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 :

• Do You Believe in the Human Potential?
  Karsten Jensen
  Definitely. Over to Karsten.
  
• Training Outdoors : Fitness Paths
  Various athletes
  I love training outdoors. Here's a brief look at just one of the many 'fitness paths' around. Perfect.
  

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 : Ultimate Towel Workout 2

Very creative. Nice one.

Twitterchat 93 - Auxiliary Olympic Lifts for Core Strength

As you may have noticed last week, a couple of Twitter problems prevented us from getting in to this one. Accordingly, we've rescheduled it for this week - same day, same time (Wed 24th). See you there.

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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 Nov 24, 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.

Checking Out : Weightlifting Visions 2011

My love of strength-training and photography are perfectly combined in projects like this, Kat's Weightlifting Visions 2011 calendar. If you love surrounding yourself (even when you're not actually training) with images of lifting and equipment, this is ideal.

Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker's Weightlifting Visions 2011.

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 :

• Rob's Training Log
  Rob Sinnott
  Hard and heavy.
  
• Pushups Hardcore Mix
  Serious Athletes
  If you're looking for a bit of a challenge with your push-ups, check out this video. Some great variations (especially the unstable ones).
  

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 : Homemade Reverse Hyper

Extremely creative. Fantastic.

Twitterchat 92 - 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.

NB : As I'm currently travelling and without internet access for a few days, Derek 'Body by D-Rock' Peruo has graciously agreed to take on the role of guest moderator for this discussion. Should be a great one.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Auxiliary Olympic Lifts for Core Strength
When : Wed Nov 17, 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 Getting Started with Combat Training. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Are you currently learning one of the many combat sports? Which one?

Checking Out : Primal Blueprint Reader Created Cookbook

Readers of Mark Sisson's (Mark's Daily Apple) newsletter may have noticed a link to The Primal Blueprint Reader Created Cookbook, a fantastic collection of primal-friendly recipes (including more than a couple I'm keen to test out here).

Head over to the blog, check out the newsletter and grab the free ebook. 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 :

• Primero BJJ
  Yael Grauer
  Which would you rather visit : a gym with a great atmosphere, or one with great coaches?
  
• Online Coaching Resources
  Serious Coaches and Trainers
  For the coaches & trainers who offer online coaching services : we've set up an area on the forums specifically for discussion on this very topic. What works, where to advertise, what to charge and so on. If you're currently offering online coaching services (or are just keen to find out more), let me know and I'll add you to the group.
  

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 : One Hand Deadlifting with the Strongergrip Plateau Buster

The Strongergrip Plateau Buster (fantastic thing) in action. Nice work Adam.

Twitterchat 91 - Getting Started with Combat Training

If you've ever considered learning a martial art, taking up boxing or any other form of combat athletics; you may be wondering just where to begin. After all, there are one or two possibilities.

This week we're taking a close look at Getting Started with Combat Training, no matter what form that takes. Everything from the prerequisite strength and skills to 'which sport helps with which goals'. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Combat Trainer's Rob Decillis (@CombatTrainer). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Online Coaching
When : Wed Nov 10, 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 Online Coaching. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you currently offer any fitness coaching services online, or have you ever used any?

Getting Ready For : Nail Bending - How to Melt Steel with Your Bare Hands

Jedd noted this one the other day, and I have to say, it sounds fantastic.

Nail Bending - How to Melt Steel with Your Bare Hands is 1 1/2 hours of solid instruction in how to bend steel correctly, and safely. And when it's the insanely strong Jedd Johnson at the helm, you know it's going to be good.

Really looking forward to 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 :

• The Human Flag
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at this incredibly impressive bodyweight feat.
  
• 'Just Enough' Training
  The Fight Geek
  This is a very interesting idea - the concept of 'just enough' training. Thoughts?
  

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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Band Partner Sprints

I first saw these being demonstrated by Ross Enamait, and was instantly hooked. Fantastic things.

NB : this is the partner version, if you're training solo simply loop the band around something that's not going anywhere in a hurry (such as a rack or bench).

Twitterchat 90 : Online Coaching

If you're a strength coach or personal trainer, do you offer any online services as part of your training? If you're an athlete, have you ever used any; or would you like to find out a little more about them?

This week we're continuing on from last week's discussion on Setting Up a Strength Training Facility, this time looking at the online side of things. Everything from custom program design to teleseminars and video training. 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 : Online Coaching
When : Wed Nov 3, 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 Setting Up a Strength Training Facility. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Ever considered setting up your own gym? Have one already?

Reading : We're Working Out

This is a fantastic book.

If you've read any of Al Kavadlo's articles - either on Straight to the Bar or his own site - you'll understand just how focused he is on health and fitness. In this book (full review) he shares his philosophy of training, eating well and generally looking after yourself.

A great read.

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 :

• Jumping Rope for Conditioning
  Al Kavadlo
  One of the simplest forms of conditioning work - jumping rope.
  
• Progressive Distance Training
  Karsten Jensen
  More Flexible Periodisation goodness. Over to Karsten.
  

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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Standing Odd-shaped Tyre Press

205lb of home-made fun. Love it.

Twitterchat 89 : Setting Up a Strength Training Facility

It happens to many of us at some point - a desire to create our own gym. Whether that's a home gym, a shared training space or something a little more commercial - it's definitely a worthy goal.

This week we're focusing on the commercial side of things, whether that's a roomful of machines or something a little more hardcore. Whatever form it takes, we'll be talking about it in Setting Up a Strength Training Facility. 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 : Setting Up a Strength Training Facility
When : Wed Oct 27, 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 Incorporating Fitness into a 'Normal' Life. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you train at work - perhaps in your lunch break? In a local facility or a work gym?

Looking Forward To : EA Sports Active 2.0

Although this variety of fitness video game mix isn't exactly 'there' yet (I'd love to see much more emphasis on strength-training for one), I'm keen to have a good look at this offering.
Quite apart from the fact that it encourages people to move (always a great thing), it seems to be flexible in terms of defining a custom program. A question for all the strength coaches and personal trainers out there : would you see value in using something like this (if customisable) with your online clients? What sort of feedback (heartrate, times etc) would you need?

If you're similarly keen to take a look at EA Sports Active 2.0, it'll be released on Nov 16, 2010.

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 Get Your Gym on the Map
  Yael Grauer
  Got your own training facility? Fancy getting some new clients?
  
• The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When You Create a Periodized Training Program
  Karsten Jensen
  Creating a training program or two? Here are a few considerations. Over to Karsten.
  

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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Band-Resisted Hanging Knee Raises

Despite being a long-time fan of these, I've never done them with bands. Very interesting idea.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 88 - Incorporating Fitness into a 'Normal' Life

A deceptively simple question lies at the heart of this week's topic - 'How do you incorporate fitness into your life?' Perhaps it's a dose of bodyweight exercise in the morning, a lunchtime weight session at the gym near work, and a run after you get home.

Whatever form it takes, we'd love to hear about it. This week we're discussing the many, many ways of incorporating fitness into your life. Home gyms, a kettlebell at work, the local park and so on. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than SEE's Adam Stoffa (@SEEAdamTrain). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Incorporating Fitness into a 'Normal' Life
When : Wed Oct 20, 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 Recovery Methods. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you factor in recovery when developing a new training routine, and in what form?

Looking Forward To : The 4-Hour Body

OK, the title sounds like it came from an infomercial (particularly the full title, The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman). It is however - as you may have guessed - the latest offering from the incredible Tim Ferriss.

Filled with snippets of more than a decade of body-hacking ideas, this looks like a great read. Although I don't exactly agree with everything Tim says, the ideas he generates make his blog (and I suspect, this book) essential reading.

Really looking forward to 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 :

• Specific Method Variations for the Early Phase of a Macrocycle
  Karsten Jensen
  An excerpt from Karsten's The Flexible Periodization Method. Nice one.
  
• 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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Developing the Thumb Pad for Gripper Closes

Another great idea from Mighty Joe - Developing the Thumb Pad for Gripper Closes. Good stuff.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 87 - Recovery Methods

As much as I love picking up heavy things, a key part of my fitness lifestyle is recovery. Everything from contrast showers to a good dose of shut-eye.

This week we're taking a close look at the many, many Recovery Methods available; whether that involves nutrition, increasing blood flow or just giving your body time to get back to normal. If it works, we'll be talking about it. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Sports Performance Coach Bill Long (@bill_long1). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Recovery Methods
When : Wed Oct 13, 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 Strength Training Over 40. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. For those over 40, do you find it easier to gain strength than you used to? How about adding muscle mass?

Checking Out : Loadable Bulldog Beast

15lb empty, loadable to 150lb. This is a serious kettlebell.

Art of Strength's Loadable Bulldog Beast. 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 :

• Training for the Planche
  Al Kavadlo
  Al takes a look at the basics of training for the planche. Good fun.
  
• Floral Apron Adventures
  GoodyGirl77
  With the 2010 NRL season over, it's time to begin Strongman training in earnest. 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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Shayna Fitzgerald - Heavy Wheelbarrow Work

I first heard about wheelbarrow work (this variety, at least) via Glenn Buechlein and Jim Wendler several years ago. A great way to train.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 86 - Strength Training Over 40

One of the topics brought up in last week's discussion was the idea of training longevity; specifically Strength Training Over 40.

This week we're taking a close look at this fascinating area; including the nutritional, recovery, injury and equipment considerations involved. Everything that will help make sure you're stronger, healthier and in generally better condition in your 40s (and onward) than you are/were in your 20s. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the enigmatic Fight Geek (@thefightgeek). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Strength Training Over 40
When : Wed Oct 6, 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 Setting up a Muay Thai Home Gym. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What's currently in your own home gym - both indoors and outdoors?

Checking Out : Jungle Gym XT

This is the latest incarnation of the Jungle Gym suspension trainer from Monkey Bar Gym.

I love suspension training. If you've never tried it, check out Derek's Suspension Training 101 for an idea of how to use it, and to see what's possible. And definitely take a look at the Jungle Gym.

Fantastic thing.

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 Add 20+ Pounds to your Deadlift
  Yael Grauer
  A very interesting training session with Josh Henkin.
  
• High-Volume Training
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
  Last week we noted the discussion surrounding high-volume training, here's a bit in action. 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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : One-Handed Axle Power Clean

Looking for a challenge? Try the One-Handed Axle Power Clean. Love it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 85 - Setting up a Muay Thai Home Gym

A while ago we explored the possibilities of setting up a home gym - the space, equipment, money and time necessary. Some fantastic - and extremely creative - ideas in there.

This week we're looking at the establishment of a combat-focussed home gym, specifically for Muay Thai training; discussing the things which work, essential equipment, sparring requirements and so on. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the enigmatic Fight Geek (@thefightgeek). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Setting up a Muay Thai Home Gym
When : Wed Sep 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 Professional Armwrestling. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you compete professionally, or just enjoy challenging friends and family?

Checking Out : Championship Weightlifting

Championship Weightlifting is the second book by the incredible Olympic athlete, official and writer; Tommy Kono.

Taking a detailed look at the mental aspects of training, Championship Weightlifting is very promising indeed. To say that I'm keen is a huge understatement.

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 :

• Suspension Training 101
  Derek 'Body By D-Rock' Peruo
  Derek takes a great look at the basics of suspension training; showing just how versatile it can be. Superb.
  
• High-Volume Training
  Various authors
  There have been some interesting points raised in the forums (particularly here and here) regarding high-volume training. What are your thoughts?
  

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, Digg and Retweet icons). Cheers.

Video : Thumb Pad Developer

'Mighty Joe' builds some extremely creative grip tools. Check out his latest creation - the beautifully simple Thumb Pad Developer. Love it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 84 - Training for Armwrestling II

Love your armwrestling? Same here.

This week we're going back to the world of armwrestling, taking a look at the professional side of this wonderful sport. Training, recovery techniques, staying competitive and so on. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than StrongerWrist's, Scott Latella (@wristball). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training for Armwrestling II
When : Wed Sep 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 Tearing. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you tear cards, phonebooks or just your junk mail? Which technique do you feel more comfortable with?

Getting Ready For : Sports Biomechanics: The Basics: Optimizing Human Performance

This is the second edition of Anthony J Blazevich's superb book Sports Biomechanics: The Basics; available on Nov 15.

Covering everything from improving your swim stroke to optimizing running technique, this is a must have for any serious sports scientist. Superb.