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 :

• Jumping Rope for Conditioning
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at a great conditioning exercise - Jumping Rope. Good fun.
  
• Building a More Complete Chest
  Rob Sinnott
  Another great day in the gym.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - San Angelo Tire Throw Games

What do you do after your outdoor workouts? A spot of tyre-throwing of course.

Good fun.

Stocking the Home Gym : The Power Rack

A friend of mine is in the process of setting up a home gym, and is currently looking around for the perfect rack.

Although he isn't competing, he certainly enjoys throwing heavy objects around. The rack will be at the gym's core.

I pointed him in the direction of this article, which outlines a few things to consider when buying a rack. I'm curious though, what sort of rack are you using right now? What would you buy if you were starting from scratch, and why?

Looking forward to your comments. Love seeing which equipment people are actually using.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 59 - Eating Paleo, Training Hard : Whenever the idea of a Paleo or Primal Diet is brought up, it's common to hear names such as CrossFit in the same sentence. Why exactly is that?

This week we're diving into the world of Eating Paleo and Training Hardhow this type of diet can aid your recovery, reduce illnesses and generally enable you to spend more time hoisting obscenely heavy objects. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Primal Chat's, own @PrimalChat. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Eating Paleo, Training Hard
When : Wed Mar 31, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbpc in your tweets

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

See you there.

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

Watching : Bio-Feedback Bonus

With the Grip 'n' Rip DVD coming out next week, it's a great time to see what the Bio-Feedback approach is all about.

Here's a brief sample. Brilliant.

Exercise of the Week : Kettlebell Halo

I love the Halo - perfect for loosening up the shoulders.

Although it can be performed using any heavy object (plates, clubs, block weights), it's most commonly seen with a fairly modest kettlebell. To see how it's performed, it's over to Marcus Martinez :

NB : for more on this wonderful exercise, Steve Maxwell explains it well on the 300 Kettlebell Challenge Instructional DVD (disc 1).

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 :

• The Human Flag
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at a another great exercise - the Human Flag. Good fun.
  
• 635lb Deadlift at 196lb Bodyweight
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
  The deadlift PRs keep on coming. Nice one Mike.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Traveling Push Up

Another great push-up variety - the Traveling Push Up.

Good fun.

Deal of the Week : Powerclubs

I love club training.

During the week I got a couple of emails from people asking where to get clubs in the UK; the short answer, London Kettlebells. Perfect.

Incidentally, no matter where you are in the world, there's a good chance that you're not too far from a supplier of these wonderful tools. Here are several others that I've used over the years, as well as those that come highly recommended by trainers I've worked with.

Enjoy.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 58 - Making Your Own : Combat Training Equipment : Building your own gym equipment is a fantastic way to kickstart the home gym, no matter what your training goals are. What's more, it's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the many options available.

This week we're diving into the world of DIY Combat Training Equipment - everything from medicine balls and sandbags to clubs, rings and push-up boards. There are hundreds of superb home-made tools just waiting to be constructed.

Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Keith Johnson - better known as (@Ogedei). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Making Your Own : Combat Training Equipment
When : Wed Mar 24, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

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

Reading : The Bending eBook

This is a fantastic book.

Although it came out more than 3 years ago now, I still refer to this book regularly (the review will help explain why). And what's more, the latest version contains a host of updates which will certainly help take your bending up a notch.

Filled with detailed information on the materials and techniques you'll need, this is an incredible resource. If you're just getting serious about short steel bending, you need this book.

Brilliant.

Exercise of the Week : Renegade Row

The Renegade Row is a fantastic exercise.

Named after Coach John 'The Renegade' Davies, it's a controlled lift with each arm (independently) from a near-push-up position. As with many exercises, the simplest way to learn it is to see a bit of video, and try it out for yourself.

Here's the kettlebell version of the humble Renegade Row. Good fun.

NB : the weights being lifted can be in the form of kettlebells, dumbbells or anything else that's close to hand. Experiment.

A quick note on a site that a friend just pointed me to - MyHeritage. I'm just starting to explore it now (full review shortly), but it looks to be an interesting blend of genealogical research and social elements.

Definitely worth checking out.

A quick note on a site that a friend just pointed me to - MyHeritage. I'm just starting to explore it now (full review shortly), but it looks to be an interesting blend of genealogical research and social elements.

Definitely worth checking out.

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 :

• All About Australian Pull-ups
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at a great exercise - the Australian Pull-up.
  
• Two PRS : Bench and Squat
  A great day in the gym.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Steve Maxwell: Half-Moon/Iranian Twisting Push-Up

Enjoy last week's Circular Push-ups? Grab a taekhte and try these.

Good fun.

Deal of the Week - TRX Mobile Workouts

In last week's twitterchat we noted the value of the TRX for combat athletes. Here's a simple way to store your favourite workout or two on a mobile device - the TRX Mobile Workouts.

Good fun.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 57 - Achieving Optimum Health : It's pretty clear that health is strongly connected to your training. Feel better and you're well on the way to a solid performance in the gym.

This week we're diving into the world of Optimum Health - how to eat better, feel better, and function better in the weight-room. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is NU FIT's, own Max Barry (@NU_FiT). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Optimum Health
When : Wed Mar 17, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

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

Reading - The Primal Blueprint

Over the past week I've been getting a number of questions about my diet, particularly on the difference between Paleo and Primal approaches. The Primal Blueprint (full review) takes a detailed look at the Primal side of the fence.

As Sandy notes, since switching to Primal he's noted a number of changes in both body composition and overall health. If you're curious to see how, pick up a copy of The Primal Blueprint.

Great book.

Exercise of the Week : Battling Ropes Pole Pull

I love Battling Ropes work, and this is one of my favourite exercises. The humble Pole Pull.

Enjoy.

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 :

• Improve Your Athletic Performace with Depth Jumps
  Al Kavadlo
  Depth jumps are much underrated - they're a great exercise. Al explains; and there's also a box-jump discussion in the main area of the forums, and several jump-training variations here.
  
• Floral Apron Adventures
  You'd never know there was some illness-caused gym-free time recently. The serious training is back on.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Mighty Mitts Competition

There's a stack of great video coming out of the current Arnold. Here's just a taste of the Mighty Mitts competition. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - Card Tearing eBook

This is a fantastic book (full review).

Tearing a deck of cards is an amazing activity, and this book will show you exactly how to do it. It's a complete progression, including advice on everything from training to selecting the right cards at the right time.

What's more, as part of a birthday celebration, Jedd is currently offering this book at the discounted price of just $19.97. If you've ever considering testing yourself with this wonderful feat, now's the perfect time to do it.

Love it..

Coming Events

Twitterchat 56 - Bodyweight Training for Combat : If you've ever trained in any of the martial arts, no doubt you're well aware of the incredible range of bodyweight exercises. For warming up, technique work, strength-training and stretching. Good fun.

This week we're diving into the world of Bodyweight Training - specifically for combat - the many things that work and the ways to incorporate them in your training. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is MMA Stuff's, own @jimmyvo. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Bodyweight Training for Combat
When : Wed Mar 10, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

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

Exercise of the Week : Circular Push-up

Here's a simple one that I was first taught many years ago in a Judo class (it was part of our warm-up routine) - the Circular Push-up.

As the name suggests, the body moves in a circular motion, like this :

Love it.

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 :

• Elbow Pain when Lifting
  Various authors
  This is a very interesting thread on the elbow pain sometimes experienced during training. Possible causes and solutions.
  
• The One Arm Chin-up: A Lesson in Humility
  Al Kavadlo
  Ever tried working toward the OAC? Great experience.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Thick Rope Training

A dose of rope work. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - The Definitive Guide to Kettlebell Juggling

This is a brilliant collection.

Kettlebell Juggling is an amazing activity, and these DVDs will show you exactly how to do it. It's a complete progression, assuming nothing more than a basic proficiency with a kettlebell.

What's more, Logan has updated this collection with an even greater array of bonus materials - including regular video tutorials to help keep you at the top of your game.

Perfect.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 55 - Log Training : If you've ever considered competing in a Strongman competition, a dose of log work will quickly form a major part of your routines.

This week we're taking a close look at this superb form of training - what it is, how to do it well, and the many ways to make it even more challenging. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Strongman Chase Karnes (@ChaseKarnes), who's certainly no slouch with the log. Fantastic.


Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Log Training
When : Wed Mar 3, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

Personal Record Every Day

What's your latest PR? No matter what sort of training you enjoy, there are always records to be broken. Helping to highlight that process (as well as giving away some fantastic training gear) is none other than Adam Glass and Josh Hanagarne. Nice one.

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

Reading : Diesel Crew Bending eBook

Ready to bend some steel?

Grab a copy of the Diesel Crew's Bending eBook.

Superb.

Exercise of the Week : Seated Half-Press

Although the Seated Half-Press looks like a shoulder exercise, it's actually for the lateral head of the triceps. And a new triceps movement is always welcome.
From the original article :

To perform the movement, put a bench in a power rack and set the pins just above head height. With the bar directly overhead, take a shoulder-width grip and point your elbows out to the sides. Press, pause at the bottom and repeat.

Love it.

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 :

• A Brief History of Circuit Training and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA)
  If you joined us for the discussion on Circuit Training the other day, you'll find this fascinating. A glimpse into the history of Circuit Training and Peripheral Heart Action.
  
• Neck Training Basics
  Getting ready to begin training your neck? Where do you start? Mike explains.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Heavy Axle Front Squat

Use your axle for everything. Over to Warwick.

Deal of the Week - The StrongerGrip Swing Ball

This is a fantastic tool.

You may have seen the original version in use in one of Rocannon's videos, and the one pictured at left is the updated incarnation. Loadable, tough and brutal.

Love it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 54 - Fat Loss : Looking to shed a little excess bodyfat? Get back your former shape, move down a weight division whilst staying strong, or show some definition perhaps.

This week we're diving into the world of Fat Loss - what it is, things that work and the way to tie it in to your training. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Jimmy Smith Training's, own @jimmysmithtrain. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Fat Loss
When : Wed Feb 24, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

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

Reading : Strength Training Anatomy

This is a fantastic book.

As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train.

Love it.

Exercise of the Week : The Bradford Press

Named after weightlifter Jim Bradford, the Bradford Press (sometimes called the Rainbow Press) is one of the first shoulder exercises I added to my routines. And once you try it, you'll understand why.

From the original article :

The exercise looks similar to a Military Press, except that the weight is moved in an arc from in front of the head to behind it; and back again. This manages to work all parts of the deltoids, as well as giving the forearms something to think about. An unusual, but highly effective, movement.

As with a number of fairly uncommon exercises, a brief video demonstration also goes a long way :

Nice one.

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 :

• Rob's Training Log
  Size and strength. Perfect.
  
• Floral Apron Adventures
  The serious training continues.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Kettlebell Basics with Steve Cotter

Kettlebell training is superb. If you're just getting started, take a look at this. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - Metolius Eco Ball

A few weeks ago, Derek Peruo took a look at 'Chalkless Chalk' - the Metolius Eco Ball. I finally got a chance to test it out myself, and I have to say, it's exactly like he said.

Superb stuff.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 53 - Circuit Training : Looking to shed a little excess bodyfat? Train in small groups, indoors or outdoors? Perhaps you simply want to take full advantage of the equipment you've already got. Circuit training may be just what you're after.

This week we're discussing the ins and outs of circuit training - what it is, some common and uncommon ways to use it and the ways to incorporate it into your routines. Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is Jackie, better known as @girlwithnoname. Fantastic.


Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Circuit Training
When : Wed Feb 17, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

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

Reading : The Grip Masters Manual

I love this book.

Jeff's recent can-crushing exploits reminded me that this is just one of the many fantastic feats and training ideas John Brookfield shares with the world. If you're looking for world class grip strength, make sure you've got a copy of this.

Superb.

Exercise of the Week : The Serratus Crunch

I first came across this one several years ago, in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding - The Serratus Crunch. Good fun.

The Serratus Anterior (sometimes known as the Serratus Magnus, or 'boxers' muscle) is perhaps best thought of as the '3 fingers' on your side, below each arm. Its job is to hold the scapula (shoulderblade) against the thoracic wall (rib cage). The Serratus Crunch comes in two main forms, each of which is described here.

What does it look like in action? Here's a quick demo of the hanging version from Oracle Fitness :

Nice one.

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 :

• My 3 Basics for Building The Neck
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce.
  More neck-training goodness from The Machine. Good stuff.
  
• Floral Apron Adventures
  The serious training continues.
  

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 above each article). Cheers.

Video - Viking Presses with Tyres (Tires)

Here's another great way to put heavy tyres to good use - a Viking Press or three. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - Grrl's Valentine's Day Wishlist

Long-term readers may recall The Mighty Kat's superb Grrl's Valentine's Day Wishlist. With Valentine's Day 2010 less than a week away, here's a perfect opportunity to help the girl in your life enjoy her strength-training sessions that little bit more.

Absolutely free.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 52 - Becoming a Fitness Professional : Considering becoming a qualified trainer, coach or nutritionist? How do you go about it, what does it cost and how long does it take?

This week we're discussing the paths to becoming a fitness professional, no matter where you live or which qualification you're after. Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is David Sandel, better known as @AthleteCreator. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Becoming a Fitness Professional
When : Wed Feb 11, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

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

Reading

A couple of quick updates :

Last week I mentioned that I'd be posting the review of Tim Hull's superb Functional Correction Manual. Here it is :

straighttothebar.com/ebooks/functionalcorrectionmanual/

Also, keen-eyed readers may have noticed that the ebook given away to all new subscribers is now Jedd Johnson's excellent '14 Things you NEED for your First Strongman Contest'. For everyone who was already signed up, here's your complimentary copy :

mediafire.com/?wkzno2hkd55

Enjoy.

Exercise of the Week : The Backlift

The Backlift isn't seen terribly often these days, although it's certainly a challenging test of strength. Good fun.

I first came across this lift when I saw an old photo (above) of Thomas Jefferson 'Stout' Jackson performing in 1916. Warren Lincoln Travis was also well known for training the backlift.

What does it look like in action? Here's Derek Poundstone performing the most common variation of this lift at Fortissimus 2009 :

Good stuff.