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 : 5 Surprising Factors That Drive Training Results
  'Napalm' Jedd Johnson
  Has your workout been stale lately?

  
  

• Looking At : Jun 5, 2015
  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, here's how.

Video : Functional Roles of Muscles

Another great bit of anatomy education.

Gymchat 277 - 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 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 213 we discussed How to get BIGGER and STRONGER (with Josh Hewett, Suneet Sebastian, Louis Farone, Paul Marsland and Jason Paris). 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 a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Overhand Card Tearing

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.

---

When it comes to the various feats of performing strongmen & women, one that frequently comes to mind is the tearing of a deck of cards. In the article Overhand Card Tearing, Bikes Cut the Correct Way, Adam explains the basic technique for doing exactly that :

1. 

   Hold it firmly.
   Hold the deck firmly with your weak hand (right side shown for me) with the deck firmly and horizontal to the floor.
   
2. 

   Pinch the deck.
   Pinch the deck with the strong hand with the thumb and index finger. It's the same grip you use to use a remote control.
   
3. 

   Pull towards your chest.
   Pull your strong hand (pinch side) towards your chest. The index finger splits the deck. You must pinch hard!
   
4. 

   Turn your weak hand towards the floor.
   Continue to pull hand towards your chest, turn your weak hand towards the floor. The deck will rip - not twist - if you have a tight grip. The tear line will be clean.
   
5. 

   Separate the deck.
   Continue to pinch the deck hard and pull back towards your chest until you separate the deck. The line will be a clean cut right through the deck. With this method you can put the cut anywhere you want on the deck.
   

Tearing cards.

It takes pain tolerance and hand strength with this method. Keep practicing. THERE IS NO TRICK. Rub some lip balm on your hands after you tear if the skin is raw.
I can now rip decks of bicycles in less than 3 seconds, and quarter them in a second with this grip. It makes you strong.

NB : it's certainly possible, but by no means easy. If you enjoyed doing that and would like to take it a step further, check out Jedd's superb Card Tearing eBook. Invaluable resource.

Checking Out : The Strength Calisthenics Certification (SCC)

This sounds fantastic.

A stripped-down version of the 3-day PCC we looked at a while ago, the Strength Calisthenics Certification (SCC) sounds like the ideal introduction to the world of progressive calisthenics work.

Full details over on the Dragon Door page, but briefly; the course covers cornerstone movements such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats and bridges - in an intensive, 1-day seminar. Perfect.

---

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.

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 :

• A Commercial Gym in 2020
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Training in 5 years' time.

  
  

• Looking At : May 31, 2015
  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, here's how.

Video : How to Bench Press, with Eric Spoto

Excellent tutorial.

Gymchat 277 - 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 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 255 we discussed Pillars of Paleo (with Kettlebell and CrossFit Coach Adam Farrah and 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.

Tip of the Week: Dynamic Thumb Training with the Titan's Telegraph Key

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 grip work; it's a great way to challenge yourself. It's also a particularly fun way to train.

Still, there's always a different way of looking at things. Here's an excellent example of that - Jedd shows just how a piece of equipment like the TTK can be put to a slightly uncommon use. I'll let him explain.

From the article Getting the Most out of Your TTK :

Thumb training can be broken up into at least four different types: Dynamic, Static, and Extensor, and Multi-Planar.

The focus of this article will be Dynamic thumb training with the Titan's Telegraph Key, or TTK.

One way to mix things up a bit is to make the Range of Motion longer by adding something underneath the finger-side handle. A catalog is a perfect choice for this. This makes the hand work through a longer range of motion the muscles are not used to. The first time I did this, I was sore for several days from the new stimulus. This technique has worked great for me in my quest for lifting heavier and wider block weights.

A brief demonstration :

Love it.

Looking Forward To : Jedd Johnson's Inch Dumbbell DVD

Really looking forward to this one.

The list of books to read / videos to watch seems to have grown rapidly over the past couple of weeks (and here's my Goodreads page if you'd like to add to it). Next up is Jedd's Inch Dumbbell DVD; and as with all of his stuff, it looks fantastic.

Full review shortly - Jedd Johnson's Inch Dumbbell DVD.

---

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.

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 : DIY - Home-Made Gym Equipment
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Time to make your own.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 30, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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 more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Rope Row with Eccentric Control

Interesting idea.

Gymchat 266 - Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself (Sincere Hogan)

I first read about this concept in the writings of Robert Cialdini (highly recommended), and I have to say that it works extremely well.

This week we'll be discussing what it is, and the many ways to use it in a fitness context. Whether you're on the Regular Gymgoer or Fitness Professional side of the fence.

Helping us tackle this one is New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Sincere and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly.

And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself
When : Monday Dec 1, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Coming Up : We've got several fantastic discussions coming up shortly - with Powerlifter Bill Piche, Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Palfrey and many, many others. Of course, we're always scheduling more; if you'd like to suggest either a topic or a person that should definitely be on the show, drop us a line. Cheers.

Tip of the Week: License Plate Tearing 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.

This tip comes to us from performing Strongman Chris Rider, and is from his superb article Tearing A License Plate. Enjoy.

---

Following a thorough description of the safety requirements for performing this feat (and it really can be a dangerous one, so proceed carefully), comes the basic technique involved. Over to Chris :

Now that we have ourselves protected, it's time to grab the plate. I personally like to tear plates at chest level, and that is the method I am going to discuss. As a dry run without a plate, place your dominant hand in a hammer style grip. Place the pinky side of that hand just above the bottom of the sternum. Now place the other fist in the same manner below the dominant one so you have the thumb side of the non-dominant and the pinky side of the dominant meeting. Squeeze as hard as you can and push your hands in opposite directions with the top hand going slightly upward and the bottom hand going slightly downward. If you push straight through, the potential for being cut dramatically increases.

Want more? No problem. Head over to the original article, and watch the video below to see it in action. Beautiful.

Checking Out : 20% Off Everything at Dragon Door

There are certainly plenty of sales at this time of year. All manner of books, DVDs and strength-training equipment.

One that I've been checking out here (stocking up on a few things) is the 20% sale at Dragon Door. 20% off absolutely everything.

Just use the code CMSALE at checkout.

btw, we've noted several of the items as they've appeared - books, DVDs and the various kettlebell packages. It's great stuff.

---

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.

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 : Using Pulse Rate to Determine Rest Break Length
  Scott Andrew Bird
  How long do you rest between sets?

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 23, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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 more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Using a Foam Roller

Good demonstration Mike.

Gymchat 264 - 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 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.

Coming Up : We've got several fantastic discussions coming up shortly - with Powerlifter Bill Piche, Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Palfrey and many, many others. Of course, we're always scheduling more; if you'd like to suggest either a topic or a person that should definitely be on the show, drop us a line. Cheers.

Tip of the Week: Improvements in Fitness Trained Autistic Clients

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 comes to us from Eric Chessen, and was part of the conversation on Fitness & Autism. Great discussion.

---

From the Fitness & Autism discussion, in response to the question :

What kind of short term and long term improvements do you see in your autistic clients once you start training them?

It depends on the individual, but it is never only physical improvement. That's why I created the PAC Profile, because we're never just looking at physical ability, but adaptive and cognitive abilities as well. In the short-term, I've had athletes begin to really enjoy movement and improve in their gross motor skills, strength, stability, and stamina.

In the long term it becomes a lifestyle, and the athletes begin to embrace movement and fitness.

Good stuff. Whether you know autistic individuals or not, it's great to know what's possible.

Re-Investigating : The TRX Suspension Trainer

As you might expect at this time of the year, we've been talking a lot lately about training when travelling. How to get the sweat flowing when you're away from home.

Personally, I'm a big fan of suspension training - been using a TRX for years. Beautiful thing.

I'm sure that many of you have seen things like the TRX in action; or used one yourself. Just in case though, here's a bit of video to help show what it is and how you can put it to work :

Cheers Umberto.

And of course, there's Derek's excellent guide on getting the most out of this incredible tool : Suspension Training 101. Absolutely free.

---

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.

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 : Blast from the Past - Neck Training Methods
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Ready for a seriously strong neck?

  
  

• Looking At : Jun 29, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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 more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : The Pass Around

Nice one.

Gymchat 251 - Gaining Maximum Functional Muscle Mass (Bud Jeffries)

What's the relationship between size and strength? How much muscle mass do you need to add to get seriously strong, and at what point does it actually work against you?

This week we'll be tackling this enigmatic area with the incredible Bud Jeffries, who I first saw performing in 2006 (he was tackling a bottom-up-squat with an insane 1,000lb).


Joining Bud is Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Bud and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask them directly.

And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : Performing Strongman Bud Jeffries, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Gaining Maximum Functional Muscle Mass
When : Wednesday Jul 2, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, or join the hangout (get your questions ready), directly on the Event page. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 250 we discussed Serious Training for Ignored Populations (with Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist Bill Kociaba, 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.

Tip of the Week: Overhand Card Tearing

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.

---

When it comes to the various feats of performing strongmen & women, one that frequently comes to mind is the tearing of a deck of cards. In the article Overhand Card Tearing, Bikes Cut the Correct Way, Adam explains the basic technique for doing exactly that :

1. 

   Hold it firmly.
   Hold the deck firmly with your weak hand (right side shown for me) with the deck firmly and horizontal to the floor.
   
2. 

   Pinch the deck.
   Pinch the deck with the strong hand with the thumb and index finger. It's the same grip you use to use a remote control.
   
3. 

   Pull towards your chest.
   Pull your strong hand (pinch side) towards your chest. The index finger splits the deck. You must pinch hard!
   
4. 

   Turn your weak hand towards the floor.
   Continue to pull hand towards your chest, turn your weak hand towards the floor. The deck will rip - not twist - if you have a tight grip. The tear line will be clean.
   
5. 

   Separate the deck.
   Continue to pinch the deck hard and pull back towards your chest until you separate the deck. The line will be a clean cut right through the deck. With this method you can put the cut anywhere you want on the deck.
   

Tearing cards.

It takes pain tolerance and hand strength with this method. Keep practicing. THERE IS NO TRICK. Rub some lip balm on your hands after you tear if the skin is raw.
I can now rip decks of bicycles in less than 3 seconds, and quarter them in a second with this grip. It makes you strong.

NB : it's certainly possible, but by no means easy. If you enjoyed doing that and would like to take it a step further, check out Jedd's superb Card Tearing eBook. Invaluable resource.

Checking Out : Personal Trainer Magazine

Looks great.

Although I'm not a Personal Trainer myself, I'm very much interested in the world of fitness. From both the client and business sides of things.

With that in mind, I'm certainly intrigued by John Spencer Ellis' Personal Trainer Magazine. Available in both PDF and Kindle forms (same content, it's just personal preference), I'll be checking it out tonight. Review soon.

Personal Trainer 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.

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 Pistol Squat
  Al Kavadlo
  Time to build a new neurological pathway.

  
  

• Looking At : May 25, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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 more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Raw Series, Back - Seated Cable Row

Nice one.

Gymchat 248 - 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 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 247 we discussed The Power of Visualization (with Personal Trainers (and Strength Athletes) Jen Mulhall and 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.

Tip of the Week: Dynamic Thumb Training with the Titan's Telegraph Key

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 grip work; it's a great way to challenge yourself. It's also a particularly fun way to train.

Still, there's always a different way of looking at things. Here's an excellent example of that - Jedd shows just how a piece of equipment like the TTK can be put to a slightly uncommon use. I'll let him explain.

From the article Getting the Most out of Your TTK :

Thumb training can be broken up into at least four different types: Dynamic, Static, and Extensor, and Multi-Planar.

The focus of this article will be Dynamic thumb training with the Titan's Telegraph Key, or TTK.

One way to mix things up a bit is to make the Range of Motion longer by adding something underneath the finger-side handle. A catalog is a perfect choice for this. This makes the hand work through a longer range of motion the muscles are not used to. The first time I did this, I was sore for several days from the new stimulus. This technique has worked great for me in my quest for lifting heavier and wider block weights.

A brief demonstration :

Love it.

Re-Reading : Convict Conditioning 2

Great read.

We first talked about this one a couple of years ago - Paul Wade's excellent Convict Conditioning 2 - and it's safe to say that there are some very interesting ideas in there. It's full of them.

To give you an idea, here's a brief piece from one of the comments on the Dragon Door page :

In plain English, but with an amazing understanding of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and, go figure, psychology, Coach Wade explains very simply how to work the smaller but just as important areas of the body such as the hands and forearms, neck and calves and obliques in serious functional ways.

His minimalist approach to exercise belies the complexity of his system and the deep insight into exactly how the body works and the best way to get from A to Z in the shortest time possible.

Convict Conditioning 2. Fantastic.

---

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.

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 : 29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner
  Jason Kirby
  It's incredible just how much you can do with a humble barbell.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 24, 2013
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Human Flag Tutorial

Nice one.

Gymchat 226 - Advances in Strength & Power Development (Craig Bongelli)

A deceptively simple question : How do you go from the 'strongest person in the gym' to 'strongest in the area'? In short, how do you become seriously powerful?

Tackling this - from both a strength athletics and a power-hungry gym rat perspective - is competitive Strongman and Strength Coach Craig Bongelli, joined by Strongman and Personal Trainer Josh Hewett. If you've got questions for Craig or Josh, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat (during the discussion itself). Details below.

Details -

Who : Competitive Strongman and Strength Coach Craig Bongelli, joined by Strongman and Personal Trainer Josh Hewett
Topic : Advances in Strength & Power Development
When : Wednesday Nov 27, 9pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone)
How : Watch the live stream, and ask questions, directly on the Event page. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

See you there.

Previously : Last week we held Gymchat 225 - How to Master the Inner Game (with Personal Trainers (and Strength Athletes) Jen Mulhall and Josh Hewett). Great discussion.

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

---

Coming Up : we've got several fantastic discussions lined up for the next few months - featuring Mike 'The Machine' Bruce, Ben McLaughlin and many, many more. Details shortly.

And if you'd like to suggest a future topic or take part in one of the upcoming Gymchats, just drop Josh a line. We'd love to hear from you.

Movember 2013

If you haven't seen it yet, check out Josh's moustache-growing prowess for Movember 2013. And if you'd like to support him (well, prostate cancer research actually) in this quest, head over to his donation page :

http://ca.movember.com/mospace/7377745

btw, if you're unfamiliar with Movember and just want to see what it's all about, Josh has a brief intro video here :

http://straighttothebar.com/movember2013/

cheers.

Tip of the Week: License Plate Tearing 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.

This tip comes to us from performing Strongman Chris Rider, and is from his superb article Tearing A License Plate. Enjoy.

---

Following a thorough description of the safety requirements for performing this feat (and it really can be a dangerous one, so proceed carefully), comes the basic technique involved. Over to Chris :

Now that we have ourselves protected, it's time to grab the plate. I personally like to tear plates at chest level, and that is the method I am going to discuss. As a dry run without a plate, place your dominant hand in a hammer style grip. Place the pinky side of that hand just above the bottom of the sternum. Now place the other fist in the same manner below the dominant one so you have the thumb side of the non-dominant and the pinky side of the dominant meeting. Squeeze as hard as you can and push your hands in opposite directions with the top hand going slightly upward and the bottom hand going slightly downward. If you push straight through, the potential for being cut dramatically increases.

Want more? No problem. Head over to the original article, and watch the video below to see it in action. Beautiful.

Checking Out : Bret Contreras' Hip Thruster

These look great.

And as we mentioned recently, they're now available in the UK (cheers Matt - great site); we'll be reviewing one shortly. In the meantime, here's a bit of video to give you an idea of what the Hip Thruster is :

Good stuff. Thanks Bret, looks like a great piece of gear.

---

Quick update on the Lift the Blob package we mentioned recently - fantastic collection.

I'd love to hear how you go with it; when it comes to tackling this challenging feat you really can't go past Lift the Blob. Superb.

---

This tip comes to us from performing Strongman Chris Rider, and is from his superb article Tearing A License Plate. Enjoy.

Following a thorough description of the safety requirements for performing this feat (and it really can be a dangerous one, so proceed carefully), comes the basic technique involved. Over to Chris :

Now that we have ourselves protected, it's time to grab the plate. I personally like to tear plates at chest level, and that is the method I am going to discuss. As a dry run without a plate, place your dominant hand in a hammer style grip. Place the pinky side of that hand just above the bottom of the sternum. Now place the other fist in the same manner below the dominant one so you have the thumb side of the non-dominant and the pinky side of the dominant meeting. Squeeze as hard as you can and push your hands in opposite directions with the top hand going slightly upward and the bottom hand going slightly downward. If you push straight through, the potential for being cut dramatically increases.

Want more? No problem. Head over to the original article, and watch the video below to see it in action. Beautiful.

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 :

• Virtual Training Partners
  Scott Andrew Bird
  We've discussed many things over the years relating to the 'Future of Fitness'. Here's one of the many things I'd love to see personally; how about you? Do you think that the idea of Virtual Training Partners is plausible, and desirable?

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 17, 2013
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Gymnastic Strength Training

Looking for ideas? Try a few of these.

Gymchat 225 - How to Master the Inner Game (Jen Mulhall)

Mental Toughness. Focus. Determination.

All great things, and essential components of strength training - whether you're a competitive athlete or simply looking to move a little closer to your goals. Question is, how do you achieve them?


This week we'll be answering precisely that, looking at the various skills and tools available to help you 'Master the Inner Game'. Helping us navigate this fascinating area are Personal Trainers (and Strength Athletes) Jen Mulhall and Josh Hewett. If you've got questions for Jen or Josh, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat (during the discussion itself). Details below.

Details -

Who : Personal Trainers (and Strength Athletes) Jen Mulhall and Josh Hewett
Topic : How to Master the Inner Game (Train Your Brain!)
When : Wednesday Nov 20, 9pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone)
How : Watch the live stream, and ask questions, directly on the Event page. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

See you there.

Previously : Last week we held Gymchat 223 - Progressive Calisthenics (with Al Kavadlo and Josh Hewett). Great discussion.

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

---

Coming Up : we've got several fantastic discussions lined up for the next few months - featuring Mike 'The Machine' Bruce, Craig Bongelli and many, many more. Details shortly.

And if you'd like to suggest a future topic or take part in one of the upcoming Gymchats, just drop Josh a line. We'd love to hear from you.

Movember 2013

If you haven't seen it yet, check out Josh's moustache-growing prowess for Movember 2013. And if you'd like to support him (well, prostate cancer research actually) in this quest, head over to his donation page :

http://ca.movember.com/mospace/7377745

btw, if you're unfamiliar with Movember and just want to see what it's all about, Josh has a brief intro video here :

http://straighttothebar.com/movember2013/

cheers.

Tip of the Week: Improvements in Fitness Trained Autistic Clients

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 comes to us from Eric Chessen, and was part of last year's conversation on Fitness & Autism. Great discussion.

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From the Fitness & Autism discussion, in response to the question :

What kind of short term and long term improvements do you see in your autistic clients once you start training them?

It depends on the individual, but it is never only physical improvement. That's why I created the PAC Profile, because we're never just looking at physical ability, but adaptive and cognitive abilities as well. In the short-term, I've had athletes begin to really enjoy movement and improve in their gross motor skills, strength, stability, and stamina.

In the long term it becomes a lifestyle, and the athletes begin to embrace movement and fitness.

Good stuff. Whether you know autistic individuals or not, it's great to know what's possible.

Checking Out : Progressive Calisthenics Instructor Certification Workshop

These look fantastic.

The PCC workshops are the ones that Al Kavadlo mentioned in the last Gymchat. If you're at all interested in giving calisthenics a serious run, check them out.

To give you a quick idea of what's involved, a spot of video :

Perfect.

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Quick update on the Lift the Blob package we mentioned recently - fantastic collection.

I'd love to hear how you go with it; when it comes to tackling this challenging feat you really can't go past Lift the Blob. Superb.

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 : Using Pulse Rate to Determine Rest Break Length
  Scott Andrew Bird
  How long do you rest betweens sets? More importantly, how do you determine that?

  
  

• Looking At : Jun 30, 2013
  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 : How To Squat With Perfect Form

Good stuff Jonnie.

Gymchat 203 - Explaining Crossfit Principles (with Dai 'The Moose' Manuel)

If you've spent any time exploring the world of fitness, chances are you've heard of CrossFit.

This week we're going to be discussing the thinking behind it - what it is, and the logic behind doing things the CrossFit way. The daily workouts, Olympic Lifting, diet and a whole lot more. Helping us tackle it is CrossFit Level 1 Coach, Dai Manuel. Fantastic.

NB : I'm very keen to hear both Dai's thinking on CrossFit, and yours. If you've got questions or opinions on the CrossFit approach, join us on the Hangout. Here's how.

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Details -

Who : CrossFit Level 1 Coach, Dai Manuel, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine and you.
Topic : Explaining Crossfit Principles
When : Wednesday Jul 3, 9pm EST
How : Google+ Hangout. If you've never been to one, here's how to take part.
URL : We'll be announcing this shortly - both on the blog and on Google+ itself.

NB : If this is the first time you're joining us for one of the Video Gymchats, welcome. There are three basic ways to watch this (depending on whether you want to join us on the Hangout and ask a question or two, or just sit back and take it all in) - full details here. However you like to do it, we've got you covered.

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Coming Up : In upcoming Gymchats we'll be discussing Rope Training, Sandbag Work for Beginners and the Fitness Future of technologies such as Google Glass. Get your questions ready.


And if you'd like to suggest a topic for a future discussion - or volunteer to be interviewed on the show - just drop us a line. Cheers.

Tip of the Week: Overhand Card Tearing

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.

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When it comes to the various feats of performing strongmen & women, one that frequently comes to mind is the tearing of a deck of cards. In the article Overhand Card Tearing, Bikes Cut the Correct Way, Adam explains the basic technique for doing exactly that :

• 

  Hold it firmly.
  Hold the deck firmly with your weak hand (right side shown for me) with the deck firmly and horizontal to the floor.
  
• 

  Pinch the deck.
  Pinch the deck with the strong hand with the thumb and index finger. It's the same grip you use to use a remote control.
  
• 

  Pull towards your chest.
  Pull your strong hand (pinch side) towards your chest. The index finger splits the deck. You must pinch hard!
  
• 

  Turn your weak hand towards the floor.
  Continue to pull hand towards your chest, turn your weak hand towards the floor. The deck will rip - not twist - if you have a tight grip. The tear line will be clean.
  
• 

  Separate the deck.
  Continue to pinch the deck hard and pull back towards your chest until you separate the deck. The line will be a clean cut right through the deck. With this method you can put the cut anywhere you want on the deck.
  

It takes pain tolerance and hand strength with this method. Keep practicing. THERE IS NO TRICK. Rub some lip balm on your hands after you tear if the skin is raw.

I can now rip decks of bicycles in less than 3 seconds, and quarter them in a second with this grip. It makes you strong.

NB : it's certainly possible, but by no means easy. If you enjoyed doing that and would like to take it a step further, check out Jedd's superb Card Tearing eBook. Invaluable resource.

Checking Out : Bodybuilders Never Die

I love finding out how people got from there to here.

Next on the reading list is Jim Moore's Bodybuilders Never Die - They Simply Lose Their Pump, a look at his transformation from skinny teenager to national champion. And as he freely admits, there were one or two challenges along the way.

Bodybuilders Never Die. Comes out today.

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Quick update on the Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits we mentioned recently - superb idea.

As we noted, we'll be reviewing these shortly. And if you missed the announcement, here's a brief video to explain the basic idea :

For more information, head on over to the official site - renaissancefitnessinc.com.