Results matching “thumb”

Monday, 20 May 2013 - Issues

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 :

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 : Iso Hold Bench Training


From Mike :

Holds as close to chest as possible without touching. Last set of 250 5X3 and last set of close grip with 185 (legs up). These things suck, but man they work.

Good stuff.


Gymchat 203 - TBA

Mystery Guest
Mystery Guest.
We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Google+ etc) shortly; here are the various ways to watch/join in.

However you take part, enjoy.

btw, Kirk's offline for a couple of weeks - I'll let him fill everyone in on the details when he gets back. In the meantime, we'll be presenting a couple of guest-hosted Gymchats. And if you'd like to help moderate one of them, just let me know.




Details -

Who : TBA
Topic : TBA
When : Wednesday May 22, 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.





Coming Up : In upcoming Gymchats we'll be discussing CrossFit, Rope Training 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: 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.


TTK
TTK.
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.


Checking Out : Push and Crush

This looks great.

'Napalm' Jedd Johnson's Push and Crush shares a somewhat unorthodox (but extremely effective) way to train with grippers. It involves a mix of both gripper training and specific multi-joint lifts. Sounds great.

Full details of the course are over on The Grip Authority site; suffice to say though, it's comprehensive. And if you've been lucky enough to check out any of Jedd's other work, you know you're in for a treat.

Push and Crush.




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.

Monday, 25 Feb 2013 - Issues

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 :

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 : 1st Griptopz Champs - Susana Ferreira


A spot of video from the first Griptopz Championships. Nice one.



Gymchat 198 - The Science of Muscle Growth (with Kevin Stock)

Kevin Stock
Kevin Stock.
How do you grow muscle in the healthiest, strongest and fastest way possible? Whether that's for strength, size & shape or simply because it makes everything you do just that little bit easier?

This week we're going to be talking about the science of muscle growth; what to do, when and how often. Helping us tackle this one is Chemist & Personal Trainer Kevin Stock, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine and You. Should be a great one.

NB : I'm very keen to hear both Kevin's thinking on these areas, and yours. If you've got questions or opinions on body composition and muscle growth, join us on the Hangout. Here's how.



Details -

Who : Chemist & Personal Trainer Kevin Stock, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine and You
Topic : The Science of Muscle Growth
When : Wednesday Feb 27, 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 you're keen to fire in a question or three, be sure to get there early. In addition to Kirk and the Interviewee, only the first 8 people to join us on the Hangout (and here's how) will be able to join in the conversation. Everyone else will be able to watch, but not ask questions.

See you there.





Previously : In Gymchat 195 we talked about 'Fitness Over 40', with Corporate Trainer Kevin Redman and Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. Great discussion.

If you missed the broadcast, the full video is available over on Kirk's Youtube Channel. That's also the best place to subscribe to the videos directly, and to see previous discussions.




If you'd like to suggest a future topic, or schedule an interview for one of the upcoming discussions, you can send us a message privately here, or swing by our Community site on Google+. Look forward to hearing from you.


Tip of the Week: Beginner Neck-Building Program

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 the obscenely strong Mike 'The Machine' Bruce, and is a snippet from his superb article Building A Neck Of Steel. Take a look.


Neck work - whether you're a beginner, or have been training for years - doesn't need to be that complicated. And if you're new to the area of neck strengthening, this is a great place to start.

Over to Mike :

Neck Harness lift
Now that's a neck harness lift.
Following is a beginner program to help get you started from Pencil Neck to Neck of Steel.
  • Neck Curls on a flat bench with weight 1-2 sets of 20-30 repetitions
  • Neck Harness work [same as above]
  • Side of Neck on a flat bench [same as above]


Do this every other day for the first month. Then you can increase the workload to every day you train. Or increase the weighted repetitions to 5 sets of 50 repetitions. Once you can attain 100 straight repetitions in the 3 exercises then it is time to increase the weight.



Good stuff.


Checking Out : GripTopz LeverTop

This looks fantastic.
The above video reminded me of just how many GripTopz variations there are, including the superb LeverTop. The video will give you a good idea of how it works, and a snippet from David Horne's rules page will give you an idea of how brutal this thing can be :
This event is a test of wrist and pronator strength.

Start by kneeling down beside the apparatus.
Grasp the handle only, with one hand, in an underhand grip with the thumb side closer to the loading pin.

You have to start the lift with your elbow tip touching the thigh top as you kneel on the floor. This keeps you from dropping the elbow too low. The lift is started with the forearm approximately parallel to the floor.

The apparatus is lifted in this style until the mark (at 6.5" from the floor) reaches or goes above the horizontal bar placed at 16.5", measured from the underside of the bar to the floor. This allows a 10" lift.

At this height, the forearm still has to be parallel to the floor, and the referee will now tell you that the height is achieved. After this you will hold the weight, with the arm parallel to the floor for 2 seconds. So the referee will say "height, one, down". Taking two seconds from the word height to the word down. This is a strict lift. If the arm doesn't stay parallel then it is a failed lift.

Superb. The GripTopz LeverTop.




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

As we noted, we'll be reviewing these just as soon as they're available. 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.

Monday, 10 Dec 2012 - Issues

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 :

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 : Kody Burns - New World Record 270.52 lb 2 Hand Pinch at Gripmas 2012

Fantastic.


The Straight to the Bar Community on Google+

Straight to the Bar Community on Google+
Straight to the Bar Community on Google+.
As you're no doubt well aware, I love talking about strength training - on the blog, on Twitter and so on. Can't get enough.

Joining the list is the Straight to the Bar Community on Google+, which is free and open to everyone who loves discussing strength-training techniques, events, equipment and a whole lot more. If you're also a huge fan of these things (and if you're reading this, you almost certainly are), come and say hello. Cheers.




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

NB : If you'd like to suggest a future topic, or schedule an interview for one of the upcoming discussions, just leave a note on the Community Page over on Google+. Alternatively you can contact us privately, over here. Look forward to hearing from you.


Tip of the Week: Setting up Bands for Dumbbell Benching

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, Google+, the forums, 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 the Diesel Crew, in the form of a quick video demonstration. How to set up bands for the dumbbell bench press.


It's actually fairly straightforward (once you've done it a couple of times). The steps :

  1. Create a loop
  2. Put a twist in the loop
  3. Set a neutral, thumb up hand postion inside the ends of the band
  4. Rotate the thumb down as you move the band to a upper to mid back position
  5. Maintain band tension as you pick up the bands and throughout the movement

A quick video demonstration :

Good stuff.


Straight to the Bar 2012 : Strength-Training Resources

We've noted a number of superb resources - books, DVDs, equipment, workshops and sites - in the newsletter this year. Here are a few personal favourites.

The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning
The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning.
Quick update on the The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning we mentioned recently - an incredible collection.

As you'll see, this book manages to distil an awful lot of RKC wisdom into a single package. A snippet from the Dragon Door site will give you the overall idea :


Since 2001 and the world's first Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Instructor Certification workshop, thousands of individuals--martial artists, first responders, military, and fitness and strength professionals, have learned how to use kettlebells quickly and safely. And then introduce the remarkable benefits of the kettelbell to a global community of kettlebell enthusiasts.

Many of these RKCs have created a wide variety of effective workout programs for their clients, customers, teams, and units. So, who better to answer the question "How do I use kettlebells to get the best possible results for ME and MY goals?" than these same RKCs?

We asked the RKC Instructors to submit their most prized workouts, so you can not only see, but also use proven programs that have been successfully used by these qualified experts. The result became The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning, replete with time-tested, results-producing kettlebell workouts that can satisfy the needs of newbie and pro alike, for years to come.

Some workouts are used to develop strength. Some are used for conditioning. All have produced results either for the instructors themselves, their clients, or both. Enjoy the pain!

Once again, it sounds fantastic. And if you check it out, drop me a line - I'd love to hear what you think. Cheers.

Monday, 19 Nov 2012 - Issues

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 :

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 : Increasing the Ankle's ROM

Good stuff.




Introducing the mini-Gymchats - the 'Gymchat Bites'

I love these discussions - can't get enough of them. Superb ways to find out how everyone else is training, and benefit from their experience. Fantastic.
In addition to the regular full-length Gymchats, we've decided to create a series of shorter conversations : Gymchat Bites. Just 10-15 minutes in length; same great topics. Good fun.

We'll be holding the first of these shortly. For everyone who's joining us, the details are :

Who : Personal Trainer Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo, Kirk Fontaine, and You
Topic : Supplementation
When : Tuesday Nov 20, 11am EST
How : Google+ Hangout. If you've never been to one, here's how to take part.

See you there.

NB : If you're keen to fire in a question or three, be sure to get there early. In addition to Derek and Kirk, only the first 8 people to join us on the Hangout (and here's how) will be able to join in the conversation. Everyone else will be able to watch, but not ask questions.

See you there.



If you'd like to suggest a future topic, or schedule an interview for one of the upcoming discussions, you can contact us here. Look forward to hearing from you.


Last Week : In Gymchat 190 we discussed Olympic Lifting with Karsten Jensen. Thanks to everyone who was able to watch live, always the best way to keep up with what's going on.


If you missed the broadcast, the full video is also available over on Kirk's Youtube Channel. That's also the best place to subscribe to the videos directly, and to see previous discussions.


Tip of the Week: License Plate Tearing Technique

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, Google+, the forums, 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 :

Tear it up
Tear it up.
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 : Deadlift Dynamite

Deadlift Dynamite
Deadlift Dynamite.
This looks great.

Deadlift Dynamite is a package by none other than Andy Bolton & Pavel Tsatsouline, designed to seriously increase your deadlift. The video below explains the details; but briefly, Deadlift Dynamite contains invaluable information on :



  • building a massive deadlift using proven strength techniques

  • a step-by-step beginner's plan for getting started in the iron game

  • becoming stronger year after year, even if you are an intermediate or advanced lifter

  • assistance exercises to take your strength and muscle mass to the next level

  • building enough speed and explosive power to dominate in any hard-core sport

  • smashing your bench press and squat PRs

  • minimising injury risk and ensuring your strength training longevity

And now the video :

Good stuff.




The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning
The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning.
Quick update on the The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning we mentioned recently - an incredible collection.

As you'll see, this book manages to distil an awful lot of RKC wisdom into a single package. A snippet from the Dragon Door site will give you the overall idea :


Since 2001 and the world's first Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Instructor Certification workshop, thousands of individuals--martial artists, first responders, military, and fitness and strength professionals, have learned how to use kettlebells quickly and safely. And then introduce the remarkable benefits of the kettelbell to a global community of kettlebell enthusiasts.

Many of these RKCs have created a wide variety of effective workout programs for their clients, customers, teams, and units. So, who better to answer the question "How do I use kettlebells to get the best possible results for ME and MY goals?" than these same RKCs?

We asked the RKC Instructors to submit their most prized workouts, so you can not only see, but also use proven programs that have been successfully used by these qualified experts. The result became The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning, replete with time-tested, results-producing kettlebell workouts that can satisfy the needs of newbie and pro alike, for years to come.

Some workouts are used to develop strength. Some are used for conditioning. All have produced results either for the instructors themselves, their clients, or both. Enjoy the pain!

Once again, it sounds fantastic. And if you check it out, drop me a line - I'd love to hear what you think. Cheers.

Monday, 12 Nov 2012 - Issues

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 :

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 : Andy Bolton - Key to a Big Deadlift

Good stuff.




Gymchat 190 : Olympic Lifting (Karsten Jensen)

No matter what your strength-training goals are, there's always room for a little Olympic Weightlifting. It's great stuff.

This week we'll be discussing exactly what it is, and the many ways to take advantage of all that it has to offer. Helping us tackle this one is Strength & Conditioning Coach Karsten Jensen, as well as Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. Should be a great one.


NB : If you're keen to fire in a question or three, be sure to get there early. In addition to Karsten and Kirk, only the first 8 people to join us on the Hangout (and here's how) will be able to join in the conversation. Everyone else will be able to watch, but not ask questions.

See you there.



Details -

Who : Karsten Jensen, Kirk Fontaine, and You
Topic : Olympic Lifting
When : Wednesday Nov 14, 9pm EST
How : Google+ Hangout. Follow either Kirk or Scott for details on the live feed.

See you there.



If you'd like to suggest a future topic, or schedule an interview for one of the upcoming discussions, you can contact us here. Look forward to hearing from you.


Giving: Movember


We've noted a number of fantastic health-related charities on this site, and topping the list is the incredible Movember. Love it.

Movember is simply an event held each November - for the entire month - involving the shaving/growing of moustaches; to raise awareness of prostate cancer testing and research. The goals are simply to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.

Taking part in this wonderful initiative this year is moderator of the video Gymchats, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. The video below explains the basics of what he's doing : and to financially support him in this quest head on over to his donation page. Greatly appreciated.

Fantastic.


Tip of the Week: Improvements in Fitness Trained Autistic Clients

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, Google+, the forums, 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.


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 : Kettlebell Juggling 2

Kettlebell Juggling 2
Kettlebell Juggling 2.
This is superb.

If you managed to get your hands on the first of these incredible packages, you know just what to expect. And in volume 2, Logan certainly delivers. Kettlebell Juggling 2.


If you didn't get a chance to check out the first offering, well, suffice to say that if you've ever thought about trying a spot of kettlebell juggling - this is the perfect way to learn how it's done. Love it.


The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning
The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning.
Quick update on the The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning we mentioned recently - an incredible collection.

As you'll see, this book manages to distil an awful lot of RKC wisdom into a single package. A snippet from the Dragon Door site will give you the overall idea :


Since 2001 and the world's first Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Instructor Certification workshop, thousands of individuals--martial artists, first responders, military, and fitness and strength professionals, have learned how to use kettlebells quickly and safely. And then introduce the remarkable benefits of the kettelbell to a global community of kettlebell enthusiasts.

Many of these RKCs have created a wide variety of effective workout programs for their clients, customers, teams, and units. So, who better to answer the question "How do I use kettlebells to get the best possible results for ME and MY goals?" than these same RKCs?

We asked the RKC Instructors to submit their most prized workouts, so you can not only see, but also use proven programs that have been successfully used by these qualified experts. The result became The RKC Book of Strength and Conditioning, replete with time-tested, results-producing kettlebell workouts that can satisfy the needs of newbie and pro alike, for years to come.

Some workouts are used to develop strength. Some are used for conditioning. All have produced results either for the instructors themselves, their clients, or both. Enjoy the pain!

Once again, it sounds fantastic. And if you check it out, drop me a line - I'd love to hear what you think. Cheers.

Monday, 1 Oct 2012 - Issues

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 :

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 : Rotational Bodyweight Training

Some very interesting bodyweight work from the Olympia. And I thought the suspended band push-ups were tough.


Gymchats : What Time?

For more than three years now we've been holding the Gymchats (previously called the Twitterchats) at the same time each week - 9pm Eastern (US). That's worked out well.

Having said that, it's probably about time I asked again. If you could choose the ideal day and time to watch them - and to ask a question or three - what time would you pick? On a weekend? Early in the morning on a Thursday? Late on a Tuesday night?

Any time at all. To offer a suggestion, just leave a comment on the 'What Time?' post over on the blog. Cheers.

NB : We'll post up details of this week's discussion shortly, following the above bit of rescheduling. In about 24 hours' time.


Tip of the Week : Finger Pressure

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


Mighty Joe Musselwhite's shared some incredible training methods over the years, for arm wrestling and for forearm work of all kinds. Nice one.

Here's a video from his Mighty Joe's Training Tips series, looking at a key aspect of armwrestling training - building Finger Pressure. Over to Joe.


Love it.


Checking Out : The Rotator Cuff Slosh Pipe

If you're like me, you love building your own fitness equipment from time to time. Whether it's for financial reasons, or simply to investigate a particular type of training before diving in; it's a great way to get started.

Next on the list - here, at least - is a great piece of equipment that Chris Melton shared recently - the Rotator Cuff Slosh Pipe. Nice one Chris.





Quick update on the StrongerGrip Modular Grip System (MGS) we mentioned recently - absolutely fantastic.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the video. Warning : you will want one.





Beautiful.

Monday, 25 Jun 2012 - Issues

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 :

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 : Club Swinging Introduction

This is a fantastic video.

Mark de Grasse pointed to this lecture by the incredible Richard 'Army' Maguire, held at Dan Inosanto's school in 2010. He outlines both the history and key benefits of a dose of club training; as well as demonstrating several basic techniques. Good stuff.

NB : it's certainly comprehensive, and runs a little over half an hour. If you've got a spare 30mins though, it's well worth watching. Love it.


Gymchat 175 - Stretching

Stretching. We all feel as though we should do some, but we're not quite sure when. Or how.

How do you get started? Before or after your workout? Is it really worth the effort?

This week we're going to discuss the various ways to get your stretch on, when to do it and the benefits of doing so. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Great Weight Lifting's John Cammidge.

Join John and I for Gymchat 175 - Stretching. Fantastic.


Details -

Who Great Weight Lifting's John Cammidge
Topic : Stretching
When : Wed Jun 27, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Where : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/URxB5xGCCVW

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask John any stretching-related questions you like.

See you there.


Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Training Around Injuries. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


Tip of the Week: Overhand Card Tearing

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


Tearing cards
Completed tear.
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 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.
    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 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
    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
    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
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 : Techniques for Light Indian Club Swinging (DVD)

If you watched the 'Army' Maguire video above, no doubt you're keen to dive in and learn the essential skills behind these tools. No matter what their weight.

Although there are many instructional videos on clubs of all kinds, I'm particularly keen to check out Army's own DVD - Techniques for Light Indian Club Swinging. Looks superb.


Quick update on the superb Fixing Elbow Pain we mentioned recently. Suffice to say that if you've ever experienced conditions like Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow, it's essential reading.

Love it.

Seated Plate Wrist Curls
Taking a seat on a chair and resting the elbows on the thighs is a great way to perform this incredible exercise.
One very well-known exercise to develop total lower arm strength and size (huge forearms with bursting veins) is the barbell wrist or forearm curl. This exercise can be overloaded to the point where your wrists will just not contract any longer. I have used this exercise in the past in various ways ranging from standing, sitting on an Olympic bench and even with a smith machine and each have provided me with excellent gains as well as an increased grip, benefiting me in real world applications. Well I have an even better exercise that even though along the same lines, will provide you with an increased grip development as well as less weight needed to receive added benefit.
The phrase I love to use is "bang for your buck!". I present you with the plate wrist curl; this amazing exercise increases the tension put on the thumb musculature which will not only increase the ability to pinch thin/ thick objects with ease, you will also be able to grab onto anything with authority!!!

Bulking.

Scott and I covered bulking in a gymchat a while back, but I do get quite a few questions about it so I want to touch on the topic once more.

Bulking up or eating to gain muscle mass is something anyone who has ever picked up a weight has come across. It basically means that you increase your caloric intake above maintenance in order to build huge, beautiful muscles to impress girls or whatever your goal is. Sounds easy enough but does it work?

Lee Priest in the Off Season
Lee Priest in the Off Season.
There are two approaches toward bulking; one is GFH (get fucking huge), where the lifter eats everything in sight for weeks on end, gains a substantial amount of weight, some if it muscle and then diets to lose the fat.
Lee Priest in Contest Mode
Lee Priest in Contest Mode.
The other one is the "lean bulk", where people are so obsessed with losing their abs that they count every calorie in order to only build muscle. After a year, they usually haven't gained a pound and look the same.

I am not thrilled by either approach, since they both have serious drawbacks.

The lean bulking simply doesn't work, in order to gain muscle you ll have to gain some fat with it. That doesn't mean you should resemble a sumo wrestler but you wont have an 8 pack either.

GFH works in order to gain muscle but does require 16+ weeks of diet in order to see those. For a natural bodybuilder, it is impossible to diet for that long without losing a substantial amount of muscle, which means your gains are limited. Someone who is chemically enhanced can go this route, since the anabolics will prevent catabolism during the diet. Then there are aesthetics and overall health. An extra 30 lbs simply doesn't look good nor is it a great idea for your heart, liver and joints to carry so much extra weight. I have tried the GFH and, while it is fun to eat whatever you like, being 250 lbs in the NYC summer wasn't all that great. But I digress.

SO whats left to do? I'd suggest to gain a little and then diet for a week in order to limit fat gain and keep you looking great, basically "culking".

Lets cover some basics first. How much muscle can you gain? Despite what the magazines tell you, you will NOT gain 20 lbs of muscle in 8 weeks.

1/2 lbs per week would be outstanding, which wold come to 25lbs a year. That's a figure that novice lifter might achieve; if you are more advanced 6-8 per year would be outstanding. As for fat gain, depending on your nutrition and genetics for every 3 lbs of muscle you will gain 1 lbs of fat, some unfortunate individuals might even gain 1 lbs of fat for every lbs of muscle gained. It's a harsh reality isn't it?

Monday, 14 May 2012 - Issues

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 :

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 : Self-Adminstered Supraspinatus Static Release

Chris pointed to this one over on Google+ : one in a series of great videos on Self-Administered Static Release. Good stuff.



Gymchat 169 - Recovery Foods

When you've pushed your body to the limit, how do you recover?
This week we're taking a look at another piece of the recovery puzzle, food. The things that cause the varying levels of soreness following your workouts/competitions/races, and how to minimise their effects through targeted nutrition. What to consume, when and in which forms.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than ultrarunner, airline captain and insanely competitive triathlete, Chas Melichar. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Ultrarunner, airline captain and insanely competitive triathlete, Chas Melichar
Topic : Recovery Foods
When : Wed May 16, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Link : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/4S1KX1YKvJr

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask Chas any nutrition-related questions you like.

See you there.


Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Workout Nutrition II. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : if you'd like to add a fitness-related event (either a competition you're taking part in, or something you're helping to organise there), just login to the forums and add it to the calendar. Cheers.


The Hunt for Broken Links


Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.


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 forums, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.


TTK
TTK.
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.


Checking Out : To the Last Breath - A Memoir of Going to Extremes

Looks great.

This morning I stumbled across To the Last Breath - A Memoir of Going to Extremes, and I must admit, it looks like a particularly interesting and unusual read. The goal alone is truly impressive :

Physicist Francis Slakey committed himself to climbing the highest peak on every continent and surfing every ocean.

This is a glimpse at that incredible goal, and the various challenges he encountered along the way.

Good stuff.


Quick update on the superb Fixing Elbow Pain we mentioned recently. Suffice to say that if you've ever experienced conditions like Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow, it's essential reading.

Love it.

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27  

Pages

Powered by Movable Type 5.2.7