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

• Gem From The Vault : DIY - Home-Made Gym Equipment
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Time to make your own.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 30, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Rope Row with Eccentric Control

Interesting idea.

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

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

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

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


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

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

Details -

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

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

Tip of the Week: License Plate Tearing Technique

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

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

---

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

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

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

Checking Out : 20% Off Everything at Dragon Door

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

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

Just use the code CMSALE at checkout.

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

---

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

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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

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

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 23, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Using a Foam Roller

Good demonstration Mike.

Gymchat 264 - TBA

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

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

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

Tip of the Week: Improvements in Fitness Trained Autistic Clients

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

Re-Investigating : The TRX Suspension Trainer

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

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

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

Cheers Umberto.

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

---

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

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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

• Gem From The Vault : Holding the Bar in the Front Squat
  Scott Andrew Bird
  How do you hang on to it? Like this.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 16, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Plank With Leg Lift

Nice one Sally.

Looks simple, but isn't.

Gymchat 264 - Serious Training for Older Lifters (Bill Kociaba)

No matter what age you are, if you like lifting heavy, you like lifting heavy. At some point though, chances are you've been steered toward the lighter weights and less challenging routines. The exercises designed with older clients in mind.

This week we'll be steering things back toward the serious iron. Helping us find out what's realistic - and what's desirable - when training older clients, is Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist Bill Kociaba; together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Bill and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Personal Trainer & Massage Therapist Bill Kociaba, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Serious Training for Older Lifters
When : Monday Nov 17, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

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

Tip of the Week: 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.

Re-Reading : The Grip Master's Manual

This is a truly superb book.

We've noted this one many times over the years, it's certainly an essential 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.

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.

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 Step-up - a Real Squat Alternative?
  Scott Andrew Bird
  A possible addition to your leg training arsenal.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 9, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Clapping UFOs

Unusual name, great exercise.

Gymchat 263 - Building an Indestructible Body (Logan Christopher)

Whether you're training specifically for strength or just for general fitness, chances are that you're keen to avoid illness and injury wherever possible. This idea of being 'indestructible' - and being tough enough to tackle anything - is exactly what we'll be talking about this week.

Joining us is 'Physical Culture Renaissance Man' Logan Christopher, and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Logan and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : 'Physical Culture Renaissance Man' Logan Christopher, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Learning from Experts Outside of Your Discipline
When : Monday Nov 10, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 262 we discussed Learning from Experts Outside of Your Discipline (with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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

Tip of the Week : Bending Steel = Increased Strength Endurance

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.

---

A friend of mine asked me over the weekend why I bend things. It's partly because it's fun, and partly, well, I'll let Adam explain.
There are many great reasons for bending things, as 'Unbreakable' Adam Glass notes in the article Why Bend Steel? Apart from the simple 'because it's downright fun' :

The increase in strength and power naturally will carry over to an increase in your endurance. Anyone who has bent a nail will tell you the first time they bent it was so tiring. I have watched people sweat bullets bending their first respectable nail. As time goes on you gain huge reserves of power. A personal testament to this level of power for me was October 2007 when I bent 150 60D nails in one hour using the double under (DU) grip. That represented a massive improvement from Jan 2007, when bending 10-15 nails left my hands extremely fatigued.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : Clubbell 5x5

Looks great.

Clubbell 5x5 is Alberto Gallazi's take on the classic 5x5 approach, applied specifically to club training. Simple idea, with an awful lot behind it.

We'll be taking a closer look at the entire package shortly, but suffice to say there are a number of manuals and videos included. For the full list :

clubbell5x5.com

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.

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 Ab Wheel
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Beautifully simple.

  
  

• Looking At : Nov 2, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Low Back Tweak Fast Fixes - Kelly Starrett and Jenny Labaw

Good stuff.

Gymchat 262 - Learning from Experts Outside of Your Discipline (Frank DiMeo)

When you're focussed on strength, does it really help to devote time to learning other topics?

Absolutely. This week we'll be exploring what/how often/why; no matter what those other topics are. Helping explain how all this works is Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Frank and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Learning from Experts Outside of Your Discipline
When : Monday Nov 3, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 261 we discussed How To Increase INTENSITY (with Powerlifter Fadel D and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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

Tip of the Week : Use Checklists in your Training

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.

---

Checklists are one of those things that seem so simple as to be almost pointless. Not really worth the effort.

However, they're very powerful things indeed.


The basic logic behind using a checklist is pretty straightforward. As Adam Stoffa notes in the article Checklists and Complex Problems :

An example from training might be properly warming up. Everyone knows it's foolish to engage in physical training without warming up first, but with time pressure, competing interests, or environmental stress, this step occasionally gets skipped. The risks associated with skipping this step, are significant. Pulled muscles are a major setback to a training program. When you balance the interests involved, saving a few minutes versus suffering a major setback, the risk associated with skipping this key step is unacceptably high. Therefore, item number 1 on your checklist could be:

1. Complete Warm Up Exercises

And yes, although it looks almost laughably simple, this absolutely works. The checklist approach is very highly recommended indeed.

Checking Out : Diamond-Cut Abs

Looking forward to this one.

We'll be discussing the topic of 'finding things to read' in this week's Gymchat, but suffice to say that the next one on my own list is Danny Kavadlo's Diamond-Cut Abs. Looks great.

To give you an idea of what it's all about (although the title probably says quite a lot), a piece of one of the reviews on the main page :

The section on nutrition is awesome, stressing the "practical over the theoretical" (p32). He doesn't worry about fat grams, macros, calorie counting or weight scales (unless it involves throwing them out) but rather wholesome and natural foods - nothing processed.

This is where his experience comes into play. While the information about proper eating wasn't necessarily new to me (it may be for others), it was the results he achieved eating in certain ways that convinced me to ditch the meat scales, spreadsheets and everything else I used to count macros and incorporate his approach in my diet.

Danny Kavadlo's Diamond-Cut Abs. 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.

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 : 8 Glasses of Water Per Day?
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Burn more, drink more.

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 26, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Sled And Sandbag Finisher

If the recent Gymchat Bite on Sled Training got you considering a little sled dragging in your own sessions, check this out. One of the many great ways to put a sled to work.

Gymchat 261 - How To Increase INTENSITY (Fadel D)

What exactly is training intensity, and how does it influence your workouts?

This week we'll be exploring this somewhat enigmatic area; answering these and a whole lot more. Helping us is insanely strong Powerlifter Fadel D, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Fadel and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Powerlifter Fadel D, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : How To Increase INTENSITY
When : Monday Oct 27, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat Bite 1 we discussed Sled Training (with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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

Tip of the Week : Lateral Sled Work

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 from the Gymchat Bite on Sled Training, with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. How Frank performs Lateral Work with a Sled :

Good stuff.

Looking Forward To : Strength Training for Triathletes - The Complete Program to Build Triathlon Power, Speed, and Muscular Endurance

Keen to dive in to this one.

It doesn't appear until Dec 15 (on Amazon, that is), but looks intriguing nonetheless. We'll be taking a look at it once it launches, in the meantime though, a snippet from the Amazon page :

Certified USA Triathlon coach and NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year Patrick Hagerman, EdD, reveals a focused, triathlon-specific strength training program that will enable triathletes to push harder during training and on the race course when the effort is hardest. Triathletes who master this progressive strength training program will also become more resistant to injury, meaning fewer missed workouts.

Strength Training for Triathletes. Nice one.

---

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 : Sandbag Training Protocols
  Matt Palfrey
  Get the most out of this amazing tool.

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 19, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Handstand Human Flag Hybrid

Looking for a challenge?

Good stuff Al.

Gymchat 260 - How to Use DROP SETS for More Gains (Bill Piche)

What exactly are drop sets, and how can you use them most effectively?

This week we'll be taking a deep dive into the wonderful world of Drop Sets; exploring answers to the questions above and a whole lot more. Helping us get a handle on this particular technique is Powerlifter Bill Piche, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Bill and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Powerlifter Bill Piche, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : How to Use DROP SETS for More Gains
When : Monday Oct 20, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 259 we discussed Chronic Pain Research (with Nutrition Researcher Kamal Patel and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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

Tip of the Week : 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.

Looking Forward To : Ready to Run - Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally

Looks fantastic.

Last week we looked at my own collection of fitness-related books (and cheers for all of the suggested ones to add - much appreciated); in particular Kelly Starrett's Becoming a Supple Leopard. Great read.

Kelly's new work - Ready to Run - Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally - comes out tomorrow, and sounds equally comprehensive. To give you an overall idea of the content covered in the book, and Kelly's thinking in general, check out his latest appearance on the Bulletproof Video podcast :

Ready to Run - Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally. Fantastic.

---

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

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

Good stuff Bret, looks great.

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

• Gem From The Vault : From the Fitness Shelves - Goodreads
  Scott Andrew Bird
  We've talked about many, many books over the years - ones which help with various aspects of training, running a fitness business and a whole lot more. Here are several of the ones I own personally.

  NB : I'm always looking for new ones to add - if you're reading something which you'd strongly recommend, I'd love to hear it. Just swing by the Straight to the Bar Community area on Google+.

  
  



• Looking At : Oct 12, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.


NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Nutrient Timing - Is There a Post Workout Anabolic Window?

Very interesting indeed. Cheers Josh.

Gymchat 259 - Chronic Pain Research (Nutrition/Supplements/Habits - Kamal Patel)

There are many forms of chronic pain - none of them a whole lot of fun.

What's behind the pain itself; the foods you eat? Supplements you take? Your lifestyle?

Joining us this week is Nutrition Researcher Kamal Patel, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Kamal and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Nutrition Researcher Kamal Patel, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Chronic Pain Research
When : Monday Oct 13, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 258 we discussed Questioning Fitness Authority (Your Trainer Might Be Wrong) (with Performing Strongman/Author/Speaker Bud Jeffries and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett). Great conversation.

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

Tip of the Week: Returning to Heavy Training - Inspecting the Equipment

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 an answer to the question 'If you're using your old gear, how do you test things to make sure they're still safe and working correctly?', directed at Vic Magary during the Heavy Training after a Break Gymchat. A great discussion.

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"I think the most important thing to inspect would be the J-cups where you set the bar. Also simply taking a wrench to all of the bolts of a rack to make sure they are good and tight. Depending on the type, you may want to double check the collars. I'd think the barbell and plates would be fine even after a few years as long as they were subject to normal conditions."

Good stuff.

Re-Reading : Becoming a Supple Leopard

Great book.

The Goodreads piece we noted earlier put me in mind of many superb fitness books, including Kelly Starrett's Becoming a Supple Leopard. Love it.

A quick overview on what the book's all about :

It's Kelly's approach to mobility. A detailed understanding of how the body works; in order to improve athletic performance, reduce injury time and a whole lot more.


From the Amazon page -

If you are like me you won't put this thing down. I am going through it a second time as I write this. I have already recommended it to all my patients, and this will be a staple in my office and it is a must read for anyone that has a BODY - I guess that covers all of you reading this. In closing I have spent thousands of dollars on seminar after seminar. I can say unequivocally that this book has more information in it, which by the way is very simplistic for you to implement, than all of the education I have received on the dynamics of the human body.

Becoming a Supple Leopard. Fantastic.

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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.

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 :

• How They Got Started : Alana Grimolfson
  Scott Andrew Bird
  How it all began.

  
  

• Looking At : Oct 5, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Ramstein Blob Challenge

A fairly unusual approach to lifting the Blob. Good stuff.

Gymchat 258 - Questioning Fitness Authority : Your Trainer Might Be Wrong (Bud Jeffries)

When should you accept that your trainer knows what they're doing, and when should you question things? And if you do, what sorts of areas are up for grabs?

This week we'll be tackling these, and all of the underlying questions they invoke. Helping us get a handle on this critical area is Performing Strongman/Author/Speaker Bud Jeffries, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Bud and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Performing Strongman/Author/Speaker Bud Jeffries, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Questioning Fitness Authority : Your Trainer Might Be Wrong
When : Monday Oct 7, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

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

Tip of the Week: 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.

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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 : Cadence Based Gripper Training

Perfect.

It seems as though my 'to read/watch' pile has exploded in the past week or two; although 'Napalm' Jedd Johnson's Cadence Based Gripper Training certainly made a rapid rise to the top. I have to say, it looks superb.

I'll post a full review once I finish the course (8 weeks); for the full explanation of what it's all about, over to Jedd :

Cadence Based Gripper Training.

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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.

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 : A Brief History of Circuit Training and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA)
  Scott Andrew Bird
  How it all began.

  
  

• Looking At : Sep 28, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

Over to you. I'd love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you're keen to do more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Squat like an ANIMAL - 500 lbs for reps 2014

How many times can you squat 500lb?

Gymchat 259 - How to Choose the Right Gym for YOU (Jaime Smith)

Whether you're just embarking on your strength-training journey, or have been lifting for years : how do you find the 'right' gym? The one that has the equipment you want, the people that can help; the one that best suits your needs?

This week we'll be tackling these, and all of the underlying questions they invoke. Helping us get a handle on this critical area is Personal Trainer Jaime Smith, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Jaime and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below.

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

Details -

Who : Personal Trainer Jaime Smith, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : How to Choose the Right Gym for YOU
When : Monday Oct 7, 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 on the main site shortly after the Gymchat.

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

Tip of the Week: 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.

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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.

Re-Watching : Enter the Dragon

Fantastic.

I was lucky enough over the weekend to re-watch all of the Bruce Lee movies (as well as a couple of the more recent documentaries); with my favourite still being Enter the Dragon. Love that film.

If it's one you've never seen, definitely give it a run. Quite apart from the '70s charm, it's a superb display of Lee's incredible abilities.

Enter the Dragon.

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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.