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 :

• Diesel Steel Bending Basics
  Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson
  If you've ever seen someone bend a nail, bolt, or that wrench that should've been thrown away ages ago; you'll appreciate just how impressive it can be.

  Fortunately, it's much easier to get started than you may realise. Here's how.



• Summer Freak Program - Deload Week
  Rob Sinnott
  The serious training continues.

  Good stuff.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : TredSled Sprints

Sprints on a treadmill? Yep - it's the TredSled.

Deal of the Week : %15 Discount on Ultimate Sandbag 'Strength' Package

I love sandbag training.

If you've ever thought about giving it a run, here's the perfect opportunity. Head over to buyultimatesandbag.com and grab one of the Ultimate Sandbag 'Strength' packages (2 x 35lb filler bags, 'Challenge Your Core' DVD, 'Rapid Results' Wall Map, USB t-shirt and Trainer Community Membership), and enter the coupon code 'bar' at checkout. The first 20 purchasers will receive a tasty %15 discount.

Seriously, if you've ever though about trying a little sandbag work, this is a fantastic way to get going.

NB : The discounted kits won't exactly be hanging around. If you're keen to save a dollar or three, get in early.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 68 - Fitness and Health Gadgets

I'm fascinated by fitness and health gadgets of all descriptions - they perfectly combine my strength-training and technology passions. Superb things.

This week we're taking a look at the many kinds of Fitness and Health Gadgets available, and how to use them in your training - for tracking your workouts, measuring bodyfat, analysing your blood and so on. Everything for keeping you performing at your peak in the gym, on the mat and during the competition. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Fitness and Health Gadgets
When : Wed Jun 2, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Following the discussion on Protein there's been a stack of information flowing on the various protein sources (including both foods and supplements), whey vs casein (and the various mixes), milk consumption and so on.

Everyone's different, and your overall diet and training goals play enormous roles here. For everyone that asked though, my own approach is : 'real' foods the vast majority of the time (I follow a slightly modified Paleo diet) and a protein shake immediately after workouts. That combination seems to work well, in my case at least.

How about you - what's your own approach to protein consumption?

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Product Review : Ultimate Warrior Workouts - Fitness Secrets of the Martial Arts

A few weeks ago I mentioned Martin Rooney's latest offering, Ultimate Warrior Workouts. And as Fight Geek points out, it's absolutely superb.

Read on.

Exercise of the Week : Sandbag Get Up

These are superb (and much harder than they look, incidentally - give 'em a shot) - the sandbag version of the Turkish Get-up. Love 'em.

There are many benefits to bending steel.

First off, bending steel is extremely fun. Many athletes who take up bending literally become obsessed with it and bend multiple times a week.

Another benefit from bending steel is the physical result of bigger and stronger muscles. Straining against the steel requires a great deal of time under tension which results in increased strength and bigger muscles, especially in the upper and lower arms.


Next, bending increases your mental toughness. While the first couple of times you bend you may fail at a particular attempt, if you resolve to focus mentally and continue to hone your ability to do this, after a short time your mental toughness will enable you to blow past previous plateaus and climb the bending ladder.

Finally, there are certification systems out there that you can strive for and get recognition and your name 'up in lights' for the efforts you put into bending. Unfortunately, jumping right to the steel that you get certified on can leave you highly disappointed and possibly even injured.

This article serves as a guide of how to get started with bending and how to gradually climb the ladder safely and steadily.

TYPES OF STEEL TO BEND

There are a lot of options out there for you to start bending. Getting started can be as easy as heading to the hardware store. This is what you can pick up when you go there to get some beginner level nails to bend

Coiled Nails: Many nails are not straight the whole way down their shaft, but rather have a coiled design to them.

This coil makes the shaft of the nail thinner and less strength is required to bend them, a great option for people starting out with bending.
Ungraded Bolts & Screws: There are many different types of ungraded bolts and screws at hardware stores. Lag screws are one example, pictured here. Take a tape measure with you to the store and look for screws and bolts that are about 6 inches long 1/4 inch in diameter, more or less. These should be good selections for beginning benders.
One thing to take note with bending bolts and screws is that if they are threaded in the middle of the shaft, they will be easier to bend. Try to find un-threaded ones if you can for a more easily predictable bend, other wise you may want to go with a thicker diameter.

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 :

• Jaw Lifting : What, Why and How
  Ryan Pitts
  How to get started with this wonderful feat.
  
• Deven's Training Log
  Deven
  Back work - good fun.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Kettlebell Juggling Faceoff

Another great clip from the Atomic Athletic Great Black Swamp Olde-Time Strongman Picnic. Logan Christopher and Andrew Durniat go head-to-head.

Training With : Battle Ropes

A few weeks ago we mentioned the Battle Ropes from MBody Strength - fantastic things.

I've been using them for a couple of days now (mainly for the pull-up and kettlebell swing variations seen in the video), and I have to say, I love them. A proper review shortly, but for now, definitely check them out.

Superb.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 67 - Protein

Protein : what is it, how much do you really need, how do you make sure you're getting enough?

This week we're taking a look at the many forms of Protein, how they relate to your training and your health overall. Helping to guide us through this fascinating world is Ty from The Protein Review. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Protein
When : Wed May 26, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Following the discussion on Resistance Bands there's been a stack of information flowing on which bands to use, and how.

I personally favour the Iron Woody bands (which I freely admit, were the first ones I ever used; though I've since tested several others), and I've also heard great things about the Jump Stretch bands, and those from EliteFTS. Whichever ones you use, there are some great ways to use them. There are a few ideas here.

How about you - which bands do you use personally, and why?

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Product Review : KAOS Sports Bra

Although I'm well-placed to offer comments on much of the KAOS Komfort workout clothing range (it's great stuff, incidentally), I'm not exactly qualified to review products such as their sports bras.

Over to GoodyGirl77.

Exercise of the Week : Band Pull-Aparts

There were a number of superb resistance band exercises mentioned during the discussion last week, including the wonderfully simple Band Pull-Aparts. A great way to finish a serious yoke session.

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 :

• Josh Hanagarne's Training Log
  Z-Health, Kettlebells and Bending. A great mix.
  
• Rob's Training Log
  Rob Sinnott
  More training goodness. Hard and heavy.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Underground Strength & Fitness

The Fight Geek is currently putting together a short course for Adult Education on training 'underground style'; here's the Keynote presentation which accompanies part 1.

Enjoy.

Training With : TRX Suspension Trainer

As I'm about to spend a bit of time on-the-road (doing a little family history research), I'm currently assembling a training-when-travelling kit. A kettlebell, a band or two and of course the TRX.

If you've never tried suspension training, here's an overview. No matter where you are, just hook it up and go.

Perfect.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 66 - Resistance Bands : Bands are superb things, for adjusting the strength curve of various exercises or use by themselves. Love them.

This week we're taking a look at the many, many ways to include Resistance Bands in your training - what to use, how to attach them and of course, hundreds of ways to put them to work. In the home gym, a commercial facility or on-the-road.

Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Resistance Bands
When : Wed May 19, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Following the discussion on Kettlebell Training for Athletes there's been a stack of information flowing on which kettlebells to use, and why.

Without wishing to start any arguments, I personally feel most comfortable using the Dragon Door 'bells. If you're looking to pick up a new kettlebell or two, you'll find details of the Dragon Door products and many others listed here.

How about you - which kettlebells do you use personally, and why?

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Inspiration : Images of Strength

You may have noticed that there are quite a few new photos in the 'Images of Strength' collection in the Straight to the Bar sidebar. Photos of various athletes and strongmen; training, competing and performing. Good stuff.

Now it's your turn. I'm looking for several new images to add to this area, showing the fantastic strength-training community in all aspects of training and competition. And - if you're a professional Strongman/Strongwoman - performing.

If you'd like to strut your stuff in front of an incredible audience, just add your photos to the SttB Flickr Group. I'll copy them directly to the Images of Strength collection.

Cheers for that. The best of these images (and by 'best', I mean the ones I like the most) will appear randomly in the Images of Strength collection. It's a great way to get in front of a fantastic strength-training community.

Reading : Active Recovery Training

I've added another ebook to the list given to newsletter subscribers - Ty's Active Recovery Training.

As a thank-you to everyone who's already here, a complimentary copy. Enjoy.

Exercise of the Week : Rafter Pull-ups

Looking for a dose of grip work with your pull-ups? Have a go at these - much, much harder than they look. Love 'em.

NB : I love chinning work, and there is an almost endless list of ways to vary this simple exercise. If you're after a bit of variety, try the climbers', band-resisted and gorilla varieties (combination of chin-up and hanging knee raise). Good fun.

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 :

• Bodyweight Training
  Various authors
  There have been some very interesting bodyweight exercises posted recently, including the superb Med Ball Pushup Switch. Take a look.
  
• Rob's Training Log
  Rob Sinnott
  Ready to train heavy? Great.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Can Bursting

Chris Rider demonstrates a spot of Can Bursting, a strength feat seldom seen yet always impressive. Love it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 65 - Kettlebell Training for Athletes : Whether you're building strength, enjoying a little conditioning work or simply using them as convenient weights with handles - kettlebells are fantastic training tools.

This week we're taking a look at Kettlebell Training for Athletes - discussing the many, many ways to put kettlebells to work so they'll help you on the mat, platform, or sporting field. Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is Kettlebell Training Academy's Ajamu Bernard (@dakbellguy). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Kettlebell Training for Athletes
When : Wed May 12, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Following the discussion on Performance-Enhancing Supplements I've received a stack of feedback on the topic of creatine. Cheers for all of that - very much appreciated.

Tony has put together a brief overview page here; explaining what it is, how it's used, which form he recommends and so on. If you're at all curious, it's a great place to start.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Deal of the Week : 'Got Yoke?' T-shirt

For everyone that's been asking - it's finally happened. The new 'Got Yoke' t-shirts have arrived.

These contain some fantastic moisture management features, as well as featuring a distinctive design by Rory Hickman. It really is a perfect combination.

You'll find the order page here, or you can email me privately for bulk purchases. Cheers.

Watching : A-Z Climbing Podcast

Although I've been a fan of podcasts for years now, it's only in the last 12 months or so that I've focused on the 'video only' variety. And this week, I was lucky enough to stumble upon several training-related podcasts that are well worth a look.

Kicking things off (many more sites, newsletters and podcasts in this forum thread) is a podcast with an interesting twist - AZ Climbing. 26 climbing-focussed videos, one for each letter of the alphabet. Covering the many varieties of indoor and outdoor work.

Good stuff.

Exercise of the Week : Beaker Bench Press

Back in 2008 we were introduced to the idea of the Kettlebell Beaker - basically a series of bench presses with kettlebells hanging from the bar. There are a number of ways to vary this, and to incorporate the idea in other exercises (Justin Andrushko details several in Band Suspended Weight); and the most common is shown below.

If you're looking for a way to mix things up a bit, give it a shot. Good fun.

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 :

• Lift Weights? So What!
  Logan Christopher
  There's a difference between lifting weights and exploring strength. Over to Logan.
  
• Health & Fitness Research
  Various authors
  There's been some fascinating research lately in the world of Health & Fitness - here's just a sample.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Battle Ropes

I love rope training, and this video shows just a few ways to put them to work. Good stuff.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 64 - Performance-Enhancing Supplements : Protein, caffeine, creatine - what do you have before, during and after your workout; specifically to squeeze the most out of the work you put in?

This week we're taking a look at Performance-Enhancing Supplements (legal ones of course) - what's currently used, the thinking behind them, and which ones are effective. Whether it's a pre-workout cup of coffee or a dose of HMB.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is Food & Fitness' own Anthony Paradis (@foodnfitness). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Performance-Enhancing Supplements
When : Wed May 5, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : I've been receiving a stack of positive feedback on the 'Kettlebell Training for Beginners' discussion, and it's greatly appreciated. And particular thanks to Jackie (aka Girlwithnoname) - was a great chat.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Getting Ready For :
Ultimate Warrior Workouts - Fitness Secrets of the Martial Arts

To say I'm looking forward to this is an understatement.

I'll post a full review shortly (the book isn't actually available until tomorrow, but you can pre-order it here). In the meantime, here's a brief description of what's inside :

World-renowned fitness coach Martin Rooney will take you where no warrior has gone before. On an epic international quest, Rooney traveled to top-fight destinations around the globe to study and train under the last living masters in the eight core disciplines of Mixed Martial Arts. More than 1,000 full-color photos reveal hundreds of the original training secrets he discovered along the way, from the slopes of Japan's Mt. Fuji and the beaches of Brazil to the streets of Russia. With nearly fifty varieties of push-ups, dozens of kettlebell exercises, and hundreds of unique training techniques, Ultimate Warrior Workouts also offers:

• A complete six-month workout program
• Cutting-edge nutrition ADVICE and a sample diet plan
• "Warrior Challenges" to assess your fitness level
• The history and philosophy of the arts that comprise mixed martial arts

Fantastic.

Listening To : Endurance

What are you listening to?

I'm a huge fan of audiobooks - it's a fantastic way to increase your 'reading' time, as you can do it whilst doing other things - particularly the descriptions of explorations and discoveries from a range of athletes and adventurers.

Currently I'm re-reading (re-listening to, really) the book Endurance, by Alfred Lansing, which details Ernest Shackleton's incredible 1914 South Pole expedition. A brilliant read.

How about you - what's on your 'books to listen to' list?

Exercise of the Week : Box Jump from Foam

Looking for a challenging way to vary your jump training? Try a few of these. Good fun.

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 :

• First Powerlifting Meet
  Various authors
  On the forums, both Chris and Meatax are getting ready for their first powerlifting meet (fantastic experience). What advice would you give them?
  
• Floral Apron Adventures : 26
  GoodyGirl77
  The hard training continues. Nice one.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Like, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Pain Time - Farmers' Holds

Combining grip strength, mental toughness and a great posterior chain workout. Farmers' Holds.

Checking Out : Bulldog Leash

Just noticed this on the Art of Strength site - the Bulldog Leash. Essentially a covered 10' length of chain designed to attach to the base of a kettlebell, ready for swinging, lifting, throwing, and other fun things.

Looks fantastic.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 63 - Kettlebell Training for Beginners : I love training with kettlebells. Indoors or outdoors, by themselves or with ropes, bands and other fun things.

This week we're taking a look at Kettlebell Training for Beginners - how to get started with this wonderful form of training, what to use and where to go for help. The way to go from a complete novice to someone who uses them on a regular basis.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is Jackie, better known as @girlwithnoname. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Kettlebell Training for Beginners
When : Wed Apr 28, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Nitro Circus Live

Last night, 60 Minutes (the Australian version) had a segment on motocross rider and stuntman Travis Pastrana; the core of Nitro Circus.

For anyone who's currently enjoying the sun in this beautiful part of the world, there's a great chance to check out Travis in action - the Nitro Circus Live show. Fantastic.

Learning From : Free eBooks, Podcasts and More

I've added a number of ebooks to the list of items that newsletter subscribers receive. For everyone who's already signed up, here are the links. As a bonus, there are also a number of sites, podcasts and newsletters I recommend :

Free eBooks, Podcasts and More

NB : if you'd like to recommend an item to add to this list - whether it's yours or just one you've stumbled across - I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.

Exercise of the Week : Band-Assisted Handstand Push-up

Handstand Push-ups are great things, and this is the perfect way to test them out. Band assisted.

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 :

• Tackling the One-Armed Push-Up
  Al Kavadlo
  Al looks at a great way to demonstrate some serious bodyweight strength (and, of course, build it at the same time) - the One-Armed Push-Up. Good stuff.
  
• Leg Day - Going for 8s
  Rob Sinnott
  Another great day in the gym.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the Digg and Retweet icons beside them). Cheers.

Video - Improving Posture, Activating the Glutes

The Diesel Crew takes a look at dips, rows and other fun things. Good stuff.

Checking Out : MKB Kettlebell Backpack

I was chatting to a friend this morning about outdoor training (love the stuff - especially at this time of year), and he mentioned this - the Kettlebell Backpack (video).

Great idea; anyone here tried one? Would love to hear about it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 62 - Training at Home : I love the home gym - everything's always ready to go, set up exactly the way I like. Adjust weights, add bands/chains/other fun things and dive in. Perfect.

This week we're taking a close look at the many ways to enjoy Training at Home - training partners, feedback, equipment and so on. The many ways to make the most of what's available.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Kira 'Papa K' Clarke, better known as The Fight Geek - (@thefightgeek). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training at Home
When : Wed Apr 21, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Learning From : The Art of Expressing the Human Body

If you've ever watched a Bruce Lee film and marveled at his strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility or muscularity, this book should take pride of place in your collection.

Unlike many other writings covering everything from Lee's training methods to nutrition, this book is based not on the recollections of people around him; but on Lee's own notes, discussing his bodyweight, cardiovascular and strength training during the many phases of his brief career.

If you've ever seen an exercise being performed and thought to yourself 'I'm sure I've seen that somewhere before', chances are that it's in this book. Superb.

Exercise of the Week : Wheelbarrow Walking Up Stairs

Grab your training partner, and find a staircase. These are fun.

There are several variations of the Wheelbarrow Walk, and there are plenty of ways to make each easier or more challenging. Here's one of my favourites - the Wheelbarrow Walk Up Stairs :

NB : a quick way to make this a little more challenging - try Wheelbarrow Walks Down Stairs. Backwards.

On the Forums

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, head over to the forums :

• Kipping Pull-Ups
  Al Kavadlo
  Al looks at the 'other' way to perform pull-ups - using kipping. Good stuff.
  
• Floral Apron Adventures : 25
  GoodyGirl77
  The serious leg work continues. Nice one.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc beneath each article). Cheers.

Video - Dave Johnson : Steel bending World Record

At the 4th Leg of Britain's Strongest Hands, Dave Johnson bent an incredible 10 x 30", 5/8" HRS bars in 60 secs.

Fantastic.

Reading : 20 Strength, Fitness and Health Sites

Back in 2006 I noted some of my favourite strength-training sites (20, to be exact); many of which are still on my daily reading list.

Of course, over the past 4 years we've noted many, many other great resources - both online and offline. Blogs, books, newsletters and seminars. Fantastic.

Time to pull them together. As I'm currently updating the original list, do you have a site or two that should be added? Which is your favourite strength, fitness or health site on the web?

Whether it's your own site or a personal favourite, tweet me the URL. Alternately - if 140 characters just isn't enough - post the details on the forums. Should be a great collection.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 61 - Supplements for Strength Athletes : A little dietary fine-tuning can have a big impact.

This week we're diving into the world of Supplements for Strength Athletes - vitamins & minerals, protein shakes, amino acids and so on. The many things that are taken, the benefits they offer and the ways to measure their effectiveness. Everything you'll need to keep training hard & heavy, frequently.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Body by D-Rock's Derek Peruo - (@bodybydrock). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Supplements for Strength Athletes
When : Wed Apr 14, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

NB : If you'd like to be a guest on a future twitterchat, let me know. It's great to hear how other people are training.

Learning From : The Grip Authority

As many of you already know, I'm a huge fan of grip training.

Over the years I've been fortunate enough to work with - and learn from - several freakishly strong gripsters, including the massively talented Adam Glass, Aaron Corcorran and Ryan Pitts.

And, of course, Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson.

Not only is Jedd insanely strong, he's an incredible teacher. To give you an idea, here are just a few of the superb series he's shared over the years :

• Straight to the Grip Contest (part I, II, III, IV, V, VI)
• Hammering Strength into the Wrists (part I, II)
• Hub Lifting (part I, II)

Want more? If you're keen to learn the skills necessary to remain at the top of this extremely competitive game, head over to The Grip Authority. A wealth of instructional videos, articles and discussions to help you become obscenely strong.

If you're serious about your grip strength, it's the best investment you can make.

Exercise of the Week : The Kettlebell Hot Potato

This exercise is about as simple as they come. Love it.

There are several variations of the Hot Potato available (for the most common variety, watch the video) - with some of them incorporating more of a throw than a pass.

Still, the basic idea is the same - the 'bell is moved from hand to hand. Repeatedly.

A quick video demonstration of this wonderful exercise :

NB : for more on this wonderful exercise, Jeff Martone explains it well on the H2H Kettlebell Drills DVD.

On the Forums

Hope you had a great Easter.

As you can see, the forums aren't available just at the moment (I'm upgrading the software), but should be back to normal shortly.

In the meantime, here are a couple of items from the archives that are well worth another look :

• A Little Yoke Work : 10 Exercises for a Bigger Neck
  Scott Bird
  Traps maketh the man.
  
• Grip Training - Lifting the Inch Replica Dumbbell (part II, III, IV and V)
  "Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson
  Brilliant series.
  

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (click on the 'tweet' image above each article). Cheers.

Video - Steve Maxwell: The Spartacus Log Lift

This lift was seen many years ago in the film Spartacus, and is essentially a Turkish Get-Up with a log.

Fantastic.

Stocking the Home Gym : Bars, Plates, Hooks & Collars

Work in the home gym continues.

This week we're taking another look at a few staple ingredients, specifically Bars, Plates, Hooks and Collars.

Enjoy.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 60 - The Importance of Mental Strength When Training : It's incredible how much of an impact your state-of-mind has on your training. A little mental toughness goes a long, long way.

This week we're diving into the world of Mental Strength, and its Impact on Training - what it is, why it's essential, and how to get it. Everything you'll need to keep those PRs coming regularly.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Strong Body, Stronger Mind's Leisl (@missleisl). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : The Importance of Mental Strength When Training
When : Wed Apr 7, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets.

See you there.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know.

Watching : Grip 'n' Rip DVD

This is absolutely superb. If you've ever wondered what the Bio-Feedback approach is all about, grab this.

The Grip 'n' Rip DVD.

Brilliant.

Exercise of the Week : Neider Press

This is a fantastic exercise.

I first saw a particularly creative variation (with a weighted bar held vertically) over on Ross Enamait's site, and it's since become a firm favourite.

Possibly named after strong-shouldered Bill Nieder, the Neider Press is a simple matter of moving a heavy object (typically a bar, but it could be anything) to arms' length and back. Repeatedly.

Here's a quick clip to give you an idea of what I mean.

NB : there are many, many ways to vary this exercise - changing the angle, weight, time etc. Experiment.