Results matching “log”

Monday, 19 Jun 2017 - Issues

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 :

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

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.


Video : Arm Over Head Pistol Squat




There are many varieties of the superb Pistol Squat - here's one of the weighted varieties. Grab a kettlebell, dumbbell or anything reasonably heavy.


Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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


Previously : In Gymchat 231 we discussed Fat Loss 101 (with Online Fitness Coach Vic Magary and Personal Trainer Josh Hewett). Great conversation.


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

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week : Tie Your Water Consumption to the Number of Calories You Burn

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


Water
Water.
I drink a lot of water (mostly in the form of green tea, unless it's during a workout). Still, how do you work out how much you need?
From the article 8 Glasses of Water Per Day?, a bit of history that'll make the whole thing a lot clearer :
Most people are aware that the drinking of plenty of water is advisable, and anecdotal evidence suggests that more = better (up to a point). However, where did the current guideline of '8 cups per day' come from?
According to Valtin (i) the origin is probably the 1945 recommendation made by the Food and Nutrition Board of the US National Research Council. This stated :

A suitable allowance of water for adults is 2.5 liters daily in most instances. An ordinary standard for diverse persons is 1 milliliter for each calorie of food. Most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods.

The 2.5 litres was changed to 8 x 8 fluid ounce cups in later recommendations, but is otherwise unchanged.

Incidentally, if you're wondering how to work out the number of calories you're burning these days - here's how to work it out.


Checking Out : The Mobility Ring System

Interesting idea.

The Mobility Ring is one of several tools by Scott Sonnon (you can see them all here, bottom of the page) designed for both Joint Mobility and Myofascial Release work. Accompanying them is a series of videos which demonstrate the movements themselves, as well as a PDF or two.

If a little recovery work is on the cards, this are certainly worth checking out. The Mobility Ring System.




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

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



Good stuff Bret, looks great.

Monday, 12 Jun 2017 - Issues

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 :

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

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.


Video : How To Develop A V-Taper




Very interesting area.


Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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


Previously : In Gymchat 230 we discussed The World's Strongest Disabled Man (with Strength Athletes and Personal Trainers Jeff King and Josh Hewett). Great conversation.


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

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Dynamic Thumb Training with the Titan's Telegraph Key

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


TTK
TTK.
I love a dose of grip work; it's a great way to challenge yourself. It's also a particularly fun way to train.

Still, there's always a different way of looking at things. Here's an excellent example of that - Jedd shows just how a piece of equipment like the TTK can be put to a slightly uncommon use. I'll let him explain.

From the article Getting the Most out of Your TTK :

Thumb training can be broken up into at least four different types: Dynamic, Static, and Extensor, and Multi-Planar.

The focus of this article will be Dynamic thumb training with the Titan's Telegraph Key, or TTK.

One way to mix things up a bit is to make the Range of Motion longer by adding something underneath the finger-side handle. A catalog is a perfect choice for this. This makes the hand work through a longer range of motion the muscles are not used to. The first time I did this, I was sore for several days from the new stimulus. This technique has worked great for me in my quest for lifting heavier and wider block weights.

A brief demonstration :



Love it.


Checking Out : Hypnos Wireless Earbuds

This is just one of many devices in what's quickly becoming a crowded area - wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, and access to various virtual assistants. Great combination.

Particularly intriguing with the Hypnos Wireless Earbuds is the incorporation of a 'sleep mode'. Look forward to testing it out.

In the meantime, here's a brief video overview to give you an idea of what's on offer :



The Hypnos Wireless Earbuds.




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

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



Good stuff Bret, looks great.


During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Monday, 5 Jun 2017 - Issues

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 :

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

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.


Video : Fatbells vs Dumbbells




Great demonstration of the Fatbells at work.


Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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


Previously : In Gymchat 229 we discussed How to Prepare for a Powerlifting Competition (with Personal Trainer Josh Hewett and Powerlifter Ben McLaughlin). Great conversation.


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

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week: Lifting Without a Spotter

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


I love the home gym - it's definitely the perfect place to focus, and to really get to work. Particularly when you're training solo.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when lifting by yourself. In the Setting Up the Home Gym Gymchat, Andrew noted his own guidelines for Lifting Without a Spotter. Good stuff.

From Gymchat 167 - Setting Up the Home Gym :

My personal general rules for lifting without a spotter:

Don't do:

  • 1. Anything I haven't done before.
  • 2. Anything that could get me killed.
  • 3. Anything that I am not 100% sure that I will get all the reps.
  • 4. Anything that I cannot do with good form.
Do:
  • 1. Anything that doesn't violate the "don't do" and will get me stronger!

Love it.


Checking Out : The Upright Go Posture Device

Was chatting with a friend over the weekend about these 'posture warning' devices (this one's the 'Upright Go' - more here). Love the idea of constant monitoring - would be great if it were possible to export that data.

Curious : has anyone here tried anything similar, and do you find yourself straightening your back even when not wearing the device?




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

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



Good stuff Bret, looks great.


During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Monday, 29 May 2017 - Issues

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 :

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

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.


Video : 6 Variations of the Face Pull




Nice one Chris.


Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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


Previously : In Gymchat 228 we discussed In-Season Training for Hockey (with Personal Trainers Josh Hewett and Conor Doherty). Great conversation.


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

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week : How a Paleo Diet Can Benefit Strength Training

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


My diet has been gradually improving for years (since I began lifting weights), becoming cleaner and more streamlined over time. This was all with the purpose of having a greater intensity in the gym, and recovering faster. Of course there are many other benefits; these are just the two that were on my radar.
In May 2009 I decided to make a transition to a new eating approach altogether, the Paleo Diet. Not only did I experience a number of incredible health benefits, the intensity and recovery aspects increased markedly. Here's a brief look at the main benefits of the Paleo Diet, as far as strength-training is concerned.

From The Straight to the Bar Guide to the Paleo Diet :

As strength-training is a major part of my life, I was careful to ensure that the Paleo Diet integrated well with it. I'm pleased to report that it's a great mix, and even comes with a number of benefits. These include :

Energy levels maintained : as your body isn't being subjected to constant insulin spikes under the Paleo Diet, you'll have a much more stable level of energy going in to the gym. This is particularly noticeable after you've been on the diet for a few weeks or so.

Better recovery : although it's most notable in the form of improved sleep, you'll find that your body's ability to recover from your workouts is improved overall. And this is definitely a good thing.

Improved focus : one of the most surprising benefits from a switch to Paleo (in my case at least) has been an improvement in mental clarity. This change can have a very subtle effect on training; remembering exactly what happened in a prior session and just how much impact it had. Additionally, you'll find an array of subtle benefits from it when you're outside the gym. Love it.

Fantastic.


Checking Out : The Master Method Course [Kindle Edition]

Looks great.

Next on my reading list is the Kindle Edition of the superb Master Method Course by Bill Hinbern and David P. Willoughby. Been years since I read it; really looking forward to diving back in.

As the full title (The Master Method of Health, Strength and Bodybuilding) suggests, this is a complete strength and health program. To get a feel for it, swing by the Amazon page and check out the 'Look Inside' preview.

The Master Method Course.




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

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



Good stuff Bret, looks great.


During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

EverSleep - SttB Articles

The sleep-tracking goodness continues. Say hello to the EverSleep.



NB : we've noted a number of sleep-tracking devices over the years. Which do you use personally, or are keen to try out? Any specific features you're on the lookout for?

(For me, it always comes down to control over the data - the ability to download it, add it to other health monitors and to share it with medical staff.)




NB : We first looked at this one in the weekly Strength & Fitness Newsletter (part of the Strength Kit). If you'd like to have it sent to you automatically (free!) each week, just add your email here.

We also discuss a number of training-related books. If you're looking for the full list of the ones I recommend personally, swing by Goodreads. Great site.


Monday, 22 May 2017 - Issues

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 :

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

NB : If you're keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.


Video : Calisthenics Glossary




Nice one.


Gymchat 278 - TBA

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

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


Previously : In Gymchat 227 we discussed The Tempo Matrix (with Strongman and Personal Trainer Josh Hewett and Strength Coach Karsten Jensen). Great conversation.


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

NB : if you'd like to take part in a future episode - either as an interviewee, or as a guest host - just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.

Tip of the Week : Constantly Fine-Tune Things

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


I've received more emails over the years on the transition to biphasic sleeping than almost anything else I've ever written. I can't thank everyone enough for those, they really are appreciated. Thank you.

Most of them take the form of 'do you think this would work...' and the answer is usually to try it and see. I really haven't made any large structural changes to the original routine; however there has been a little fine-tuning. A snippet from the article Biphasic Sleep : 30 Day Summary explains the overall idea :

Nap in the Sun
Nap in the Sun.
When I started doing this, my idea was to have a 1.5 hour nap and a 3 hour main sleep period. This proved to be a little under what my body required, and I switched to a 3/4.5 hour split (3 hours by default, 4.5 on workout days). Once again this didn't feel like quite enough, and I changed to a regular 1.5 hour nap followed by a 4.5 hour sleep (every day). This feels right.

I say this to demonstrate that making small changes can be of benefit, and I'll continue to make them as required. As the volume of weight training increases (as it almost certainly will), as I age and as my life situation in general changes; the length of the main sleep period will change.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : EverSleep

The sleep-tracking goodness continues. Say hello to the EverSleep.



NB : we've noted a number of sleep-tracking devices over the years. Which do you use personally, or are keen to try out? Any specific features you're on the lookout for?

(For me, it always comes down to control over the data - the ability to download it, add it to other health monitors and to share it with medical staff.)




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

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



Good stuff Bret, looks great.


During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
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