive sport, you'll understand the magic words : Stronger Grip. Superb gear.

  Recommended : StrongerGrip 'Red Rafter' Leverage Block. Beautiful thing.
  

• Hammers, Clubs & Maces

  
  
  

  Loadable Clubs from StrongerGrip.
  When it comes to training, this is definitely my kind of thing. If you enjoy a spot of outdoor training yourself, check out some of the Sledgehammers, Clubs and Maces we use.
  Love it.

  Recommended : Pair of StrongerGrip Loadable 'Long' (27") Clubs. Perfect.
  

• Complete Home Gyms

  
  
  

  Body Solid EXM3000LPS Double Stack Home Gym.
  Although a lot of the things we talk about on this site focus on training with free weights, there are certainly situations where an all-in-one gym is more appropriate. If it's an option you'd like to explore for your own home gym, I'd recommend checking out something like the :

  Body Solid EXM3000LPS Double Stack Home Gym
  I like the Body Solid gear - well made, and nice & tough. That said, there are several similar gym setups on the market; many of which are quality pieces of equipment. To get an idea, check out the reviews on sites like Amazon.

  NB : these things aren't exactly light, and if you've got a chance to get it delivered, take it. If you're getting one online, consider getting something like Amazon Prime first. A one-off cost which will make life a whole lot easier.
  




• Kegs

  
  
  

  Dave Lemanczyk
  Dave Lemanczyk clearly demonstrates the extraordinary potential of this simple conditioning tool. With no more than an empty keg (or partially-filled if preferred), a small training area and a bit of determination there is a wealth of power available.

  Recommended : Keg Conditioning. Brilliant.
  




• Kettlebells

  
  
  

  Kettlebells
  Kettlebells are fantastic for a variety of strength and strength endurance approaches, and after a great deal of experimentation I ended up using the Dragon Door 'bells almost exclusively.

  Smooth, well-made and extremely tough. Superb.

  Recommended : 35lb DragonDoor Kettlebell Quick-Start Kit with DVD. Fantastic.
  




• Rope

  
  
  

  Manilla Rope.
  Thick Rope is brilliant as a training tool. Whether it's something like the Battling Ropes for conditioning work, or the shorter Battle Ropes for variety; rope training is superb. Highly recommended.

  Recommended : 50ft Manila Battling Rope, Capped & Challenge DVD. Beautiful.
  




• Sandbags

  
  
  

  Ultimate Sandbag
  I love sandbag training, for both strength and conditioning work.

  Recommended : Ultimate Sandbag 'Strength' Package. Beautiful.
  




• Suspension Training

  
  
  

  Suspension Training
  Suspension training is fantastic; particularly when you're travelling.

  Recommended : TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack. Love it.
  




• T-shirts, Smartphone Skins & Wallpapers

  
  
  

  Mandy Stafford.
  Finally, a great way to show your love of this site - and of strength training in general. Straight to the Bar's T-shirts, Smartphone Skins & Wallpapers.

  Recommended : Straight to the Bar 'Got Yoke?' T-shirt. Superb.
  

NB : if you can't see it listed here, drop a note in the Google+ Community pages; or check out our range of equipment on the Amazon Store. If you're a Prime customer, this is often the most cost-effective way to go.

How Exactly do I Use it?

When it comes to the 'how' part of the equation, you may like to check out the Straight to the Bar Training Guides. Alternately, check out the books (and ebooks) we recommend, as well as the instructional DVDs to demonstrate the various techniques discussed.

However you like to learn, we've got you covered.

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 :

• Bulking - How To Do It Properly
  Maik Wiedenbach
  The 'right' way to get huge.

  
  

• Looking At : May 27, 2012
  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 : Accessory Training for the Planche

Good stuff.

Gymchat 171 - Online Training III

If you're a strength coach or personal trainer, do you offer any online services as part of your training? If you're an athlete, have you ever used any; or would you like to find out a little more about them?

We first looked at this topic a little over a year ago, following a discussion on Setting Up a Strength Training Facility. If you're a personal trainer or strength coach, this is an ideal opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of offering online services.

Everything from custom program design to teleseminars and video training.


And if you're curious about online training from the other side of the fence (as the client), this is a great chance to find out a little more. Join Derek Peruo and I for Online Training III. Fantastic.

---

NB : if you're a Strength Coach or Personal Trainer currently offering online services, I'd love to add you to the 'Recommend Trainers' area of the forums. The first 5 people to contact me will be given free access (usually $99 per year) to this section.

Just send me a message privately, and we'll sort everything out.


Details -

Who Renaissance Fitness' Derek Peruo
Topic : Online Training III
When : Wed May 30, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Where : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/F2H9seiUWEJ

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask Derek any training-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Intermittent Fasting. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : if you'd like to add a fitness-related event (either a competition you're taking part in, or something you're helping to organise there), just login to the forums and add it to the calendar. Cheers.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

Tip of the Week: Try a Caffeine Nap

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

---

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.

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 : How to Make Atlas Stones

This looks superb.

Long-term readers won't be surprised to hear that we've talked about stone training a lot over the years (just take a glance at the list of articles tagged 'stone lifting').

As you might expect then, I've been looking forward to this DVD for quite some time. Jedd Johnson / Steve Slater's 'How to Make Atlas Stones'.

I'll post up a review during the week, but suffice to say that if you enjoy a bit of stone work from time-to-time, this DVD should definitely be in your collection.

Good stuff.

Quick update on the superb RMAX Fathers Day Specials we mentioned last week. Whether you're buying gear for yourself or for your father (or a bit of both), you'll love the things they've got discounted. Clubbells, instructional DVDs and a whole lot more.

Dive in.