This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• My Weight Success Story
  Dan Hardisky
  A brief introduction, and how Dan began training.




• The "Fu-Fu Visualization" All Strong Lifters Use
  Karsten Jensen
  Karsten has shared a number of great insights on breathing and visualisation techniques. Take a look.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment beneath the article itself, and share your views with the fantastic strength-training community. Cheers.

Video : 97lb Stacked Kettlebell Press For Reps

More training goodness from Mike Mahler, this time in the form of some Stacked Kettlebell Presses. Nice one.

Twitterchat 113 - Sports Injuries

Injuries are unfortunately a fact of life, particular on the playing field.

This week we'll be discussing many of the common injuries people get whilst enjoying their favourite sport - whether they're professional athletes or not - and how to deal with / minimise them. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Alpha Kettlebell's Troy Anderson (@troyATS). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Sports Injuries
When : Wed Apr 13, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

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

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

Looking Forward To : Super Human Workshop

This looks superb.

If you're ready to learn about becoming seriously strong, check out the Super Human Workshop. Taking place on April 15-17 in San Jose, California, this is a fantastic way to learn the real tools of the trade. Featuring presentations by trainers Bud Jeffries and Logan Christopher - certainly no slouches when it comes to physical culture and brutal old-time skills - the Super Human Workshop combines mental toughness with physical performance to help create obscene levels of strength.

Really looking forward to this one - it's a perfect blend. The Super Human Workshop.

Quick update on the Beast Sled : Two weeks ago we noted the Beast Sled; beautiful thing.

If you haven't ordered yours yet, swing by the The Beast Sled site and check them out. I'd love to hear what you think.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• Spider/Blob & Variety
  Dan Hardisky
  A modern twist on an unusual 1960s training method.




• Training Logs : Database, Spreadsheet, Paper etc?
  Various authors
  This is a great discussion on how training logs are stored and updated - whether that involves a pencil & paper, a spreadsheet, a database or an application on your phone or tablet. Whatever you use, we'd love to hear about it.

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment beneath the article itself, and share your views with the fantastic strength-training community. Cheers.

Video : DIY Pinch Grip Apparatus

More DIY goodness, this time in the form of a 115lb pinch grip apparatus. Love it.

Twitterchat 112 - Outdoor Training

I love training outdoors. Hot or cold, wet weather or not. Always fun.

This week we're discussing the many ways to get at least part of your training outside, and the benefits of doing just that. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than USA Jungle Gym's Daniel Lapic (@mantis77). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Outdoor Training
When : Wed Apr 6, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Making the Most of Your Gym Time II. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Checking Out : Foam Roller Workbook

Whether you're recovering, stretching or managing pain, the foam roller is your friend. Great thing.

The Foam Roller Workbook is a detailed look at using this deceptively simple piece of equipment. No matter how the roller fits in to your own training regime, this book will show you exactly what to use; and how. Very comprehensive.

The book comes out in hardcover form on June 1st, and a little before that for the digital version. Looking forward to it.

Quick update on the Beast Sled : Last week we noted the Beast Sled; beautiful thing.

If you haven't ordered yours yet, swing by the The Beast Sled site and check them out. I'd love to hear what you think.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• Late Nights and PRs
  Matt Hunt
  What's your own training like? Here's a glimpse of what Matt's getting up to these days.




• Health & Fitness Research
  Various authors
  There has been some fantastic research posted recently, both on the forums and the Facebook page. Dive in.

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment beneath the article itself, and share your views with the fantastic strength-training community. Cheers.

Video : DIY Training Equipment

Reading Fight Geek's excellent site this morning, I came across this : a brief video showing how to make a few of your own strength training tools (medicine ball, slosh-pipe & suspension trainer). Good stuff.

Want more? For several fantastic grip tools you can make yourself, check out Jedd's superb Home Made Strength II. Love it.

Twitterchat 111 - Making the Most of Your Gym Time II

Love training? Same here. In the garage, local park or a hotel gym somewhere.

This is the second part of the discussion on 'Making the Most of Your Gym Time', looking at things from the client's point of view. How to make the most of the time spent in the gym, and in the period inbetween visits. Nutrition, training logs, measurements and so on. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Body by D-Rock's Derek Peruo (@bodybydrock). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Making the Most of Your Gym Time II
When : Wed Mar 30, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Making the Most of Your Gym Time. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Checking Out : The Beast Sled

Yael pointed me in the direction of this recently, and I must admit, it looks great.

The Beast Sled has thick uprights (same as an Olympic bar), 4" skids and is as tough as they come. Whether you're doing strength, speed or endurance work, the Beast Sled is for you.

70 lb of pure joy.

Quick update on Home Made Strength II : Grip Strength Edition : A few weeks ago we noted Jedd's upcoming DVD (now on sale), the second in the Home Made Strength series. Absolutely fantastic.

This is the one that shows precisely how to build - and train with - several fantastic grip tools. It really is top quality.

Thanks to everyone who grabbed a copy, and to those that left feedback; it's greatly appreciated. If you haven't yet got one for yourself, you can grab it here. Love it.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• DIY : How to Build Your Own Tire Sled
  Matt Hunt
  I love occasionally building my own training gear - great way to test out new ideas. Matt walks us through the process of building a particularly fun training tool - the Tyre Sled.
  
• Sgt Sweaty : A New Beginning
  Kevin 'Sgt Sweaty' Miller
  How did Kevin become obscenely strong? Like this.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment beneath the article itself, and share your views with the fantastic strength-training community. Cheers.

Video : Dave Lemanczyk - On Form, Frequency, & Gains

If you've watched Keg Conditioning, you know that Dave clearly knows his stuff.

Over the past couple of weeks he's uploaded a stack of videos to his youtube channel, both demonstrating and analysing various aspects of his own training. Here's just one example - a detailed analysis of form, frequency and gains.

Nice one.

Twitterchat 110 - Making the Most of Your Gym Time

For those of you who've got your own training facility (or are considering getting one), how do you make the most of your time there? How do you not only look after yourself, but keep the business running well?

This is the first part of a discussion on 'Making the Most of Your Gym Time', looking at the business side of things. How to get client referrals, marketing, supplemental income and so on. Everything that can mean the difference between financial success and failure. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Body by D-Rock's Derek Peruo (@bodybydrock). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Making the Most of Your Gym Time
When : Wed Mar 23, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on The Future of Fitness. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Checking Out : StrongerGrip Olympic Plate Adapter Sleeve

Perfect timing.

I've been doing the eBay thing quite a bit lately, and it's fair to say that I've amassed quite a respectable collection of plates (both Olympic and standard, in various conditions). For the Olympic ones among them, this is ideal.

It's a StrongerGrip adapter sleeve to enable the Olympic plates to be used with all kinds of grip toys. It's shown here on a Red Rafter, but it also works beautifully with things like the Gripballs.

If you love your grip work (and I can't exactly blame you), and are keen to make a little more use of your Olympic plates, check out the StrongerGrip Olympic Plate Adapter Sleeve. Beautiful thing.

Quick update on Home Made Strength II : Grip Strength Edition : A few weeks ago we noted Jedd's upcoming DVD (now on sale), the second in the Home Made Strength series. Absolutely fantastic.

This is the one that shows precisely how to build - and train with - several fantastic grip tools. It really is top quality.

Thanks to everyone who grabbed a copy, and to those that left feedback; it's greatly appreciated. If you haven't yet got one for yourself, you can grab it here. Love it.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• Keeping the Conversation Going : The Return of Comments
  Scott Andrew Bird
  I've been waiting for this for a long, long time. Love talking about training.
  
• Facebook Helps You Lose Weight? What!?!
  Ferris Stith
  An interesting way to use financial motivation for physical transformation.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment beneath the article itself, and share your views with the fantastic strength-training community. Cheers.

Video : Muscle-up Variations (Italian)

Pitbull Training's Coach Miletto demonstrates several variations of the superb Muscle-Up. Very interesting indeed.

Twitterchat 109 - The Future of Fitness

What will the fitness industry be like in 5 years? 20 years? 100 years?
This week we're having an open discussion on that very topic - The Future of Fitness - the things that you think are likely to happen. The equipment we'll probably use, the kinds of medical technologies that may have an impact; and how we might share our successes and failures. Whatever the future holds.

Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : The Future of Fitness
When : Wed Mar 16, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Sled Dragging. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Looking Forward To : Andy Bolton's 2011 Seminar DVD

This looks great.

Whenever there's talk of insane levels of strength, you certainly hear the name Andy Bolton. Freakishly strong.

This DVD (package, really) is based on this year's seminars, as well as a few things he's picked up over the years. Covering everything from assistance work and grip training to the big three themselves, this is a very interesting compilation.

Comes out tomorrow.

Quick update on the AtLarge BCAA+ : Thanks to everyone who grabbed some, it's great stuff. The discount still applies for another few days (up until the end of March 20th), so if you missed out (or would just like to grab some more), here are the details :

Head over to the AtLarge BCAA+ page, grab a bottle or three, and use the coupon code SB25 when ordering. Tell Chris that Straight to the Bar sent you. He'll look after you.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• High Fat Diets, Carbohydrate Intake, Water Consumption
  Various authors
  Just a few of the fascinating topics that cropped up following the discussion on fat loss. Would love to hear your thoughts.
  
• TNS Gripper Day
  Matt Hunt
  The gripper work continues. Fantastic.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the 'Like' button beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Chain Loaded Ab Wheel

Chains and an ab wheel. Love it.

Twitterchat 108 - Sled Dragging

Sled dragging is not only a great way to work out, it's downright fun.
Whether you're training indoors or out in the sun, a little sled work is fair game. This week we're looking closely at this particular method of training; what it is, the equipment involved, benefits and so on. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the incredible Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson (@JeddJohnson). Fantastic.
Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Sled Dragging
When : Wed Mar 9, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Nutrition For Fat Loss. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Checking Out : Kettlebell Snatch Domination

This looks fantastic.

I'm a big fan of Logan's work, and this is certainly no exception. Slightly unorthodox, challenging, and very, very effective.

In Kettlebell Snatch Domination, Logan explains (and demonstrates) how to use the Kettlebell Snatch very much to your advantage. How to gain both strength and endurance. Fat loss. Gripping techniques. And much, much more.

There really is a lot more to this apparently simple exercise than you might think.


Overall, very, very impressive. Full review shortly, and in the meantime - here's the man himself : Logan Christopher. Superb.

Quick update on the AtLarge BCAA+ : Thanks to everyone who grabbed some, it's great stuff. The discount still applies for another couple of weeks, so if you missed out (or would just like to grab some more), here are the details :

Head over to the AtLarge BCAA+ page, grab a bottle or three, and use the coupon code SB25 when ordering. Tell Chris that Straight to the Bar sent you. He'll look after you.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• Switching to a Paleo Diet
  Matt Hunt
  In the lead-up to this week's twitterchat (see details below), Matt has begun a little experimentation himself.
  
• Health & Fitness Research
  Various authors
  There has been some fantastic research posted recently, both on the forums and the Facebook page. Dive in.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the 'Like' button beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Tire Rotation by USAJG

This is a beautifully simple idea. Love it.

Twitterchat 107 - Nutrition For Fat Loss

When I started lifting weights a little over 7 years ago, I wasn't exactly thinking about what I ate. No matter what it was, I was certain the training was going to make up for it.

Over the years I've gradually learnt the benefits of eating cleanly, and made the occasional tweak to my diet. It now falls into the 'Primal, and very, very clean' category.

More recently, I've begun exploring the scientific side of nutrition - the fine-tuning that's possible with a little effort in the right areas. And yes, it makes a massive differece.

This week we're looking closely at this third aspect, Nutrition For Fat Loss. How to work out what your body needs, when, and in what form. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Food and Fitness's Anthony Paradis (@foodnfitness). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Nutrition For Fat Loss
When : Wed Mar 2, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Recovery : Improving Monophasic and Biphasic Sleep. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Considering : MiR 20LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest

I buy the majority of my stuff online, and regularly find myself trawling places like Amazon in search of discounts. One I just came across - the MiR 20LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest.

Although it's a whopping 60% off the usual price, I'm still wont to read a review or two. In particular, this one stood out :

I am a 34 year old U.S. Army soldier in currently stationed in Afghanistan, so you can guarantee that if I am taking time to write a review (down time that I could be using to sleep or write my family) that It will be accurate review based upon actual facts and not emotions.

Setup: I received my MiR 20LBS Comfortable Exercise Adjustable PRO Weighted VEST 5 days ago. I bought it new on sale for $26.99 (marked down from $69.99). It took about a week to get here. Shipping cost me more then what I paid for the vest ($29.99), but it's what I expected it to cost for a 20lb package to be shipped to Afghanistan.

Results after 5 days(approx. 64hrs of wear): So far I am very impressed with the vest, it fits well and is easy to adjust and seems to be made out of really durable material. I tried jumping up and down rapidly for 30 secs and the vest barely moved. The vest is a little bulky under my uniform but I see that as a small price to pay for increase speed and endurance. I only wear it continuously 12-14 hrs a day but since I only got it five days ago I am taking it slowly by letting my body get use to the weight before I start actually exercising with it on. The only down side I see is the burst of energy I feel when I take it off before I go to sleep. I can't wait to take it on a run! Check back for my update when I start exercising and am able to see what this baby can really do!

Sounds great. Anyone here tried one?

Quick update on the AtLarge BCAA+ : Thanks to everyone who grabbed some, it's great stuff. The discount still applies for another couple of weeks, so if you missed out (or would just like to grab some more), here are the details :

Head over to the AtLarge BCAA+ page, grab a bottle or three, and use the coupon code SB25 when ordering. Tell Chris that Straight to the Bar sent you. He'll look after you.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• Grip-Focused Training
  Matt Hunt
  Love your grip work? Same here.
  
• Health & Fitness Research
  Various authors
  There has been some fantastic research posted recently, both on the forums and the Facebook page. Dive in.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the 'Like' button beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Weight-Over-Bar Record

42lb over an 18' bar? Love it.

Twitterchat 106 - Biphasic Sleep

When it comes to recovery, there's nothing quite like a good dose of shut-eye. Love it.

This week we're discussing my favourite form of this strange beast, the idea of Biphasic Sleeping. Everything from the 'how to' to the benefits of sleeping twice each day. And in particular - how it can assist your training.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the astonishingly creative Adam Stoffa (@SEEAdamTrain).


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Biphasic Sleep
When : Wed Feb 23, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Nail Bending. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Deal of the Week : 25% Off AtLarge BCAA+

I love the AtLarge offerings, particularly things like BCAA+ (Branched Chain Amino Acids). Top-quality gear.

If you've never tried BCAA, the benefits are simple : improvements in strength, recovery times and a distinct reduction in the soreness you get after a heavy session. For details on exactly how this works, swing by the AtLarge site.

Sound good? It's about to get even better - for the next month (up until March 20th), AtLarge is generously offering their BCAA+ at a whopping 25% discount. Great time to grab a couple.

To take advantage of this offer, just enter the coupon code SB25 when ordering. And tell Chris that Straight to the Bar sent you. He'll look after you.

AtLarge BCAA+. Fantastic gear.

Looking Forward To : Home Made Strength II

As Jedd announced recently, Home Made Strength II is on the way. Looks superb.

I'm a long-time fan of DIY Strength-Training Equipment (I built a wrist roller shortly after I began training); it's a fantastic way to test out a new training tool or technique without breaking the bank. It also enables you to customise the equipment and try out your own ideas for new ways to train.

The first Home Made Strength DVD included a range of projects, covering the entire body in one form or another. Home Made Strength II concentrates on my favourite form of home-made equipment - tools for the hands and forearms.

If you're similarly obsessed with your grip and wrist work, Home Made Strength II is definitely for you. An incredible collection of extremely creative hand & forearm tools. Fantastic.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• The Power of Negatives
  Anthony Paradis
  There's a lot of superb info in the Beginners area of the forums, including deceptively simple snippets such as this. Over to you - do you employ negatives in your routines; in what sorts of exercises?
  
• GripTopz Rim Lift (162lb)
  'Unbreakable' Adam Glass
  Here's a quick demonstration of a very interesting training tool - the GripTopz. Nice one.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the 'Like' button beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : 64kg Kettlebell Snatch x 5

Nice and heavy. Good stuff.

Twitterchat 105 - Nail Bending

I love bending things. Underhand, overhand, bolts, shoes. And nails - especially nails. Fantastic way to train.

This week we're discussing the superb activity that is Nail Bending - why you'll want to give it a shot (hint: it works far more than you think), how to get started and so on. Really looking forward to it.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the incredible Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson (@JeddJohnson).


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Nail Bending
When : Wed Feb 16, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

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

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What's your poison : Captains of Crush, Mash Monsters, Vulcans?

Reading : Primal Blueprint Coconut Recipe Cookbook

Big fan of coconut.

My diet has changed considerably over the years, and these days falls into the 'Paleo with a hint of Primal' camp. If you're also a fan of this way of eating (and the many, many nutritional benefits which come along with it), check out the Coconut Recipe Cookbook.

62 recipes, all contributed by Mark's Daily Apple readers, and all more than worthy of a test run. Love it.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

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

• Health & Fitness Research
  Various authors
  There has been some fantastic research posted recently, both on the forums and the Facebook page. Dive in.
  
• Training Logs
  Various athletes
  There are many, many ways to train. Here are just a few.
  

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

NB : if you enjoy the articles, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the 'Like' button beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Band-Resisted Knee-Ins

Nice and simple - a little band work.

Good stuff.

Twitterchat 104 - Training with Grippers

We've talked a lot about grip training over the past couple of years (yes, this is the second anniversary of the twitterchats); everything from DIY Grip Tools to Pinch Grip Training. Love it.
This week we're returning to the world of hand strength, taking a detailed look at Training with Grippers. What to get, what to do, recovery techniques and so on. All the good stuff.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the enigmatic Matt (@njstrongman32). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training with Grippers
When : Wed Feb 9, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Pinch Grip, Blobs and the U-GO Handles. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Plates, blobs, bars - what do you like to lift?

NB : The winner of the superb StrongerGrip Loadable Blob was @njstrongman32 - congratulations. And cheers Ryan, greatly appreciated.

Checking Out : Hyper Wear SteelBells

These look great.

If you've ever played with the SandBells (great for things like Grip Grabs), you know just how versatile they are. Use them in place of the occasional kettlebell or medicine ball workout.

SteelBells are essentially just the heavy-duty variety. As the name implies, they're filled with steel shot; which makes them far more dense, and even more difficult to hold. The weight shifts about a lot more.

If you're after a new way to challenge your grip - and get a little strength-conditioning in at the same time - give the SteelBells a run. Beautiful.