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 : Checklists and Complex Problems
Adam Stoffa | Follow @seeadamtrain
A simple approach to solving complex problems, like designing a fitness program.
Looking At : Sep 27, 2015
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 : 64" Box Jump
Simple idea, but extremely challenging. Higher and higher box jumps.
Gymchat 277 - 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.
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: Getting Back Into It
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.
Vic takes a thorough look at this in the 'Returning to Heavy Training After a Break' ebook. For a brief overview though, check out the discussion we held on that very same topic.
In Gymchat 136 - Heavy Training after a Break, Vic noted :
I lost a LOT of strength on some lifts. It was surprising. That's why that initial 3 weeks of lighter work was important to me - it was smart to underestimate my strength at first.
And
It's important to consciously do less those first few weeks. I was off for almost 2 years - as a rule I did not put any more than 135lbs on the bar the first week. I did not push any sets to failure the next two weeks while still staying at 5 reps or less for most sets.
Good stuff.
Re-Reading : Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning (Zach Even-Esh)
Fantastic.
I've long been a fan of Zach's approach to training (for a bit of an overview, check out Gymchat 217), and a brief conversation yesterday got me re-reading this one.
The title gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect, as do the comments over on Dragon Door :
"From the minute I began reading I was completely captivated. The mixture of life lessons along with powerful workout information is what makes this book truly phenomenal and one that belongs on any strength enthusiast's book shelf." -- AJ Roberts
Zach Even-Esh's 'Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning'.
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.
