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 : How to Become a Better Armwrestler
  Scott Latella
  Win more often.

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 22, 2017
  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 : I HURT MY BACK! What to do now.

Very interesting suggestions.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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

Previously : In Gymchat 256 we discussed Injury Prevention & Management (with Exercise Physiologist John Paul Catanzaro and Personal Trainer 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 : Finding a Personal Trainer

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 getting a fitness professional who's going to help you clarify and reach your goals, finding one is half the battle. Offering a couple of suggestions in that area is Total Transformation's John Kaiser, who's had more than a little experience himself.

Nice one. Over to John.


From the article Eliminating the Lug Nuts: How to Find a Good Trainer, a few thoughts :

Get the Digits. Step one, ask your trainer for references that you can contact. Step two, contact those references. It is amazing how many people miss step two--apparently asking for references only as a bluff. When you call the list of references, ask about their results. Where did they start and how far has he taken them? Did their hard work combined with his training know-how pay off? Has he been reliable and professional?

Good trainers get results; lug nuts only get your money.

One Size Fits All. Is the nutrition/training sheet your trainer gives you just a black and white copy--the same one he hands out to all his clients? Or does she/he give you a personalized workout and nutrition plan? You are paying for a personalized approach, so make sure you get it!

Good Trainers Personalize, Bad Trainers Xerox

Can't we All Just get Along? There is nothing worse than putting down several hundred dollars on a personal trainer only to find that the two of you can't get along. So pay for a few individual sessions (even if it costs a bit more). This will give you an opportunity to get to know the trainer, see how he runs his shop, and strike up a rapport. You aren't auditioning him/her for the role of best friend, but you should expect a certain level of professionalism.

A good trainer is always professional

Good stuff.

Checking Out : Naptime Power Nap Assistant

I'm a big fan of a regular dose of shut-eye, whether it's a nightly slumber or a brief nap. When it comes to the napping part, this is certainly an intriguing combination.

Fusing a dose of EEG with a bit of Machine Learning, the Naptime is an eye-mask and musical relaxation pairing. A spot of video will show you what I mean :

The Naptime Power Nap Assistant.

---

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : How to Get Your Gym on the Map
  Yael Grauer | Follow @yaelwrites
  Want more clients for your fitness business?

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 15, 2017
  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 : Growing A Wide V-Taper Back

Great information.

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 a Gymchat Bite we discussed Sled Training (with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer 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 : The Benefits of Getting Your Shoes Fitted (Rather Than Fitting Them Yourself)

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.

---

There were a number of great points raised in Gymchat 185 - Training for Marathons & Triathlons, including this suggestion from Chas. There are real benefits to having your shoes fitted, rather than simply picking the ones you think will work well.

Well said.

Checking Out : Athena Roar

Love running when you travel? The side effect of that is not only stumbling across some incredible sites, it's accidentally ending up in some fairly unsavoury areas.

This is an interesting way to tackle these situations (the unsavoury ones, that is), the Athena Roar :

NB : although this version's strongly focussed on the safety aspect, I'd love to see many of the common fitness-monitoring functions built in to the device. And, of course, a way to export all of that data.

The Athena Roar Wearable Safety Accessory.

---

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Suspension Training 101
  Derek Peruo | Follow @DerekPeruoCSCS
  Where do you start?

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 8, 2017
  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 : Silent Mike and the 'Ed Coan Deadlift'

Great information.

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 255 we discussed Pillars of Paleo (with Kettlebell and CrossFit Coach Adam Farrah and Personal Trainer 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 : The Stages of Workout Nutrition

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 a brief look at the major stages of workout nutrition, and their goals. A bit of fine-tuning here can go a long way indeed.

---

From Gymchat 133 - Workout Nutrition :

Kurtis Frank.

Any meal can contribute to a workout (glycogen replenishment mostly), but generally workout nutrition is broken into three segments. The pre-workout, the intra-workout (optional dependent on goals), and the post-workout.

Pre-workout is literally just a meal you eat before you hit the gym. It holds more importance than other meals (say, breakfast if you train in the PM) since the nutrients you ingest at this meal will still be floating around in your blood when it comes time for a workout.

Intra-workout is typically something you bring to the gym to sip on, and where stuff typically gets all fancy with supplementation and is the area most people like to talk about. (This includes post-workout shakes consumed immediately after training)

Post-workout is when you get home and make a nice meal. There are typically higher rates of muscular metabolism and generally more metabolic direction to muscle and away from fat mass (compared to other meals). So nutrients post workout tend to be put to better fates than other meals.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : Anchor Point Training's 'Unbreakable' Bands

These look great.

Anchor Point Training's 'Unbreakable' Bands are - as you've doubtless ascertained from the name - resistance bands designed for frequent use.

I'll be putting them through their paces shortly; in the meantime, here's a bit of video to show them in action :

Anchor Point Training's 'Unbreakable' Bands.

---

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Kipping Pull-ups
  Al Kavadlo | Follow @alkavadlo
  Cheating, or just a different approach?

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 1, 2017
  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 : Foot Pressure & Knee Movement in the Squat

Great information.

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 253 we discussed Improving Recovery & Performance (with New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan and Personal Trainer 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: Getting Back Into It

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.

---

If you've been away from the iron for a while, how do you get back into it?
Vic takes a thorough look at this in the 'Returning to Heavy Training After a Break' ebook. For a brief overview though, check out the discussion we held on that very same topic.

In Gymchat 136 - Heavy Training after a Break, Vic noted :

I lost a LOT of strength on some lifts. It was surprising. That's why that initial 3 weeks of lighter work was important to me - it was smart to underestimate my strength at first.

And

It's important to consciously do less those first few weeks. I was off for almost 2 years - as a rule I did not put any more than 135lbs on the bar the first week. I did not push any sets to failure the next two weeks while still staying at 5 reps or less for most sets.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : The Blazepod

Interesting idea.

The Blazepod is a simple light, designed to be tapped at the end of each rep (depending on the exercise) in a workout. The video below shows it in action :

Designed to challenge your speed and reaction times - using basic visual cues - it looks like a great way to put yourself to the test.

The Blazepod.

---

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Why Conditioning is King
  Dean Coulson | Follow @deancoulson
  What exactly is conditioning? Should you be doing some? Over to Dean.

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 1, 2017
  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 Paused Squat

What, how and why.

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 251 we discussed Gaining Maximum Functional Muscle Mass (with Performing Strongman Bud Jeffries and Personal Trainer 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 : Fast or Slow Reps?

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.

---

One of the areas that Josh Hewett and John Paul Catanzaro covered in Gymchat 256 - Injury Prevention & Management was the general approach to choosing rep speed based on your goals. John Paul outlines the basic idea :

Good stuff.

Checking Out : The Tim Ferriss Show #266 - Favorite Books, Supplements and Technologies

Taking the form of one of the podcast's Q&A episodes, this is a wonderful list of the various products and services that Tim Ferriss makes use of on a regular basis.

Whilst I make use of some of them in my own life, many are new to me - though certainly intriguing - and warrant a bit of further investigation. Curious : what is on your own list - anything you'd add?

The Tim Ferriss Show #266 - Favorite Books, Supplements, Simple Technologies, and More.

---

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 Forgotten Lifts III
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Back to the basics.

  
  

• Looking At : Sep 17, 2017
  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 : Accidentally Growing Your Neck

Very interesting look at several ways to grow your neck, without performing any direct neck work.

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 250 we discussed Serious Training for Ignored Populations (with Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist Bill Kociaba and Personal Trainer 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 : Fine-Tuning Your Lifestyle

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.

---

One of the areas that Josh Hewett and Adam Farrah covered in Gymchat 255 - Pillars of Paleo was the general approach to fine-tuning your lifestyle. Though the specifics will obviously vary from person to person, Adam outlines the basic idea :

Good stuff.

Checking Out : The Precision Nutrition Special Report on Low Carb and Ketogenic Diets

Very interesting - the Precision Nutrition Special Report on Low Carb and Ketogenic Diets. Particularly in light of the questions which followed the 'What the Health' documentary.

The report itself comprises 6 parts, looking at various aspects of low-carb (think both Paleo and Ketogenic approaches) diets. Great information.

You can grab it (for free) here :

The Precision Nutrition Special Report on Low Carb and Ketogenic Diets.

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Giving it Away II
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Even more great ways to lend a hand.

  
  

• Looking At : Sep 10, 2017
  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 : How To Row (Mark Bell's Approach)

Very interesting idea (starts about 8min in).

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 248 we discussed Establishing Standards for Strength & Progressions (with Personal Trainers (and Strength Athletes) Brian Tabor 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.

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 : The Power of Naming Your Workouts

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.

---

Here's a simple technique which greatly increases the potential of your workouts. Kira describes the full process in the article Give Your Workout a Name!, but here's a quick story to give you the basic idea :

A few years ago, a couple of young dudes I trained with (Muay Thai), wanted to do some extra conditioning work. I offered to take them on a run up Puke Hill on the weekends.

After a few nervous side-glances, both of them asked, "Why is it called Puke Hill?" After striking a suitably melodramatic pose, I just smiled and then walked away.

When they finally got to do the run, I noticed three distinct changes to the way they normally trained:

• Intensity - It was the hardest I'd seen either of them train.
• Team-work - When one of them almost gave up, the other one slowed down and ran beside his friend--helping him to complete the last set of sprints.
• Accomplishment - After the run, neither whined or complained. In fact, despite their exhaustion, both had shit-eating grins plastered across their ugly faces.

Of course Puke Hill is just a hill. Sure it was steep, and using it for interval-sprints was quite challenging, but what hill sprints aren't challenging? So here's the point of my story: I believe that by simply giving the run a name, my two padawans trained harder, worked together better, and gained a greater sense of individual and shared achievement.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : Barbell Medicine's 'The Bridge'

The Bridge is an 8 Week Strength Program by Barbell Medicine's JordanFeigenbaum, MD and AustinBaraki, MD. I've just downloaded it myself (following a recommendation by Alan Thrall), and will give you a few thoughts in a couple of months.

In the meantime - has anyone here tried it? If not, you can grab it (for free) here :

The Bridge.

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Checklists and Complex Problems
  Adam Stoffa | Follow @SEEAdamTrain
  A simple approach to solving complex problems, like designing a fitness program.

  
  

• Looking At : Sep 3, 2017
  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 : Deload Week - You're Probably Doing It Wrong

Great explanation.

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 246 we discussed The Pursuit of a HUGE Deadlift (with Strength Coach Craig Bongelli and Personal Trainer 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 : Sleep Hygiene

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.

---

One of the areas that Josh Hewett and Sincere Hogan covered in Gymchat 253 was the general approach to sleep hygiene. Though the specifics will obviously vary from person to person, Sincere outlines the basic idea :

Good stuff.

Checking Out : The Modius Headset

This is certainly an interesting idea (although I'm not sure that this particular device is anywhere near precise enough to be effective) - vestibular stimulation for fat loss. Still, I'd love to see a whole lot more research (on humans) on this area.

To give you an idea of the product itself, a bit of video :

The Modius Headset.

---

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Evolution of Sandbag Training Part 2
  Josh Henkin | Follow @joshhenkin
  Ready for some new ways to put the sandbag to work?

  
  

• Looking At : Aug 27, 2017
  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 : How To Perform The Clap Dip

Looking for a challenge? Try a few of these.

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 245 we discussed Grip Strength (with the insanely strong Jedd Johnson and Personal Trainer 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 : When Possible, Buy Meat Locally

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.

---

In the article Fight Fat With CLA from eVitamins, Derek noted the value of getting some quality meat in your diet. One of the key factors is to keep an eye out for things like 'grass-fed beef'; another is to purchase from local sources whenever possible.

Jeff Marraccini explains :

Scott, I also look for local sources. Even grass-fed meat coming from far away likely has more risk of being exposed to excessive heat, cold, or other environmental conditions. Unfortunately, it is not always possible so I have to compromise from time to time.

Great point.

Checking Out : The QLIPP Tennis Sensor

Interesting idea - a motion sensor for tennis rackets, to measure and help improve various strokes. Would love to see the basic idea applied to a vast range of sports and activities.

A bit of video will give you an idea of the size and operation of the device :

The QLIPP Tennis Sensor.

NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :

straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.

---

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 : Jaw Lifting - What, Why and How
  Ryan Pitts | Follow @strongergrip
  How to do it the Right way.

  
  

• Looking At : Aug 20, 2017
  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 : Using the Weighted Dead Hang for Lat Size+Strength (and to Help Perform Additional Pull-ups)

Nice one.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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

Previously : In Gymchat 243 we discussed How to Improve Your Pull Ups (with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer 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 : Training for Unusual Feats

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 Jeff Wilson was training for the Soda Can Crush (video below), he quickly realised that his usual training approach wouldn't work. For one thing, you can't progressively crush a can of soda.

In the article Unusual Goals Require Unusual Measures, he explains exactly how to tackle something like this. Here's a snippet to give you the basic idea :

I knew that without actually being able to accomplish the feat that my training would have to take a drastic turn from what I had become accustomed to over the years. The seemingly supplemental exercises of my workouts would now become my core movements.

I scoured my repertoire (as well as the training logs of top gripsters world-wide) for hand, wrist and grip exercises to find those that closely mimicked the movement I would use for the crush - and I came to the conclusion that the final crush of an unbraced bend was strikingly similar. With some alterations to my particular style of bending I knew I could get huge carryover to the soda crush. I upped my bending frequency a bit and focused on generating as much power as possible through the final crush down as I could with each piece of steel I attempted. During my bending sessions I used high volume, isometrics and pre-kinking steel that was a little out of my league, but I didn't want to bend too often because going too overboard with unbraced bending can potentially set you up for some pretty nasty injuries. I knew that I also needed movements that I could safely perform on a very regular basis that would have big carry over to the can crush, while having very little risk of injury in order to accomplish my goal in a timely manner.

And the feat itself? Over to Jeff :

Love it.

Checking Out : The Immortal Strength Harness and Water-Fillable Club

This is a superb combination.

Ideal for hiking/biking/training expeditions, the harness is designed to hang on to the club on the way there. As for the club itself - fill it up with water/sand/lead shot (up to 70lb worth) and get to work. Perfect.

The Immortal Strength Harness and Water-Fillable Club.

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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.