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

Via Lost Art of Hand Balancing : if you've ever thought about building an obstacle course in your house, take a look at this.

Incredible.

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 :

• Bulking - How To Do It Properly
  Maik Wiedenbach
  The 'right' way to get huge.

  
  

• Looking At : May 27, 2012
  Scott Andrew Bird
  We've been discussing some very interesting techniques, products and services recently. Here are the highlights.

  
  

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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Accessory Training for the Planche

Good stuff.

Gymchat 171 - Online Training III

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?

We first looked at this topic a little over a year ago, following a discussion on Setting Up a Strength Training Facility. If you're a personal trainer or strength coach, this is an ideal opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of offering online services.

Everything from custom program design to teleseminars and video training.


And if you're curious about online training from the other side of the fence (as the client), this is a great chance to find out a little more. Join Derek Peruo and I for Online Training III. Fantastic.

---

NB : if you're a Strength Coach or Personal Trainer currently offering online services, I'd love to add you to the 'Recommend Trainers' area of the forums. The first 5 people to contact me will be given free access (usually $99 per year) to this section.

Just send me a message privately, and we'll sort everything out.


Details -

Who Renaissance Fitness' Derek Peruo
Topic : Online Training III
When : Wed May 30, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Where : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/F2H9seiUWEJ

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask Derek any training-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Intermittent Fasting. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : if you'd like to add a fitness-related event (either a competition you're taking part in, or something you're helping to organise there), just login to the forums and add it to the calendar. Cheers.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

Tip of the Week: Try a Caffeine Nap

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

---

I initially wrote this back in 2006 during a brief period without coffee (I tried giving it up, but ultimately switched to the current 'one cup per day' routine), and it's still a very intriguing idea. Although I take the occasional nap and get a regular caffeine fix, I rarely combine the two.

For a start, they take place at different times of the day.

I'm curious though - has anyone here sampled a Caffeine Nap? I'd love to hear your thoughts; particularly if it's a regular thing.


From the article 'Caffeine Napping' :

Sleep researchers at Loughborough University were looking at various ways to keep motorists awake on long journeys. The winner - perhaps somewhat surprisingly - was the 'caffeine nap'.

The idea is simple : drink a cup of coffee and immediately take a brief (15-20min) nap. This helps clear the body of adenosine, a chemical commonly believed to make you drowsy.

Very interesting indeed.

Checking Out : How to Make Atlas Stones

This looks superb.

Long-term readers won't be surprised to hear that we've talked about stone training a lot over the years (just take a glance at the list of articles tagged 'stone lifting').

As you might expect then, I've been looking forward to this DVD for quite some time. Jedd Johnson / Steve Slater's 'How to Make Atlas Stones'.

I'll post up a review during the week, but suffice to say that if you enjoy a bit of stone work from time-to-time, this DVD should definitely be in your collection.

Good stuff.

Quick update on the superb RMAX Fathers Day Specials we mentioned last week. Whether you're buying gear for yourself or for your father (or a bit of both), you'll love the things they've got discounted. Clubbells, instructional DVDs and a whole lot more.

Dive in.

As a bonus you'll receive a number of ebooks and training guides, all designed to help you become stronger, fitter and healthier. There's some fantastic reading in there.

What's Straight to the Bar all about?

Straight to the Bar is the online home of fitness enthusiast Scott Andrew Bird. The name of the site comes from a love of weight training (leaning more toward Powerlifting than either Olympic Weightlifting or Bodybuilding) as well as a short-lived - though certainly passionate - obsession with alcohol. The two don't necessarily go together, and fortunately the weight training won out.

In addition to the site containing a great deal of information on the physical accomplishments of others, it has reviews of hundreds of articles, books, podcasts and videos - in fact anything which might just help you in your own fitness quest. Make yourself at home.

Dude, I LOVE YOUR blog, thanks for showing your love of iron.

- Zach Even-Esh

The newsletter contains article highlights, information on upcoming gymchats and much, much more.

Get Your Fix. Grab the Strength & Fitness Newsletter.

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 :

• My Home Gym Story
  Conor Doherty
  Putting together a home gym really does open up a wealth of possibilities. Fantastic.

  
  

• Looking At : May 20, 2012
  Scott Andrew Bird
  We've been discussing some very interesting techniques, products and services recently. Here are the highlights.

  
  

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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Kneeling Single Leg Box Jumps

Beautiful.

Gymchat 170 - Intermittent Fasting

When it comes to nutrition, there's always 'one more thing'. For me, that's Intermittent Fasting.

This week we're taking a look at this fascinating approach. Where do you start, and why would you want to? What are the benefits, and is it for everyone, or only those trying to shed some excess bodyfat?

It's safe to say that there's a lot to consider.

I'll be announcing the interviewee shortly (still confirming a couple of details); in the meantime, if you've got any questions on Intermittent Fasting (IF), get them ready. Should be a great discussion.


Details -

Who : Lovers of Strength-Training and Nutrition
Topic : Intermittent Fasting
When : Wed May 23, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Link : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/FWg4xVEk2Bt

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask any IF-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Recovery Foods. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : if you'd like to add a fitness-related event (either a competition you're taking part in, or something you're helping to organise there), just login to the forums and add it to the calendar. Cheers.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

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 forums, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

---

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 : RMAX Fathers Day Special

This looks great.

With Fathers' Day rapidly approaching in many countries (although it isn't until September here), there are certainly a lot of items on sale. If you're in the market for a club or two, check out the current offering over at RMAX : a number of clubbell and training packages have been given a healthy 35% discount.

Good stuff.

Quick update on the superb Fixing Elbow Pain we mentioned recently. Suffice to say that if you've ever experienced conditions like Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow, it's essential reading.

Love it.

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

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 :

• Gem From the Vault : Small Victories
  Josh Hanagarne
  Improve what you can improve, every day.

  
  

• Looking At : May 13, 2012
  Scott Andrew Bird
  We've been discussing some very interesting techniques, products and services recently. Here are the highlights.

  
  

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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Self-Adminstered Supraspinatus Static Release

Chris pointed to this one over on Google+ : one in a series of great videos on Self-Administered Static Release. Good stuff.

Gymchat 169 - Recovery Foods

When you've pushed your body to the limit, how do you recover?
This week we're taking a look at another piece of the recovery puzzle, food. The things that cause the varying levels of soreness following your workouts/competitions/races, and how to minimise their effects through targeted nutrition. What to consume, when and in which forms.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than ultrarunner, airline captain and insanely competitive triathlete, Chas Melichar. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Ultrarunner, airline captain and insanely competitive triathlete, Chas Melichar
Topic : Recovery Foods
When : Wed May 16, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Link : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/4S1KX1YKvJr

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask Chas any nutrition-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Workout Nutrition II. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : if you'd like to add a fitness-related event (either a competition you're taking part in, or something you're helping to organise there), just login to the forums and add it to the calendar. Cheers.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

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 forums, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

---

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 : To the Last Breath - A Memoir of Going to Extremes

Looks great.

This morning I stumbled across To the Last Breath - A Memoir of Going to Extremes, and I must admit, it looks like a particularly interesting and unusual read. The goal alone is truly impressive :

Physicist Francis Slakey committed himself to climbing the highest peak on every continent and surfing every ocean.

This is a glimpse at that incredible goal, and the various challenges he encountered along the way.

Good stuff.

Quick update on the superb Fixing Elbow Pain we mentioned recently. Suffice to say that if you've ever experienced conditions like Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow, it's essential reading.

Love it.

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

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 :

• Quael dich, du Sau! (Talent Alone Means Nothing!)
  Maik Wiedenbach
  Sometimes you've just got to put in the work.

  
  

• Looking At : May 6, 2012
  Scott Andrew Bird
  We've been discussing some very interesting techniques, products and services recently. Here are the highlights.

  
  

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'd like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Muscle Up Progressions

How are your muscle-ups?

Gymchat 168 - Workout Nutrition II

The other side of training - nutrition.
This week we're returning to our conversation on diet, looking at Workout Nutrition. What to consume before/during/after a workout, how it changes based on workout type, and why it all works. The good stuff.

Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Olympic athlete, personal trainer and nutritionist Maik Wiedenbach. Fantastic.

---

As a bonus, we'll also be having a bit of a giveaway this week. Maik will be giving out 5 copies of his '101 Fitness Myths' ebook shortly after the gymchat, to randomly chosen commenters. If you'd like a chance to win a copy of the book, just fire in a question or comment at any point during the discussion.


Details -

Who : Olympic athlete, personal trainer and nutritionist Maik Wiedenbach
Topic : Workout Nutrition II
When : Wed May 9, 9pm EDT (here's how to find out when that is in your timezone)
How : Post a comment, question or reply
Link : https://plus.google.com/u/0/113406428532094481598/posts/T8rqkYjru3A

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

For everyone who's joining us for their first Gymchat, welcome. Just dive right in, and ask Maik any nutrition-related questions you like.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's gymchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion : Setting Up the Home Gym. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's the transcript. Was a great one.


NB : if you'd like to add a fitness-related event (either a competition you're taking part in, or something you're helping to organise there), just login to the forums and add it to the calendar. Cheers.

The Hunt for Broken Links

Straight to the Bar has been around for more than 8 years now, and there are a lot of articles/videos/photos/reviews to say the least. Nearly 6,000 in fact (there's a full list here).

Unfortunately, this number also means there's inevitably a video that's no longer available, or a link to a site which has just moved. Whatever it is, I'm always looking to fix it as quickly as possible.


To help me find the problems : if you spot something that isn't quite working right - a video that's been removed, or a link that no longer works - let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a message on Google+, Twitter or Facebook (all of the details here). As a bonus, you'll receive a selection of strength-training goodness shortly afterward. Not to mention my eternal gratitude.

Thank-you.

Tip of the Week: Lifting Without a Spotter

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, Google+, the forums, 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 last week's 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.

Looking Forward To : StrongerGrip Modular Grip System

Beautiful.

If you've ever tried any of the StrongerGrip gear (and if you're a grip fan, you absolutely need to give it a run - superb equipment), you'll certainly appreciate this. After being in the works for years, the StrongerGrip Modular Grip System is finally ready for prime time.


Full details shortly, but in the meantime, here's what's in the collection so far :

• The Thickburger grip plug-in
• 2-3/8" V-bar (with other V-bar options as well)
• 3" GripBall plug-in (other sizes to follow)
• Plateau Buster Handle
• StrongerGrip loading pins
• Bear Hug device

Also available will be a hook (like on the GripBalls) into which plugs each of these attachments.

All-in-all, it's an awesome setup. Full specs and videos shortly.

Quick update on the superb Fixing Elbow Pain we mentioned recently. Suffice to say that if you've ever experienced conditions like Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow, it's essential reading.

Love it.

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