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 :

• Gem From The Vault : Starting Your Fitness Journey - 10 Things to Consider
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Ready to transform yourself? Perfect.

  
  



• Looking At : Jan 13, 2019
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : The Easiest Way To Get Stronger On The Bench Press (Omar Isuf)

Nice one.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - (there's an example below, and a full list here). And if you've got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we'd love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.

Kirk Fontaine.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Fix Your Feet

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

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The real benefits of including your feet in your training.

Over to Josh :

You need to gradually strengthen your feet and slowly introduce them to greater range of motion. Walking barefoot on soft sand or grass is a great way to start... plus it feels good! If you have access to a beach or a well manicured lawn, slowly progress from walking barefoot for a few minutes at a time and working up to a longer duration, before introducing any more challenging barefoot activities.

For walking on solid surfaces such as concrete, I suggest you wear appropriate footwear that will provide minimal support while still allowing for greater natural movement of your feet.

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article [.pdf]. A great read.

Checking Out : The Matrix PowerWatch II (Smart Watch)

This is the second generation of the Matrix PowerWatch - a health + fitness-tracking smartwatch which charges automatically as you put it to work (via your body's 'spare' heat and any ambient light).

And yes, it connects to existing health services like Apple Health and Google Fit. Very keen to try one out.

A spot of video :

The Matrix PowerWatch II.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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 : Straight to the Grip Contest Part V - The No-sets
  'Napalm' Jedd Johnson | Follow @jeddjohnson
  What do you do when you're not allowed to pre-close the gripper?

  
  

• Looking At : Jan 6, 2019
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : Beginner Ab Workout (5 Minutes!)

Just getting started in the world of fitness? This is a great routine to add.

Gymchat 278 - 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 an example below, and a full list here). And if you've got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we'd love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.

Maik Wiedenbach.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Knee Rehabilitation Progression

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 is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to fix your knees after surgery.

Over to Josh :

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article. A great read.

Checking Out : DIY Gym Equipment Guide (Catalyst Athletics)

The Catalyst Athletics DIY Gym Equipment Guide.

As you may know, I'm a huge fan of DIY Gym Equipment - whether for financial reasons, or just that you like building things (often both).

This ebook details the plans for constructing just a few of the items you may want in the home gym. Everything from racks & benches to storage for the 'bells & plates.

The Catalyst Athletics DIY Gym Equipment Guide.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :

• Gem From The Vault : The Zercher Squat
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Superb exercise.

  
  

• Looking At : Dec 30, 2018
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : Fitness Goals For 2019

At this time of year, a lot of us take the opportunity to set a few fitness-related goals for the coming 12 months. If you're not quite sure where to start, check out this video.

Some great suggestions.

Gymchat 278 - 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 an example below, and a full list here). And if you've got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we'd love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.

Troy Pesola.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Fix Your Feet

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 is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The real benefits of including your feet in your training.

Over to Josh :

You need to gradually strengthen your feet and slowly introduce them to greater range of motion. Walking barefoot on soft sand or grass is a great way to start... plus it feels good! If you have access to a beach or a well manicured lawn, slowly progress from walking barefoot for a few minutes at a time and working up to a longer duration, before introducing any more challenging barefoot activities.

For walking on solid surfaces such as concrete, I suggest you wear appropriate footwear that will provide minimal support while still allowing for greater natural movement of your feet.

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article [.pdf]. A great read.

Checking Out : Roidmi P8S (Air Purifier)

The Roidmi P8S is an air purifier, designed specifically for use in small, enclosed areas(cars in particular). If you spend a fair bit of time on the road, it's ideal.

A spot of video :

Look forward to testing it out. The Roidmi P8S.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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 :

• The Future of Fitness : Health & Fitness Predictions for 2019
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  A few thoughts.

  
  

• Looking At : Dec 23, 2018
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.

Video : Santa's Christmas Fitness Transformation

Merry Christmas.

Gymchat 278 - 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 an example below, and a full list here). And if you've got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we'd love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.

Kirk Fontaine.

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Stretching Causes Weakness

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 is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The impact of stretching on both strength and injury.

Over to Josh :

Exercise physiologists have concluded that passive stretching not only has no effect on preventing injuries, but it can actually make you even more likely to get hurt. But I didn't take their word on it... I've experienced the effects of passive vs. active stretching first hand. I've also worked with biomechanics specialists who use Applied Kinesiology muscle testing as a reproducible way to measure muscle strength and responsiveness. They demonstrated that in almost every case a passive stretch is performed the muscles will test weak after. On the other hand, active isometric exercise will improve muscle activation.

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article. A great read.

Checking Out : Snore Circle (Anti-Snoring Muscle Stimulator)

The Snore Circle (and this is the 5th generation of the device) is a device which attaches to the neck, listens for snoring and opens the airways accordingly. The video will show you what I mean :

I don't snore personally, but would love to hear your feedback if you do - and test out this particular device. Get in touch.

Snore Circle.

Rather than trying to explain how it works, here it is in action :

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

Batou (Ghost in the Shell).

Continuing those thoughts, here are a few items that may make an appearance over the next year or so. Health & Fitness Predictions for 2019.

NB : I always receive some wonderful feedback on these 'peer into the future' posts - greatly appreciated. If you'd like to drop me a line, just point me to a tweet or leave a comment on the relevant Straight to the Bar post. Cheers.


Several ageing-related clinical trials begin. Of particular note : the testing of therapies to prevent (and partially restore, if needed) atherosclerosis, those for dealing with osteoarthritis and those for preventing macular degeneration.

Brain-controlled prosthetic legs commercially available. Not cheap, but available.

Dedicated sports watches are rarely seen, having been almost completely replaced by smartwatches.

Pairing of human anatomy with various devices, to assist short-term use. Devices will enhance human abilities. e.g. : human eye paired with digital camera for short-term use, automatically unpaired when camera put down. Eyes also paired with various computers and displays, and limbs with tools and equipment.

Fully functional computer model of the human brain. This enables increasingly ambitious testing of various theories.

Incredibly thin lenses appear commercially, using sheets of various nanomaterials. Think everything from contacts & eyeglasses to telescopes & cameras.

First trials of various 'naturally controllable prosthetic limbs' - notably DARPA's HAPTIX prosthesis system - begin.

Use of Nerve Guidance Conduits (for nerve repair) in human trials.

Human clinical trials of immune-enhancing protein (lymphocyte expansion molecule, or LEM).

As with last year, an ever-growing number of medical conditions move from 'no treatment available' to 'treatable' and even 'curable' in some cases.

Discussion continues around the idea of 'genetic modifications of human babies', particularly in light of recent events. This idea continues to move from sci-fi movies to mainstream news & current affairs programmes.

General Trends

There will be a short period (approximately 2019 - 2023) - when lung cancer becomes treatable - where cigarettes become popular again.

Despite this, overall air pollution falls at an ever-accelerating rate; as transport gradually shifts to electric propulsion. Several diseases begin to decline as a result.

Noise pollution also falls at an ever-accelerating rate, as transport (& various tools) gradually move to electric power.

Incidentally - if you're wondering how we did last time around, here's the list.

Over to you. What are your thoughts on the various predictions above - both the content and the timeframes? Anything you'd change, or add?

And what are your own predictions for next year, both for the fitness and medical worlds? Drop a comment below.