Results matching “Bird”

Monday, 25 Jan 2016

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'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 : Legless Rope Climb

Simple idea, much more difficult than it looks. Good stuff.


Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)

Barefoot running - a fascinating, yet somewhat divisive, area. (And yes, I'm on the side of 'bare feet whenever possible'. Running, some forms of training and just walking around the house).

Taking us through it is Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen; covering everything from 'what it is' to 'how to go about it', and of course the many benefits of doing just that. And joining Steven 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 Steven 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 event' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.


Details -

Who : Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype!
When : Sunday Jan 31, 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.


Previously : In Gymchat 242 we discussed The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Strengthen Your Neck, Reduce Pain, Increase Lifts

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

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to strengthen your neck.

Over to Josh :


When starting a neck strengthening program, you must be careful to be very progressive... start slow and easy and work your way up to more challenging exercises over time. For example, you can begin your exercise program by doing simple chin tucks while sitting or standing. (See video)

Once you get comfortable with basic sitting/standing chin tucks, you can try doing the exercise lying down. Build up to doing around 10 reps, holding for 5 to 10 seconds each rep. The goal is to increase the muscular endurance of your muscles as well as their strength. Your neck is designed to carry the weight of your head all day, not to lift trains or buses!


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


Checking Out : Olympic Weightlifting - A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches [Kindle Edition]

Good stuff. Digital editions (both Kindle and iBooks) of Greg Everett's Olympic Weightlifting - A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches.
As the title suggests, this book details the lifts themselves as well as teaching a number of cues, variations and progressions. It really is a wonderfully comprehensive offering.

(The Amazon page has a complete list of topics covered.)

Full review shortly. Olympic Weightlifting - A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches.




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.

Monday, 18 Jan 2016

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'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 : Learning to Press

From Mark Rippetoe's wonderful Starting Strength DVD. If you want to learn these lifts the correct way, it's well worth grabbing.


Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)

Barefoot running - a fascinating, yet somewhat divisive, area. (And yes, I'm on the side of 'bare feet whenever possible'. Running, some forms of training and just walking around the house).

Taking us through it is Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen; covering everything from 'what it is' to 'how to go about it', and of course the many benefits of doing just that. And joining Steven 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 Steven 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 event' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.


Details -

Who : Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype!
When : Sunday Jan 31, 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.


Previously : In Gymchat 242 we discussed The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: How to Fix Your Shoulders

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

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to fix up your shoulders.

Over to Josh :


The pain and other problems of the forward head are sometimes referred to collectively as "Upper Crossed Syndrome". But just because it's called a syndrome doesn't mean it's a disease or structural problem you have to accept and live with. It is simply mechanical pain from poor slouching posture, and can be fixed.

Here are some exercises you can start incorporating on a daily basis (or whenever you have time). I also suggest you use some of them as a warm up before your upper body workouts:


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


Checking Out : Stronger Grip Photo Challenge

This is where my strength-training and photography passions meet : the Stronger Grip Photo Challenge. For details, I'll hand you over to Ryan :
Hello Stronger Grip friends!! This year Stronger Grip is celebrating 10 years of making Custom Strength Training Equipment. To celebrate we are having a photo challenge. Starting today and ending February 4th, 2016 at noon CST submit a photo of you using any Stronger Grip equipment. The photo that Ryan likes the BEST will be awarded $150 in store credit!!!! Also anyone who submits a photo will be put into a drawing for a CUSTOM THOR HAMMER!! Be creative and have fun! Winners will be announced February 5th. Let the best photo win!! :) PLEASE SUBMIT PHOTOS TO info@strongergrip.com

Sounds fantastic.

NB : if you haven't yet tried any of the Stronger Grip tools (and they really are incredibly well made things), just head over to strongergrip.com. Great site.




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.

Monday, 11 Jan 2016

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'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 : DIY Oscillating Bar (For Shoulder Stability and Rehab Work)

Great idea Chris.


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 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 242 we discussed The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: How to Fix Your Back

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

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to fix up your back.

Over to Josh :


What happens when you sit all day (at a desk, watching TV, or while driving) is that certain muscles, ie: glutes, can become lengthened and weak while other muscles compensate and become tighter to take up the slack, ie: QL (lower back) and psoas (hip flexors). This can lead to all sorts of issues including back pain. Weak abdominal muscles is also a culprit.

So what can you do to restore muscular balance and function to get rid of that pain? The progressions I follow are very similar to what I outlined in my Fix Your Knees blog post:

  1. If it's an acute injury see a medical professional and get assessed. Rest and ice.
  2. Test your Active Range of Motion as comfort allows (avoid passive stretching).
  3. Use Isometric Exercises to activate the weak muscle groups.
  4. Once muscles start to "fire" better, you can add in some isolation exercises to target and strengthen those muscles.
  5. Progress towards compound multi-joint exercises that incorporate those muscles.

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


Checking Out : The OMbra (OMsignal)



Very interesting combination - a sports bra with fitness tracking sensors built in. Hope we see a variety of workout clothing items like this, both for men and women.

Incidentally, the OMbra will be available in a matter of weeks. Details :

omsignal.com/pages/omsignal-bra

Good 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.

Monday, 4 Jan 2016

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'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 : KC MITCHELL - Lost a Leg in Combat, Still a Monster

Great conversation.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Knee Rehabilitation Progression

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

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

Over to Josh :


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


Checking Out : Getting Started With Kettlebells

It's fair to say that I've had more than a couple of 'getting started with kettlebells' conversations over the past few days. Love talking about training.

Short version : the ones pictured at left are the kettlebells I recommend, and the Straight to the Bar Guide to Kettlebell Training will help you get started with them. And of course, drop me a line on Twitter or swing by the Google+ Community to dive in to a specific area.

Look forward to hearing from you.




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.

Monday, 28 Dec 2015

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'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 : Weighted Extended Arm Plank (Push-Up Plank)

Nice one Johnny.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Fix Your Feet

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

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

Over to Josh :


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

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

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


Checking Out : Reading/Watching/Listening To in 2015

We've looked at a number of books, DVDs and pieces of equipment this year. On Twitter/Facebook/Google+, and over on the blog.

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you're currently reading watching, or the equipment you're using there and would recommend. Drop us a line.




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.

Monday, 21 Dec 2015

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'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 : Double Kettlebell Bottom-Up Clean

2 x 20kg bells. Nice one Juha.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Stretching Causes Weakness

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

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

Over to Josh :


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

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


Checking Out : Strongergrip B-52

It's safe to say that there are a lot of sales and discounts at this time of year. One that's caught my eye is the wonderful Strongergrip B-52 (Heavy, loadable club). Fantastic thing.

To explain what it's all about, here's Ryan :



Good 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.

Monday, 14 Dec 2015

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'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 : Ice Baths For Faster Recovery

Great look at ice baths as a recovery method, and a brief overview of how they work. Nice one Alan.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Fix Your Feet

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

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

Over to Josh :


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

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

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


Checking Out : IFAST University (Mike Robertson)

Interesting package - Mike Robertson's IFAST University. Detailed information for Strength Coaches & Personal Trainers.

To provide a brief overview of what's on offer, here's Mike :



Looks great.




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.

Monday, 7 Dec 2015

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'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 : Tearing 2,902 Pages

The incredible Strongman Chris Rider. Good stuff.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Setting a Gripper

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 incredible Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson, and takes the form of a superb video. Enjoy.


Incidentally, if you want to learn more techniques like this, check out Jedd's own The Grip Authority.

Fantastic site.


Re-Reading : The Grip Master's Manual (John Brookfield)

The Grip Master's Manual
This is a truly superb book.

When someone asked me this morning about a good book on general grip work, this is the one I recommended. John Brookfield's The Grip Master's Manual.

It's certainly a wonderful book to have on your fitness shelves. If you haven't come across it before, here's a quick snippet from the Amazon page to give you an idea of what it's about :


This book is THE book when it comes to grip training and becoming a well rounded athlete. Brookfield lays this book out very logically starting with a section on getting ready. He then progresses through: Advanced Lower Arm and Grip Training; Advanced Grip Challenges; and Steel Bending. No matter where you turn to this book is filled with helpful tips and ideas to get your workouts going.

John Brookfield's The Grip Master's Manual. 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.

Monday, 30 Nov 2015

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'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 : Overcoming Mental Barriers

Navy SEALs and the 40% Rule.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: 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.


Checking Out : Strength Rules (Danny Kavadlo)

Looks great.

Very keen to dive in (the paperback's on its way, and a digital version's also available). Danny Kavadlo's 'Strength Rules'.

Review shortly, but the subtitle alone will help explain exactly what this book is about :

'How to Get Stronger Than Almost Anyone--And the Proven Plan to Make It Real'

Good stuff. Danny Kavadlo's 'Strength Rules'.




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.

Monday, 23 Nov 2015

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'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 : SQUAT STRONGER - Increasing Ankle Dorsiflexion

Nice one.


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 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, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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


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

Tip of the Week: Why Warm Up?

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 Kirk Fontaine, and is a snippet from the discussion Stretching & Warming Up. Was a great one.


In response to a couple of questions on 'Why Warm Up?' :

If you are to participate in exercise the first thing you need to do is warm up. The warm up is important to prepare your mind and body so that you can get the very best out of the exercise. The effect of a warm up on preventing injury is not clear however research does suggest increased muscle temperature decreases the risk of muscle tear.
Warming up will :
  • Increase your heart rate to give you increased blood flow around the body to the muscles
  • Improve oxygen delivery to the muscles
  • Stimulate faster muscle contraction
  • Improve the joints' ability to endure stress.


Good stuff.


Checking Out : StrongerThanU Walking Sled

Wonderful combination. To show you what I mean, here it is in action :



The StrongerThanU Walking Sled.




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.

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