On the Forums

• Josh Hanagarne's Training Log
  Z-Health, Kettlebells and Bending. Here's what Josh's getting up to.
  
• FoodNFitness' Training Log
  More training goodness. The FoodNFitness approach.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - PDA "Ironhorse" Harness Squat

There are several great varieties of the Harness Squat, including this.

Enjoy.

Deal of the Week - Plyometric Box Set

I love buying stuff at Amazon, and strength-training gear is certainly no exception. There are some great discounts at this time of year.

One of the things that caught my eye recently is this set of plyo boxes (pictured at left), which are ideal for the many varieties of jump training. Love 'em.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 43 - Techniques for Strongman Competitions : I love Strongman competitions - it's a brilliant way of putting obscene levels of strength to the test. Good fun.

This week we're discussing the various techniques involved in the many Strongman events - where to grip it, how to position yourself and so on. Helping us navigate this fascinating world is Strongman Mike Gill. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Techniques for Strongman Competitions
When : Wed Dec 9, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

Super Gym's Deadlift Competition, and The Wolf Games : Deadlifting at Benedikt Magnusson's Super Gym, Iceland. Need I say more?

Fantastic.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Anconeus Sidekick

Long-time readers of this site may remember the Anconeus Sidekick, a triceps exercise which is rarely seen these days in commercial gyms.

From the original article :

The Anconeus is the oft-forgotten 4th elbow extensor. To perform the sidekicks, kneel down beside a bench and use it to support your upper arm. Move your upper arm so that it's at right angles to your torso (and parallel to the floor), with your forearm hanging straight down. Pick up a dumbell with a pronated grip (point your thumb down), and raise your forearm to horizontal (your upper arm won't move).

Great addition to the tricep-training arsenal.

On the Forums

• All About Coffee
  FoodNFitness
  Enjoy a pre-workout cup or a regular dose in the mornings? FoodNFitness takes a look at this incredible drink.
  
• Rob Sinnott's Training Log
  More training goodness. The Sinnott approach.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - Sled Pull with Neck Harness

Love a spot of neck training? Same here. Here's just one of the many, many ways to get your yoke on - the Sled Pull with Neck Harness.

Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - The TRX Suspension Trainer

I love all kinds of suspension training, and I'm a big fan of the TRX. Brilliant equipment.

If you've been considering grabbing one for yourself, this will make the decision a whole lot easier : right now, they're 25% off. Superb.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 42 - Hand Balancing : One of the greatest ways to work the shoulders (and several other things) - although somewhat uncommon - is Hand Balancing. Standing, walking, lifting weights - on your hands. Brilliant.

Helping to explain what it is, the history of this great activity and how to get started; lover of Physical Culture in all forms, Logan Christopher. Really looking forward to it.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Hand Balancing
When : Wed Dec 2, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

Super Gym's Deadlift Competition, and The Wolf Games : Deadlifting at Benedikt Magnusson's Super Gym, Iceland. Need I say more?

Fantastic.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Barbell Shoulder Bridge

Before the Bench Press was the Shoulder Bridge (pictured).

Great exercise.

On the Forums

• Josh Hanagarne's Training Log
  Z-Health, Kettlebells and Bending. Here's what Josh's getting up to.
  
• FoodNFitness' Training Log
  More training goodness. The FoodNFitness approach.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - Swing Squats with Clubs and Kettlebells

Great exercise, whether you use clubs or a kettlebell. Good fun.

Deal of the Week - MBG Training DVDs

There are a number of superb items on sale at this time of year, as you'd expect. Of these, my favourite would have to be the 'Training' DVD set from Monkey Bar Gym.

If you're ready for some serious strength & conditioning work over the next few months, take a look at these.

Highly recommended.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 41 - Training for Combat Athletics : This week we'll be having an open discussion on the many ways to train for MMA, boxing or a martial arts tournament. The required mix of skill development, conditioning work and strength training.

Whichever approach you favour, if combat's your thing then this is the perfect place to be.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training for Combat Athletics
When : Wed Nov 25, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

Super Gym's Deadlift Competition, and The Wolf Games : Deadlifting at Benedikt Magnusson's Super Gym, Iceland. Need I say more?

Fantastic.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Dimel Deadlift

Originally employed to great effect by Powerlifter Matt Dimel, this deadlift variation will certainly help you switch things up a bit.

Here's a brief description of the Dimel Deadlift :

This lift is similar to the main part of a Romanian deadlift. Using a narrow stance, medium overhand grip (at the rings) and a comparitively light weight (30-40% of your deadlift 1RM), stand up with an arched back. Squat down with the glutes pushed back, not letting the knees travel forward. Lower the bar quickly to just below the knees; then return explosively to an upright stance. The entire movement should be fast, and is usually done with reasonably high reps (20 or so).

Good stuff.

On the Forums

• Vitamin C - A Closer Look
  FoodNFitness
  What's Vitamin C all about? Tony takes a look.
  
• What was once almost impossible, just was accomplished
  Frank DiMeo
  Frank does some great workouts over at CrossFit Gulf Coast. Here he is conquering Murph.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - 225lb Pinky Lift

Love it.

Deal of the Week - StrongerGrip Gripbell Package

If you saw the GripBell Connector Bar (video at left) the other day, your head's no doubt filled with the possibilities. Bent rows, sled drags, high pulls and so on.

To make this a reality, Ryan Pitts has put together a package especially for readers of this newsletter. It's a set comprising 2 Gripbell Dumbbells, and a connector bar. Good stuff.

And as a bonus, for the next 24 hours Ryan'll be offering this superb set at a massive discount. No matter where you are, order one before Tuesday, Nov 17 2009.

Perfect.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 40 - Fixing Your Squat : This week we'll be having an open discussion on the many ways to correct the king of strength-training routines everywhere, the humble barbell squat. Whether you're after a little fine-tuning or your current technique is a complete mess; this is the perfect chance to make the most of this brilliant exercise.

Helping us navigate this fascinating area, Accelerated Sports Performance's Rob Sinnott (@StayKYStrong).

Should be fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Fixing Your Squat
When : Wed Nov 18, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

NB : if you'd like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It's always great to discover how other people are training.

Andrew Durniat's Day of Strength : Grip, Strongman, Highland Games and other fun things. Fantastic..

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Zottman Curl

Although the humble bicep curl is rarely seen in my own routines, I love the Zottman. Great exercise.

On the Forums

• Josh Hanagarne's Training Log
  More training goodness. Here's what Josh's getting up to.
  
• Fight Geek's Training Log
  It's always great to see how other people train. Here's how Fight Geek does things.
  

NB : Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

Video - Modified Reeves Deadlift

If you've ever tried the Reeves Deadlift (the one pictured here), you'll understand just how challenging it is. To get you started, here's a slightly simpler version. Nice one.

Deal of the Week - Gymboss

Whether your conditioning sessions revolve around sandbags, hill sprints, stair work or another form of fun; if interval work is at the centre of it, make sure you've got a Gymboss.

Simply put, the Gymboss is the perfect interval timer. Compact, accurate and loud enough to hear when you're in the middle of a set.

Beautiful thing.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 39 - Advanced Kettlebell Techniques II : If you've been using kettlebells for any length of time, you'll appreciate just how many ways there are to put them to work. Use them for your strength training, conditioning work and as a perfect way to add weight to other exercises.

This week we're going to take a look at a few of the many ways to train with your kettlebells, focusing on the advanced techniques which help you crank it up a notch. Helping us navigate this fascinating area, Dave 'Iron Tamer' Whitley.

Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Advanced Kettlebell Techniques II
When : Wed Nov 11, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

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

See you there.

NB : if you'd like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It's always great to discover how other people are training.

Andrew Durniat's Day of Strength : Grip, Strongman, Highland Games and other fun things. Fantastic..

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Sonnon's Lawnmower Extension

A great one for the rings - Sonnon's Lawnmower Extension. Good stuff.

On the Forums

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, head over to the forums :

• Fight Geek’s Training Log
  It’s always great to see how other people train. Here’s how Fight Geek does things.
  
• Mike F’s Training Log
  More training goodness. Here’s what Mike’s getting up to.
  

NB : Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click ‘Post to Your Blog’. That’s all there is to it.

Video - 60th Birthday Medley

This is a great mix of exercises, at any age. A blend of kettlebell, club, rope and sandbag work. Good fun.

Deal of the Week - The FP Gripper

These are beautiful things.

Remember the gripper video we looked at last week? Here’s a perfect time to grab the first series of this incredible tool - the FP Gripper. Designed by Joe Musselwhite and hand-made by Warren Tetting; if you’re serious about your armwrestling, this is definitely a must-have piece of equipment.

Love it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 38 - Stretching : If there’s one area of strength-training which is often overlooked, ignored or misunderstood it’s stretching. When done right, however, it can help with some incredible changes.

This week we’re going to take a look at the what, when and how of stretching; with the help of The Strength Doctor, Tim Hull. Exactly what to do, when and where to go for help.

Excellent.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans Topic : Stretching When : Wed Nov 4, 9pm EST (1am UTC) How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here’s how)

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

See you there.

NB : if you’d like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It’s always great to discover how other people are training.

Andrew Durniat’s Day of Strength : Grip, Strongman, Highland Games and other fun things. Fantastic..

Got an event that you’d like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Overhead Tire Throw

This is a deceptively simple exercise - the Overhead Tyre Throw. Good fun.

On the Forums

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, head over to the forums :

• How Deep do you Squat?
  Various authors
  Following last week’s twitterchat on knee injuries, a discussion arose regarding squat depth. How low should you go?
  
• Help With the Kink?
  Various authors
  Looking for technique assistance when it comes to your bending? Start here.
  

NB : Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click ‘Post to Your Blog’. That’s all there is to it.

Video - How To Use Your FP Gripper

Remember Mighty Joe Musselwhite’s FP Gripper? Yep, it’s here. Looks fantastic.

Deal of the Week - 30% off Ultimate Sandbag kits

I love the Ultimate Sandbag. Brilliant thing.

For the next 24 hours* Josh Henkin has agreed to provide several of the most popular kits at a whopping 30% discount to readers of this newsletter. Whether you’re stocking a commercial gym or simply ready to get in the best shape of your life, why not take this opportunity to grab one at a greatly reduced price.

Highly recommended.

• offer ends 10pm EST on 27 October 2009.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 37 - Kettlebell Juggling : If you love kettlebell work as much as I do, chances are you’ve thought about kettlebell juggling at one point or another. And yes, it’s great fun.

This week we’re going to take a close look at this fantastic activity, with the help of Legendary Strength’s Logan Christopher. Exactly how to get started, what you need and where to go for help.

Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans Topic : Kettlebell Juggling When : Wed Oct 28, 9pm EST (1am UTC) How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here’s how)

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

See you there.

NB : if you’d like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It’s always great to discover how other people are training.

Card Tearing Contest : a spot of card tearing perhaps? Now this one will be fun. Find out why.

Got an event that you’d like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Prasara Hurlies

If burpees get you breathing hard, try a few Prasara Hurlies. Good fun.

On the Forums

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 a training routine or two, head over to the forums :

• Breaking Jack Chain
  Mike ‘The Machine’ Bruce
  Mike demonstrates one of the less common strength feats.
  
• Intro from Sinnot
  Rob Sinnot
  Rob pops in for a chat. Good stuff.
  

NB : Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click ‘Post to Your Blog’. That’s all there is to it.

Video - One Arm Barbell Snatch-Get Up-Windmill-Overhead Squat

Very nice work Max. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - The Rotater

The Rotater is a brilliant thing. Highly recommended.

Why not take this opportunity to grab one at a whopping 50% discount? Details here.

Fantastic.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 36 - Knee Injuries : Ever injured your knee while training? Been working around the pain, avoiding certain exercises? This week we’ll be discussing the many types of knee injuries, how you can avoid them, and how to help the one you already have.

Helping us to navigate through this fascinating world is The Strength Doctor, Tim Hull. Whether you’re after a fix for an existing problem, or would like to avoid them in the future, Tim has a few suggestions. Looking forward to it.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans Topic : Knee Injuries When : Wed Oct 21, 9pm EST (1am UTC) How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here’s how)

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

See you there.

NB : if you’d like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It’s always great to discover how other people are training.

Kettlebell Juggling Contest : how’s your kettlebell juggling? For details, head over here. Good stuff.

Card Tearing Contest : or a spot of card tearing perhaps? Now this one will be fun. Find out why.

Got an event that you’d like to add? Let me know..

Exercise of the Week : Bulgarian Bag No-Hands Get-Up

As Steve mentions in the video, this is a fantastic way to work the core. Good fun.

On the Forums

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 a training routine or two, head over to the forums :

• Gym I’m Training At
  What’s Bill getting up to since the operation, and where? Read on.
  
• Fight Geek’s Training Log
  It’s always great to see how other people train. Here’s how Fight Geek does things.
  

NB : Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click ‘Post to Your Blog’. That’s all there is to it.

Video - Diego Sanchez Bridge Row

Bridging is simply too good to ignore. Here’s a great variation.

Deal of the Week - Swagerstrength Pinch Plate

For a controlled and safe way to work on your pinch grip, the Swagerstrength Pinch Plate is superb. Highly recommended.

Why not take this opportunity to grab one at a discounted price? Buy one before midnight (ET) on Oct 14, and enter the coupon code PINCHSTTB at checkout. You’ll get $5 off the usual low price.

Fantastic.

Coming Events

Twitterchat on Supplementation : this week we’re talking about supplementation - everything that’s added to your regular diet; typically on a daily basis. Vitamins and Minerals, the many varieties of protein shakes, Creatine, energy bars and so on. Whatever you take.

Here’s your chance to announce what you take, and why. It’s also a perfect chance to find out the results of the various kitchen-based experiments (and Chris, I’m looking in your direction). Should be great.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans Topic : Supplementation When : Wed Oct 14, 9pm EST (1am UTC) How : include #sbdiet in your tweets

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

See you there.

NB : if you’d like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It’s always great to discover how other people are training.

Kettlebell Juggling Contest : how’s your kettlebell juggling? For details, head over here. Good stuff.

Card Tearing Contest : or a spot of card tearing perhaps? Now this one will be fun. Find out why.

Grip Contests : There are also several grip contests coming up shortly, including :

• Finnish Open Grip Strength Championships
• Super Gym - Rolling Thunder and CoC

For details - and to add an event - swing by the Grip Contest Calendar.

Exercise of the Week : The Overhead Tyre Throw

Nice and simple - the Overhead Tyre (OK, tire) Throw. Pick up a modest tyre, throw it overhead and repeat. That’s all there is to it.

NB : it’s far more challenging than it sounds. Good fun.

Looking for more tire-training goodness?

On the Forums

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 a training routine or two, head over to the forums :

• Fight Geek’s Training Log
  It’s always great to see how other people train. Here’s how Fight Geek does things.
  
• Mike F’s Training Log
  More training goodness. Here’s what Mike’s getting up to.
  

NB : Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click ‘Post to Your Blog’. That’s all there is to it.

Video - Weightlifting, Step 1

Considering giving Weightlifting a shot? Watch this - fantastic.

Coming Events

Twitterchats : A couple of weeks ago, RKC Sandy Sommer helped us get started on the road to kettlebell training. This time he’s joining us to discuss some of the advanced training techniques to really crank your kettlebell training up a notch.

Whether it’s a complex exercise, an integration with other tools, a challenge or a strength feat; if you love pushing yourself to the limit with a humble kettlebell, this is the place to be. Should be fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Advanced Kettlebell Training
When : Wed Oct 7, 9pm EST (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.

NB : if you’d like to be a guest on an upcoming chat, get in touch. It’s always great to discover how other people are training.

Kettlebell Juggling Contest : how’s your kettlebell juggling? For details, head over here. Good stuff.

Card Tearing Contest : or a spot of card tearing perhaps? Now this one will be fun. Find out why.

Grip Contests : There are also several grip contests coming up shortly, including :

• Finnish Open Grip Strength Championships
• Super Gym - Rolling Thunder and CoC

For details - and to add an event - swing by the Grip Contest Calendar.

Exercise of the Week : The Inman Mile

The Inman Mile is a great exercise; effectively a supersized version of a Farmers’ Walk. Although there are several variations (see below), the most common versions are :

1.5 x bodyweight, barbell across shoulders : This is the version recognised by the USAWA, and occasionally appears at USAWA sanctioned events. Their definition is :

The lifter will have loaded onto his/her shoulders a weight equal to 150% of bodyweight. The lifter will then carry the weight a distance of one mile. Gait is optional. Resting is allowed, but neither the lifter nor the weight may be supported. Records will be kept in both pounds and time. Should the weight be touched by any aide once the lift has begun, the event is terminated. The lifter may be handed refreshments during the lift.

For obvious reasons, this is usually performed outdoors.

Continue reading…