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 :

• Gem From The Vault : Blast from the Past - Neck Training Methods
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  For strength, safety or simply to look great in a suit.

  
  

• Looking At : Feb 14, 2016
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

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 : 2015 CrossFit Masters Competition

Good stuff. Note that this video is Part 1 of a 4-Part series - here's Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

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 277 we discussed Barefoot Running - (Believe the Hype!) (with Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete 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: Modifying Lifts - The Jefferson

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.

This tip comes to us from Jason's superb article 29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner; and looks at just one of the many ways to put a partly-loaded barbell to work. The Modified Jefferson Lift.

---

Over to Jason :

This is where you straddle the barbell with both legs, and grasp above the weights while you lower yourself straight down as if sitting down into a chair. The R.O.M. is limited so you can use heavier weights if you feel comfortable.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : Favourite Fitness Gear

Whenever I end up discussing strength-training with someone, the conversation typically turns into a bit of a Q&A session. The most common question? Some form of 'what books/videos/equipment/personal trainers do I recommend'.

It really does vary quite a bit; depending on goals, available space & equipment, budget and so on.

Still, there are common aspects - particularly in the beginning. And yes, I'm re-compiling the existing lists.


The current versions are all available over on the main site :

straighttothebar.com/recommendedbooks
straighttothebar.com/guides
straighttothebar.com/store
straighttothebar.com/recommendedtrainers
straighttothebar.com/giftbuyingguide

Anything you'd add? Drop me a line privately (here), or in the Straight to the Bar Community over on Google+. Keen to hear what everyone has on their own 'essential fitness equipment' list.

---

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.

I love learning, and have always been surrounded by a fantastic collection of books, videos and magazines.

This is certainly the case when it comes to health & fitness works - it's fair to say that I've checked out a lot of them over the years. Sharing everything from basic exercise techniques to the many, many ways to fine-tune your diet.

Here are a few personal favourites.

The Primal Blueprint

Mark Sisson

Hardback | Paperback
Confused about what to eat, how much to eat; even when to eat? This book will help you get the most out of your food plan.

Superb.

Diesel Crew Bending eBook

Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson

eBook
If you're new to the world of nail bending, this is the perfect book to get. It'll show you the exact techniques you'll need to get started right away. Written by world-class bender Jedd Johnson.

Card Tearing eBook

Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson

eBook
This is a fantastic book. If you've ever considered learning this incredible strength feat, the Card Tearing eBook is the perfect place to start. Love it.

Functional Correction Manual

Tim Hull

Paperback
If you ever wake up with that 'just run over by a truck' feeling, you need a copy of Tim Hull's Functional Correction Manual. Not only will it help you to locate and repair the problem, it'll give you a hand in preventing it happening in the future.

Superb book.

Precision Nutrition

Dr John Berardi

Paperback
When it comes to body transformation - whether that's a increase in strength, packing on a bit of muscle or losing a bit of excess fat - this is the perfect place to start. Dr Berardi's Precision Nutrition.

Bruce Lee : The Art of Expressing the Human Body

Bruce Lee & John Little

Paperback

If you've ever watched a Bruce Lee film and marveled at his strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility or muscularity, this book should take pride of place in your collection. Unlike many other writings covering everything from Lee's training methods to nutrition, this book is based not on the recollections of people around him; but on Lee's own notes. Brilliant.

Strength Training Anatomy

Frederic Delavier

Paperback

This is a fantastic book. As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train. Love it.

101 Fitness Myths

Maik Wiedenbach

Kindle eBook

A superb combination of fitness mythbusting and no-nonsense advice. If you're not quite sure where to start, grab this.

Of course, there are also a number of DVDs. Again, here are a few personal favourites.

The Complete Guide to Kettlebell Lifting

Steve Cotter

Just got your first kettlebell and wondering how to use it? Steve's your man.

The Encyclopedia of Clubbell Training

Scott Sonnon

When it comes to learning how to use Clubs and Maces (or the Clubbells in this case), a little instruction goes a long, long way. And this is certainly the way to do it.

Feats of Strength

Logan Christopher & Bud Jeffries

Bending, tearing and a whole lot more. Love it.

Intervention

Dan John

This is the inimitable Dan John at his storytelling best, sharing an enormous amount of training wisdom in the process. Fantastic.

The Definitive Guide to Kettlebell Juggling

Logan Christopher

Comprising no fewer than three content-packed DVDs, Logan shares a wealth of exercises, variations and training methods in The Definitive Guide to Kettlebell Juggling. It really is essential viewing for anyone looking to get into this amazing activity.

Industrial Strength Grip II

'Unbreakable' Adam Glass

If you've ever seen 'Unbreakable' Adam T Glass in action, you'll appreciate just how valuable this is.
Brilliant.

No matter what your strength-training goals are, if you're looking to become stronger, these are well worth checking out. Dive in.

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.

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 :

• Twitter Lists
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Whatever you're in to.

  
  

• Looking At : Feb 7, 2016
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

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 : Double Nail Drive

Driving two 20d nails at the same time. Good stuff 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 277 we discussed Barefoot Running - (Believe the Hype!) (with Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete 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: Finding a Good Training Partner

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.

This tip comes to us from the Gymchat on 'Motivation', and is part of a longer discussion of training partners. Enjoy.

---

Over to Roger :

Finding a good training partner is rough and really all depends on the person's temperament. Some like to train with someone who is far above them as motivation to get better while others like someone who is at their level or slightly beyond them, otherwise they get discouraged because the gap is so wide (a prime example of that negative self talk).

I would start by just searching the gym for someone who does a similar style of training (or something completely different if you're in to trying new things) that you do or someone who has attributes that you'd like to have (e.g. freaky strong, etc) and strike up a chat with them. You already have at least the gym in common, so start there.

Good stuff.

Checking Out : 14% Off StrongerGrip Clubs

It's fair to say that I'm a huge fan of the StrongerGrip gear - extremely well made equipment, which works perfectly. It's very clear that it's created by someone who actually trains with it.

In a great bit of timing, they've got a sale currently on which includes the very things I'm in need of (new training partner) - Indian Clubs. Full details here :

www.strongergrip.com/categories/Indian--Clubs

Have a look around, it really is superb stuff. StrongerGrip.

---

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.

We've discussed a number of fitness podcasts over the years (a few of my current favourites are listed here). Love seeing/hearing them.

One that a friend pointed me to recently is Jim Davis' Fitness Blogger Podcast, which you can grab (for free) either via the blog or somewhere like iTunes. Looks good.

Curious : what else are you watching/listening to these days - any other fitness podcasts you'd recommend?

---

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 :

• Gem From The Vault : DIY - How to Build Your Own Tire Sled
  Matt Hunt
  Love building your own equipment?

  
  

• Looking At : Jan 31, 2016
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

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 : Home-Made Exoskeleton - The Big Test

Very interesting series - building an exoskeleton that can help increase strength.

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 277 we discussed Barefoot Running - (Believe the Hype!) (with Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete 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: Building a Bulletproof Body

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.

Over the past few weeks we've looked at some great pieces from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. If you've missed any, here's a quick overview.

To give you an idea, a brief piece from the post :

---

Fix muscle imbalances by addressing your weak or inhibited muscles rather than trying to stretch out the tight ones. The key is to address the root cause, not just the symptom. This is why I suggest to avoid passive stretching, and instead to employ active stretching, isometric exercise, and corrective isolation exercises.

Good stuff. And again, this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article. A great read.

Checking Out : The Fitness Blogger Podcast

We've discussed a number of fitness podcasts over the years (a few of my current favourites are listed here). Love seeing/hearing them.

One that a friend pointed me to recently is Jim Davis' Fitness Blogger Podcast, which you can grab (for free) either via the blog or somewhere like iTunes. Looks good.

Curious : what else are you watching/listening to these days - any other fitness podcasts you'd recommend?

---

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.

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 :

• Gem From The Vault : Odd Object Training
  Kevin 'Sgt Sweaty' Miller
  Ready for something a little different?

  
  

• Looking At : Jan 24, 2016
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

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 : Legless Rope Climb

Simple idea, much more difficult than it looks. Good stuff.

Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)

Barefoot running - a fascinating, yet somewhat divisive, area. (And yes, I'm on the side of 'bare feet whenever possible'. Running, some forms of training and just walking around the house).

Taking us through it is Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen; covering everything from 'what it is' to 'how to go about it', and of course the many benefits of doing just that. And joining Steven is Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Steven and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly.

And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share event' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype!
When : Sunday Jan 31, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 242 we discussed The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete 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: Strengthen Your Neck, Reduce Pain, Increase Lifts

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.

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to strengthen your neck.

Over to Josh :

---

When starting a neck strengthening program, you must be careful to be very progressive... start slow and easy and work your way up to more challenging exercises over time. For example, you can begin your exercise program by doing simple chin tucks while sitting or standing. (See video)

Once you get comfortable with basic sitting/standing chin tucks, you can try doing the exercise lying down. Build up to doing around 10 reps, holding for 5 to 10 seconds each rep. The goal is to increase the muscular endurance of your muscles as well as their strength. Your neck is designed to carry the weight of your head all day, not to lift trains or buses!

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article. A great read.

Checking Out : Olympic Weightlifting - A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches [Kindle Edition]

Good stuff. Digital editions (both Kindle and iBooks) of Greg Everett's Olympic Weightlifting - A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches.
As the title suggests, this book details the lifts themselves as well as teaching a number of cues, variations and progressions. It really is a wonderfully comprehensive offering.

(The Amazon page has a complete list of topics covered.)

Full review shortly. Olympic Weightlifting - A Complete Guide for Athletes & Coaches.

---

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.

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 :

• Gem From The Vault : How to Build Your Own Sandbag
  Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo | Follow @DerekPeruoCSCS
  Whether it's for the versatility, experimentation or budget constraints - this is the only way to go.

  
  

• Looking At : Jan 17, 2016
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  What's been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.

  
  

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 : Learning to Press

From Mark Rippetoe's wonderful Starting Strength DVD. If you want to learn these lifts the correct way, it's well worth grabbing.

Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)

Barefoot running - a fascinating, yet somewhat divisive, area. (And yes, I'm on the side of 'bare feet whenever possible'. Running, some forms of training and just walking around the house).

Taking us through it is Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen; covering everything from 'what it is' to 'how to go about it', and of course the many benefits of doing just that. And joining Steven is Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett. Fantastic.


NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Steven and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly.

And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share event' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : Xero Shoes' Steven Sashen, Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett, and You
Topic : Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype!
When : Sunday Jan 31, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Previously : In Gymchat 242 we discussed The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete 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: How to Fix Your Shoulders

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.

This tip is from Josh Hewett's excellent 'Bulletproof Your Body' series. The 'right' way to fix up your shoulders.

Over to Josh :

---

The pain and other problems of the forward head are sometimes referred to collectively as "Upper Crossed Syndrome". But just because it's called a syndrome doesn't mean it's a disease or structural problem you have to accept and live with. It is simply mechanical pain from poor slouching posture, and can be fixed.

Here are some exercises you can start incorporating on a daily basis (or whenever you have time). I also suggest you use some of them as a warm up before your upper body workouts:

Good stuff. Note that this is only a snippet from the full piece - swing by Josh' blog for the entire article. A great read.

Checking Out : Stronger Grip Photo Challenge

This is where my strength-training and photography passions meet : the Stronger Grip Photo Challenge. For details, I'll hand you over to Ryan :

Hello Stronger Grip friends!! This year Stronger Grip is celebrating 10 years of making Custom Strength Training Equipment. To celebrate we are having a photo challenge. Starting today and ending February 4th, 2016 at noon CST submit a photo of you using any Stronger Grip equipment. The photo that Ryan likes the BEST will be awarded $150 in store credit!!!! Also anyone who submits a photo will be put into a drawing for a CUSTOM THOR HAMMER!! Be creative and have fun! Winners will be announced February 5th. Let the best photo win!! :) PLEASE SUBMIT PHOTOS TO info@strongergrip.com

Sounds fantastic.

NB : if you haven't yet tried any of the Stronger Grip tools (and they really are incredibly well made things), just head over to strongergrip.com. Great site.

---

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.