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 :

• 70 of the Best : 7 Years of Straight to the Bar
  Scott Andrew Bird
  There have been some fantastic articles here over the past 7 years. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.
  
• Open Access Journals - Academic Research For All!
  This is a superb list of resources for the health & fitness researcher in all of us. 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 : Grappling Ball Drills

Stability balls seem to be unappreciated in a lot of gyms, but they're incredibly versatile tools. Train Fight Win shows just a few ways to put one to use.

Good stuff.

What's This?

A few weeks ago we noted this superb set of dumbbells (pictured). Beautiful things.
Dan Hardisky has graciously been doing a little digging, trying to track down the origin of this equipment. His current thinking is that they were originally steam engine governors (or similar objects), such as the ones shown at right.
What do you think? 19th C governor weights repurposed as training tools? If there are any steam engine historians reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Twitterchat 103 - Pinch Grip, Blobs and the U-GO Handles

I'm a huge fan of hand & forearm work in many forms, most notably in the form of grip work. Love it.
This week we're diving in to the world of Pinch Grip Training, in any form, anywhere. Everything from blobs to the brilliant U-GO handles. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than StrongerGrip's Ryan Pitts (@strongergrip). Fantastic.
Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Pinch Grip, Blobs and the U-GO Handles
When : Wed Feb 2, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Odd Object Training. Some superb ideas in there.

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

Competition Update : 7 Years

Just a quick reminder that today's the last day to get your competition entry in. If you haven't yet - and honestly, it doesn't get any simpler than this - here's all you need to do to win a superb collection of training gear :

Hop onto twitter, and :

1. Follow our sponsors at twitter.com/scottbird/sttbsponsors. They share some fantastic information.
2. Tell your friends about the contest with a quick tweet :

   'Win $500 worth of fitness gear : 7 Years of Straight to the Bar ( bit.ly/fXDA1g ). Just follow @scottbird/sttbsponsors . #7yearsofSttB'

That's it.

To check out the prize list, swing by the main entry page at :

7 Years of Straight to the Bar

And thank-you. Sincerely.

Checking Out : Iron Nation

This looks great.

I'm currently catching up on a little reading; diving into my 'books I've been meaning to get to' pile. Next up : the superb-looking Iron Nation.

For the uninitiated, just a brief roll-call will tell you everything you need to know about this book. Here are just some of the book's contributors :


'Vic Boff, Stephen Boyd, Matt Brzycki, Dick Conner, Jan Dellinger, Jim Duggan, Clyde Emrich, Fred Hahn, Bill Hinbern, Drew Israel, Osmo Kiiha, Brooks D. Kubik, Jamie Labelle, Dr. Ted Lambrinides, Tom Laputka, Kathy Leistner, Dr. Ken E. Leistner, Ken Mannie, John McKean, Stuart McRobert, Tom Metzger, Bill Pearl, Gregg Pickett, Glenn Pieschke, Steve Pulcinella, Mabel Rader, Ralph Raiola, Dick "Smitty" Smith, Jon Schultheis, Bill Starr, Bradley J. Steiner, Dr. Randall J. Strossen, Mike Thompson, Dennis B. Weis, Bob Whelan, Paul Young'

As you can see, there are some great names there. Really looking forward to this one.

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 :

• Odd Object Training
  by Kevin 'Sgt Sweaty' Miller
  Use whatever you've got.
  
• Review : NSD Powerball
  by Scott Latella
  Love training your hands and forearms? Grab one of these. Superb.
  

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 : Increase Your Push-up Volume

Smitty, there are some superb tips in this video. Nice one.

Twitterchat 102 - Odd Object Training

Heavy, awkward, off-centre : this is my kind of training. Good fun.

This week we're taking a close look at Odd Object Training, in any form, anywhere. Everything from 'what it is' to 'filling kegs with sand, water and other fun things'. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Kevin 'Sgt Sweaty' Miller (@SgtSweaty). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Odd Object Training
When : Wed Jan 26, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Auxiliary Olympic Lifts for Core Strength. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you learn Olympic Lifting? Can you teach yourself, or would you recommend hiring a trainer or joining a group?

Looking Forward To : The Body in Motion

This looks great.

In The Body in Motion: Its Evolution and Design, Theodore Dimon takes a look at our incredible construction. Much more than a humble anatomy book, this examines not only how various body systems work but combine to accomplish whatever task is required.

If you've ever wondered just what happens when you lift/drag/carry something - and how to refine that process as much as possible - this book will show you precisely.

Available tomorrow.

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 :

• How to Build Your Own Sandbag
  Ready to build your own sandbag? Derek shows just how quick and simple it can be.
  
• One-Handed Deadlifting (515lb)
  I love this lift - the One-Hand Deadlift. Nice one Mike.
  

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 : Sandbag Squatting Variations

Whether you build your own sandbags or buy something like the Ultimate Sandbag, here are a few great ways to put it to use. Sandbag Squatting Variations.

Twitterchat 101 - Auxiliary Olympic Lifts for Core Strength

If the idea of core training doesn't exactly get you excited, make sure you join this discussion. Whether you're working out at home or in a commercial facility, we've got a few ideas to share.

This week we're taking a close look at Auxiliary Olympic Lifts for Core Strength, in any form, anywhere. Everything from the prerequisite strength and skills to testing and measurement. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is bodybuilder, serious lifter and fitness writer Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker (@themightykat). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Auxiliary Olympic Lifts for Core Strength
When : Wed Jan 19, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Fitness for Beginners. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Is it important to set goals when you're just starting, or dive in and see what you enjoy?

Looking Forward To : U-GO Grip Handles

Ryan, these look superb.

If you've ever used any of the StrongerGrip gear, you'll appreciate just how good this stuff is. Hand-made (by someone who actually uses it), perfectly shaped and beautifully finished. It's top-quality equipment.

The U-GO Handles are similar to a small blob in shape, together with a swivelling loop that's ready for a loading pin/sled/cables and so on.

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 :

• 7 Years of Straight to the Bar : The Contest
  Scott Andrew Bird
  New gear for the home gym? Perfect.
  
• Strength Training Changed My Life
  Joe Hashey
  Strength-training certainly has a transformative effect. Here's Joe's own story.
  

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 SU and Twitter icons beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : 260kg Squat with Strap Setup

How do you use straps when squatting? Like this.

What's This?

I love vintage strength-training equipment, and this certainly qualifies. A pair of wooden-handled vintage dumbbells. Now the tricky part - identification.

Does anyone here know who used these, who sold them or perhaps who made them? Carrie (the bells' new owner), has more pics on her Flickr page.

Take a look - they're great things.

Twitterchat 100 - Fitness for Beginners

Pretty soon, everything settles in to a routine - but exactly where and how do you begin?

This week we're looking at Fitness for Beginners, or just where to start. How to clean up your diet (and what is meant by a 'clean diet'), the equipment you need, whether or not you should hire a personal trainer and much, much more.


Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than We're Working Out's (@alkavadlo). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Fitness for Beginners
When : Wed Jan 12, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Motivation. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What sort of (training-related) things are you motivated by?

Checking Out : Shoulder Harness

If you enjoy your sprinting or dragging work, a good shoulder harness is essential.

There are several ways to use a harness such as this, and the video below demonstrates one of the more common : as part of a simple dragging setup. Just add a dog leash (or similar strap), a length of chain and you're good to go. Beautiful.

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 :

• Five Reasons to Start Bending Nails
  Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson
  Remember the Nail Bending DVD we mentioned a few weeks ago? Absolutely superb.
  
• Motivation for Training
  Dean Coulson
  Looking forward to this week's twitterchat (details below)? Same here.
  

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 SU and Twitter icons beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Training to Set Heavy Grippers (Using Lighter Ones)

Joe, this is fantastic. Your creativity is truly amazing.

Twitterchat 99 - Motivation

What is motivation? What role does it play in your training, and how can it be improved?

This week we're taking a look at this fascinating area from a number of angles. What it is, how to get it, and how to use it to your advantage. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than All Round Athlete's Dean Coulson (@DeanCoulson). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Motivation
When : Wed Jan 5, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Improving Your Client's Success. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Are your clients aware of each others' goals? What about those of clients who've already achieved them?

Looking Forward To : You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises

This looks great.

Having refined his routines training various groups of Special Forces operatives, Mark Lauren has teamed up with writer Joshua Clark to create this extremely detailed work. For anyone who enjoys the challenge of the occasional bodyweight session, You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises looks like a superb read.

Comes out tomorrow.

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 :

• Old-Time Strongman Performances
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
  Brief clips from some of Mike's Strongman shows. Good stuff.
  
• Robert Lucarelli's DIY Equipment
  Robert Lucarelli
  I love a spot of DIY, and here are a few examples of Rob's work. 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 SU and Twitter icons beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Double Overhand Axle Power Shrugs

Love a spot of yoke work? Same here.

Twitterchat 98 - Improving Your Client's Success

There are many ways to set your training-related goals - whether they're goals for a particular competition or overall fitness goals for the year. To lift this much, run that far, beat that time and so on.

This week we're taking a look at a spot of goal-setting, and several other elements that make up a client's success. Behaviour change models, motivation etc; from both the athlete's and the trainer's point of view. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Food and Fitness's Anthony Paradis (@foodnfitness). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Improving Your Client's Success
When : Wed Dec 29, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 for Football : AFL. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Ever tried a little Australian Rules football?

Considering : Equipment for the Home Gym

I love the home gym - it's the perfect place to get away from everything for a while, and focus on building a stronger, faster, fitter me. Good fun.

Looking around, I'm certainly not the only one. If you're in the market for a bit of equipment (whether you're just setting up the gym, or adding to the one you've already got), take a look around places such as the Exercise & Fitness area on Amazon. Some very interesting ideas in there.

One item that caught my eye is this neck-training machine. Personally, I'm a fan of the neck harness approach, but I'm curious : has anyone here used a machine such as this?Thoughts?

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 Pistol Squat
  Al Kavadlo
  Always learning new skills and combinations, Al takes a look at this extremely challenging bodyweight (or with added resistance) exercise.
  
• 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 SU and Twitter icons beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Staggered Stiff-Legged Deadlifts

Interesting variation.

Twitterchat 97 - Training for Football : AFL

No matter which sports you enjoy, if a spot of Australian Rules Football (AFL) is on the list you're in for a treat. It's certainly a fast-paced and - if you're not used to it - somewhat unusual game. Highly recommended.

This week we're taking a look at the training required for this particular code, and how it compares to other forms of the game. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Alpha Kettlebell's Troy Anderson (@troyATS). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training for Football : AFL
When : Wed Dec 22, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Fitness Gifts. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you ever buy yourself a fitness gift or two? What sorts of things?

Watching : The Corrections

I'm a long-time fan of Jordan Vezina's work, and I really admire stuff like this.

Jordan has put his entire DVD 'The Corrections' on Youtube, for anyone to watch - completely free. And yes, it's superb information.

To check out all the videos (the DVD's been broken into several parts, separated by topic), swing by Strength Beyond Strength.

Superb.

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 :

• Fitness Goals for 2011
  Various athletes
  Mine are primarily strength related - how about yours? Got any meets/competitions/contests/gatherings lined up? And how do you determine your goals - are they things you've never tried, or improvements (such as lifting a heavier weight, or completing the course in less time) to the things you already do?
  
• 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 and Retweet icons above & below each post). Cheers.

Video : Olympic Lifting Techniques - Positions and Speeds

From Glenn Pendlay's Olympic Lifting Techniques DVD - a discussion on the importance of both position and speed. Good stuff.

Twitterchat 96 - Last Minute Fitness Gifts

With the holiday season in full swing (around here at least) it's time once again to take a look at just what's out there. What exactly do you buy for the fitness person in your life? If they're setting up a home gym (ready for the new year), what are the kinds of things they'll need? How about gifts for someone you care about that you'd love to see become fit, but that currently isn't?

This week we're discussing the many forms of Last Minute Fitness Gifts available. Things you can buy now, and - in most cases - get delivered and set up in time for Christmas Day itself. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than SEE's Adam Stoffa (@SEEAdamTrain). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Last Minute Fitness Gifts
When : Wed Dec 15, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 Hormones and Diet. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What's your current diet like - Primal? Vegetarian? Anything goes?

Checking Out : Industrial Strength Grip

This looks fantastic.

Tomorrow (Tue Dec 14, 2010) the incredible (and Unbreakable) Adam Glass will be releasing Industrial Strength Grip; a superb package for anyone new to the wonderful world of grip. To get a taste of what's on offer, here's a brief video demonstrating a simple grip-training routine using equipment you probably already have.

(a dumbbell, a towel and a couple of plates).

Good stuff.

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 :

• Training the Trainer : MMA Workout
  Al Kavadlo
  Always learning new skills and combinations, Al enjoys a workout with none other than MMA fighter Matt Ruskin.
  
• Post-Injury Behind-the-Back Deadlifts (Hack Squats)
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
  An uncommon lift - great to see. Over to The Machine.
  

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 and Retweet icons above & below each post). Cheers.

Video : Extreme Swiss Ball Push-ups

Nice one.

Twitterchat 95 - Hormones & Diet

Inspired by Mark Sisson's superb The Primal Blueprint, Body by D-Rock's Derek Peruo (@bodybydrock) has been learning about Insulin, Cortisol and the many other hormones that influence our diet, training and overall condition. It's safe to say that there's a strong link between what we eat and our hormone production; in both directions.

This week we're taking a close look at this connection between Hormones & Diet, discussing the pros and cons eating and training at various times, in ever-changing ways and conditions. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Hormones & Diet
When : Wed Dec 8, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

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 How Do You .... Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. At what age did you start training? In what form?

Checking Out : TRX Pro Pack

Once again, there are a lot of strength-training products on sale right now. Getting ready for Christmas, and spending a bit of time with friends and family.

One of my favourites for use when spending any length of time away from home (more specifically, away from the home gym) is the TRX. Hook it up and go.

If you're new to the world of suspension training, Derek takes a great look at the possibilities here. And when you're ready to grab the equipment, check out the TRX Pro Pack. TRX, instructional DVD and manual; and a workout to get you started. Perfect way to start.

As a bonus, Fitness Anywhere is currently offering the TRX at a tasty 20% discount. Just enter the code TRXMAS when you're checking out.

Good stuff.

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 Best of Both Worlds : Interview with Troy Andersen
  Yael Grauer
  Some interesting ideas - nice one.
  
• 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 and Retweet icons above & below each post). Cheers.

Video : Abmat Medball Pass Situp

Grab your training partner.

Twitterchat 94 - How Do You ...

One of the many fascinating aspects of strength-training is that everyone has a slightly different approach; based on their own goals, available equipment and information. Fantastic variety.

This week we're delving in to as many of these approaches as possible, discussing How and Why you currently train the way you do - sharing the things that work, and discarding the ones that don't. Really looking forward to it.


Details -

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

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 Core Training. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. How would you define core strength? What sorts of things can it help?

Checking Out : Basketball Strength II

It's safe to say that there are a lot of discounts on training-related products at this time of year. Everything from the training gear on Amazon to individual products such as the TRX and Ultimate Sandbag.

Of these, one of the ones that caught my eye is a 50% discount on Dave Lemanczyk's Basketball Strength II. If you've seen any of Dave's stuff, you know just what you're in for. This is the real deal.

To get the discount, just grab your copy of Basketball Strength II (either for yourself or as a gift) and enter the code CYBERMON at checkout. That's all there is to it.