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 : 7 Health & Fitness Monitoring Devices
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  The technology may have changed a little, but the basic idea is the same : measure everthing, constantly.

  
  

• Looking At : May 1, 2016
  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 : Spinal Anti-Extension Strength

What it is, and how to build it.

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.

Previously : In Gymchat 185 we discussed Training for Marathons & Triathlons (with Ultrarunner, airline captain and insanely competitive triathlete, Chas Melichar, joined by Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine). Great conversation.

If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.


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: A Routine for Neck-Training Beginners

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.

---

I love a dose of neck training. Using a neck harness, a fitness ball, bodyweight exercises and so on. There are certainly more than a few ways to do it.

This tip comes to us from one of the Gymchats on this area, and is a routine aimed at complete neck-training beginners who are looking to get started on this wonderful journey. Over to Andrew Nalepa.

Good news for anyone who is beginning neck training, "you" are pretty much all you need. I like Mike Bruce's beginner program on Straight to the Bar, but another really simple beginner program is this :

Lay on your back on the floor, or on your bed, and just raise your head, curling your chin to your upper chest, as many times as you can. Then lay on your stomach, and raise your chin to the ceiling as many times as possible. Then lay on your side and curl your ear toward your shoulder as many times as you can, and then lay on your other side and do the same thing.

Many people who have never done any neck training have difficulty just laying on their back and curling just their head 20 times. It is a really simple starting point just using gravity. To progress, you could do more reps, do more sets, or start holding a book to your head as you do your repetitions.

NB : if you like the sound of this and want to further explore the wonderful world of neck training, check out the free guide here. The exercises, equipment and techniques you'll need.

Checking Out : Fit Biz Magazine - The Magazine for Fitness Business Owners

This looks superb.

Fit Biz Magazine is both a physical and digital magazine, focused squarely on the 'running a fitness business' side of things. Whether that's a gym, an online offering or a regular gathering in a local park.

Created by the incredible Mark de Grasse (and if you don't know Mark's training approach, here's a peek at one of his own workouts to give you an idea), it's promising indeed. To find out more - and to grab the first issue - swing by the project's Kickstarter page :

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fitbizmag/fit-biz-magazine-the-magazine-for-fitness-business

Fit Biz Magazine.

---

Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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

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

• Gem From The Vault : GripWalking
  Dan Hardisky
  A great way to get a little grip work.

  
  

• Looking At : Apr 24, 2016
  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 : Training For Life

The long-term benefit of a regular dose of training (bodyweight work in this case, but it applies to anything). Good stuff.

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.

Previously : In Gymchat 185 we discussed Training for Marathons & Triathlons (with Ultrarunner, airline captain and insanely competitive triathlete, Chas Melichar, joined by Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine). Great conversation.

If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.


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: Ice for Better Sleep

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.

---

Sleep is easily my favourite form of recovery. Huge fan of a well-timed nap, and the associated dietary fine-tuning. Love it.

This tip comes to us from the Gymchat on sleep as a recovery method, and is a comment by Personal Trainer Derek Peruo on how he helps his new clients get a solid dose of shut-eye. Very interesting approach.

Over to Derek :

For sleep, I usually recommend zinc and magnesium. If those don't help, I also recommend an ice pack to the back of the neck right before bed.

The ice pack lowers core temperature and promotes the release of melatonin.

And yes, all of those things work extremely well. Good stuff.

Checking Out : Virtual Care Course

This is a very interesting area - Virtual Care. Think 'top-ups' rather than the main visit; for GPs, sports therapists, physios and so on.

---

Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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

Great read.

I'm a big fan of both physical and mental strength, and this book has an intriguing combination of the two. Mark Divine's 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.

Here's a comment from the Amazon page to give you a taste :

Jumping into this program taught me something really important: you cannot HIDE from the work required here. I've been doing more traditional weight lifting and strength programs at the gym over the last many months, and while the plans and programs have gone rather well for me, in just six days of working on this program I realized that I hadn't been giving it my all, and I'd been cutting corners. With 8 Weeks to SEALfit, if you stay committed to the work in front of you, you can't hide. And that's a great thing.

Good stuff. 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.

---

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 : Outdoor Log Workout
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  A great way to get some fresh air.

  
  

• Looking At : Apr 17, 2016
  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 : Building Strength And Mobility for Handstands

A great demonstration of several strength and mobility exercises to assist your handstand progress.

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.

Previously : In Gymchat 277 we discussed Barefoot Running - (Believe the Hype!) (with Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.


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: Speedbag Punch Technique

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

---

The humble speedbag is a fantastic tool. When it comes to the right way to use it, there's no better place to discuss technique than the incredible Speed Bag Forum.

Amazing place.

This tip comes to us from SBF's own Alan Kahn, and looks at a couple of the basic techniques (leading up to a front + side punch combination). Good stuff.

Re-Reading : 8 Weeks to SEALFIT - A Navy SEAL's Guide to Unconventional Training for Physical and Mental Toughness

Great read.

I'm a big fan of both physical and mental strength, and this book has an intriguing combination of the two. Mark Divine's 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.

Here's a comment from the Amazon page to give you a taste :

Jumping into this program taught me something really important: you cannot HIDE from the work required here. I've been doing more traditional weight lifting and strength programs at the gym over the last many months, and while the plans and programs have gone rather well for me, in just six days of working on this program I realized that I hadn't been giving it my all, and I'd been cutting corners. With 8 Weeks to SEALfit, if you stay committed to the work in front of you, you can't hide. And that's a great thing.

Good stuff. 8 Weeks to SEALFIT.

---

Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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

Perfect.

We first mentioned this one a couple of years ago now, and you'll be pleased to know that Josh is currently using it for his hypertrophy goals - full details shortly.

In the meantime, a quick look at what BAHT is and how to get it :

---

Josh Hewett's shared some fantastic information over the years - in the form of videos, articles and, well, just doing it. Good stuff.

Basic Anabolic Hypertrophy Training is a detailed guide to putting a little more muscle on your frame; regardless of your starting point. A summary of what works, why, and how to use it. If you're serious about getting bigger, this is an excellent place to start.

Best of all, it's absolutely free. Basic Anabolic Hypertrophy Training.

---

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 : Lift Fast, Lift Strong
  Justin Andrushko | Follow @JustinAndrushk1
  The benefits of lifting fast.

  
  

• Looking At : Apr 10, 2016
  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 Slide And Drag

If you're having trouble keeping the bar close to your body when performing the Olympic Lifts, try this.

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.

Previously : In Gymchat 277 we discussed Barefoot Running - (Believe the Hype!) (with Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you can watch the entire video here.


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: Neck Bridge Progressions

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 in the form of a video which we first saw back in 2008; I was reminded of this technique after a brief discussion of neck training over on Google+. It's a very interesting series of neck bridge variations.

---

Over to Martin Rooney :

Good stuff.

Re-Reading : Basic Anabolic Hypertrophy Training

Perfect.

We first mentioned this one a couple of years ago now, and you'll be pleased to know that Josh is currently using it for his hypertrophy goals - full details shortly.

In the meantime, a quick look at what BAHT is and how to get it :

---

Josh Hewett's shared some fantastic information over the years - in the form of videos, articles and, well, just doing it. Good stuff.

Basic Anabolic Hypertrophy Training is a detailed guide to putting a little more muscle on your frame; regardless of your starting point. A summary of what works, why, and how to use it. If you're serious about getting bigger, this is an excellent place to start.

Best of all, it's absolutely free. Basic Anabolic Hypertrophy Training.

---

Quick update on the Hip Thruster we mentioned recently - fantastic thing.

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

Submitting Articles

One of the things I really enjoy in the world of strength training is people's willingness to share their ideas. Everywhere you look, someone's performing an exercise in a different way; or using an uncommon training technique.
If you'd like to share your own strength-training insights, a guest post on Straight to the Bar might be just what you're looking for. Whether you're a personal trainer, professional athlete or just someone who loves this stuff; an article here will put you in touch with some incredible readers.

The process involved is nice and painless. To share an article, simply log in and copy/paste your article from your word processor of choice. One of the editors here will review it, and publish as soon as possible.

If you'd like to join the superb team of writers here, let me know.

Talking About It

The other side of the articles is the conversation beneath each one, which discusses the various points raised in the article itself. Many of the Straight to the Bar writers have contributed greatly to many of the posts on this site.

If you'd like to do the same, I'd highly recommend starting with the 'Best of Straight to the Bar' articles. You'll find them all here :

straighttothebar.com/articles

Pointing to Upcoming Competitions & Events

If you know of a strongman or bodybuilding competition - or a similar fitness-related event - tell us about it. Just add it to the Strength Calendar, and point everyone to it. You'll find the calendar here :

docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Apakfv2ufLhsdFd2UXBtS3JjY0N4bnpBY0wxS1lfR1E

The Gymchats

If you'd like to be on an upcoming Gymchat (the weekly interviews) - or would simply like to point us to someone you'd love to see on the show - feel free to contact Josh directly. You'll find all his contact details here.

Asking Questions, Seeking Help

We also receive a number of messages asking specific questions, and asking for help. Greatly appreciated.

The best place for these is in the Straight to the Bar Community on Google+ : plenty of trainers, coaches and serious fitness enthusiasts over there. Or for things which are a little more confidential, you can also contact us privately. Either way is fine.