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 Become a Better Armwrestler
  Scott Latella
  Win more often.

  
  

• Looking At : Aug 18, 2019
  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 : Push-Up Technique ('Thenx')

Great explanation.

Gymchat 278 - TBA

We're still finalising the details for this week's discussion. I'll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook 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 221 we discussed The Paleo Approach to Nutrition with Kettlebell and CrossFit Coach Adam Farrah and Strongman & Personal Trainer Josh Hewett. Great conversation.


If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you'll find 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 : Rice Bucket Rehab

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

---

In the discussion on Recovery Work for the Hands we noted several superb recovery techniques, including the ever-popular Rice Digs.

If you've never tried doing these, the process is incredibly simple. From the post 'Rice Digs (for Grip-Training Warmups)', a brief description :

The exercise is an extremely simple one; pour some uncooked rice into a bucket and repeatedly burrow your hands into it. Make fists, rotate your wrists and generally move your hands around whilst they're surrounded by rice. To make it more difficult, use sand or even lead shot instead of the rice. Nice and painful.

NB : All other things being equal, a finer material will feel more difficult. Things like lead shot have less give, and will quickly prove challenging. Rice is a good starting point.

And to make things a little clearer, have a look at the video below. Great exercise.

Checking Out : Dullo Pillow (Neck Relief Pillow for Back, Side Sleeping)

Remember the 'sleeping on your side' video from a few weeks ago?

The Dullo Pillow looks ideal for doing just that. With customised 'craters' on each side (one for sleeping on your back, one for sleeping on your side) and two heights to pick from, it's far more customisable than the one I'm currently using.

Take a look at what I mean :

Dullo Pillow.

---

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 : Specific Training for the Transverse Abdominis - Belt It In
  Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker
  Time to tighten up your built-in belt.

  
  

• Looking At : Apr 30, 2017
  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 : How to Perform Push-Ups

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 223 we discussed Progressive Calisthenics (with Strongman & Personal Trainer Josh Hewett and Personal Trainer Al Kavadlo). 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 : Ice for Better Sleep

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.

---

Sleep is easily my favourite form of recovery. Huge fan of a well-timed nap, and the associated dietary fine-tuning. Love it.

This tip comes to us from the Gymchat on sleep as a recovery method, and is a comment by Personal Trainer Derek Peruo on how he helps his new clients get a solid dose of shut-eye. Very interesting approach.

Over to Derek :

For sleep, I usually recommend zinc and magnesium. If those don't help, I also recommend an ice pack to the back of the neck right before bed.

The ice pack lowers core temperature and promotes the release of melatonin.

And yes, all of those things work extremely well. Good stuff.

Checking Out : Dorian Yates on High Intensity Training, Injury Prevention, and Building Maximum Muscle

Finally got a chance to listen to this - Tim Ferriss' chat with Dorian Yates. Great conversation.

The two cover an incredible range of topics; including HIT, injury prevention and muscle building. Well worth a listen.

---

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 : Re-Entering the World of Fitness
  Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
  Where it all began.

  
  

• Looking At : Jul 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 : Weighted Jumps

Great combination Johnny.

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 193 we discussed Training Athletes (with Personal Trainers Kyle Bohannon and Kirk Fontaine). 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: Rice Bucket Rehab

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.

---

In the discussion on Recovery Work for the Hands we noted several superb recovery techniques, including the ever-popular Rice Digs.

If you've never tried doing these, the process is incredibly simple. From the post 'Rice Digs (for Grip-Training Warmups)', a brief description :

The exercise is an extremely simple one; pour some uncooked rice into a bucket and repeatedly burrow your hands into it. Make fists, rotate your wrists and generally move your hands around whilst they're surrounded by rice. To make it more difficult, use sand or even lead shot instead of the rice. Nice and painful.

NB : All other things being equal, a finer material will feel more difficult. Things like lead shot have less give, and will quickly prove challenging. Rice is a good starting point.

And to make things a little clearer, have a look at the video below. Great exercise.

Checking Out : Kettlebell Essentials (Max Shank)

Looks great.

Kettlebell Essentials is a series of on-demand videos by Max Shank, demonstrating and explaining the various kettlebell techniques which he considers fundamental to training. Everything from Cleans and Swings up to complex movements such as the many varieties of Get-Up.

If you're just starting out, or looking to fine-tune specific aspects, check it out. Max Shank's Kettlebell Essentials.

---

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 : Giving it Away (part I, part II)
  Scott Andrew Bird
  When you're upgrading your fitness equipment, what do you do with the old stuff?

  
  

• Looking At : Mar 23, 2014
  Scott Andrew Bird
  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 more writing in 2014 and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, here's how.

Video : Axle Zerchers from the Floor

Nice one Mike.

Gymchat 241 - Advanced Fat Loss : Losing the Last 10lbs (Vic Magary)

Fat loss. We outlined the basic idea in a recent Gymchat ( #231 ); what happens when progress slows down a little or stops altogether? How do you lose the last few pounds?
This week we'll be tackling this very question, detailing some of the advanced strategies that can really pay dividends in the quest for fat loss perfection. Taking things from 'very good' to 'exceptional'.

Joining us is Online Fitness Coach Vic Magary, together with 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 Vic and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Q&A (during the discussion itself).

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

Details -

Who : Online Fitness Coach Vic Magary, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett
Topic : Advanced Fat Loss - Losing the Last 10lbs
When : Wednesday Mar 26, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone).
How : Watch the live stream, and ask questions, directly on the Event page. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

See you there.

Previously : In Gymchat 240 we discussed Periodization (with Strength Coach Karsten Jensen and 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.

Tip of the Week: Holding the Bar in the Front Squat

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 not so much 'How to Hold the Bar in the Front Squat' (though the article shows no fewer than 10 ways to do just that), as much as a simple demonstration that there are often many ways to achieve the same result in strength training. If what you're doing isn't working (or you simply don't enjoy it), try something else.

---

From the article Holding the Bar in the Front Squat :

If the Mike Boyle article on T-Nation has you considering the Front Squat, you may be mindful of just how awkward it can be to hold the bar. Like Zercher Squats, they're often overlooked simply due to the difficulty.

There are several ways to hold the bar for the Front Squat. If one method doesn't feel right, or your current flexibility or injury precludes it, try one of the others. It really is a great exercise.

Good stuff.

Re-Reading : The Anatomy of Stretching, Second Edition

Great book.

Although the paperback version first appeared a couple of years ago, the one I'm talking about here is the Kindle version of the Second Edition. Fantastic.


If you haven't read it before, check out the 'Look Inside' offering on the Amazon page. Suffice to say that it's one of the best books on stretching you'll ever see. Here's a piece from one of the reviews to help explain why :

Walker's book provides wonderful schematic drawings on how the muscles are involved at the very moment of each specific stretch. Unlike other stretching anatomy books, Walker's provides a specific itemization of how to do the exercise, what body part is affected, what injury it treats, what sport it's good for, and when to avoid the stretch if you have a particular injury. It's the best diagrammed text around.

Perfect.

---

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.

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 :

• Old-Time Strongman Performances
  Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
  Brief clips from some of Mike's Strongman shows. Good stuff.
  
• Robert Lucarelli's DIY Equipment
  Robert Lucarelli
  I love a spot of DIY, and here are a few examples of Rob's work. 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 SU and Twitter icons beneath each post). Cheers.

Video : Double Overhand Axle Power Shrugs

Love a spot of yoke work? Same here.

Twitterchat 98 - Improving Your Client's Success

There are many ways to set your training-related goals - whether they're goals for a particular competition or overall fitness goals for the year. To lift this much, run that far, beat that time and so on.

This week we're taking a look at a spot of goal-setting, and several other elements that make up a client's success. Behaviour change models, motivation etc; from both the athlete's and the trainer's point of view. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Food and Fitness's Anthony Paradis (@foodnfitness). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Improving Your Client's Success
When : Wed Dec 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 Training for Football : AFL. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Ever tried a little Australian Rules football?

Considering : Equipment for the Home Gym

I love the home gym - it's the perfect place to get away from everything for a while, and focus on building a stronger, faster, fitter me. Good fun.

Looking around, I'm certainly not the only one. If you're in the market for a bit of equipment (whether you're just setting up the gym, or adding to the one you've already got), take a look around places such as the Exercise & Fitness area on Amazon. Some very interesting ideas in there.

One item that caught my eye is this neck-training machine. Personally, I'm a fan of the neck harness approach, but I'm curious : has anyone here used a machine such as this?Thoughts?

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.

On the Forums

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, head over to the forums :

• A Brief History of Circuit Training and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA)
  If you joined us for the discussion on Circuit Training the other day, you'll find this fascinating. A glimpse into the history of Circuit Training and Peripheral Heart Action.
  
• Neck Training Basics
  Getting ready to begin training your neck? Where do you start? Mike explains.
  

Ready to add your own workout log or training article? Just head over to the Articles & Logs page and log in, and click 'Post to Your Blog'. That's all there is to it.

NB : if you like what you see, show the authors your appreciation by voting (using the icons for Digg, StumbleUpon etc above each article). Cheers.

Video - Heavy Axle Front Squat

Use your axle for everything. Over to Warwick.

Deal of the Week - The StrongerGrip Swing Ball

This is a fantastic tool.

You may have seen the original version in use in one of Rocannon's videos, and the one pictured at left is the updated incarnation. Loadable, tough and brutal.

Love it.

Coming Events

Twitterchat 54 - Fat Loss : Looking to shed a little excess bodyfat? Get back your former shape, move down a weight division whilst staying strong, or show some definition perhaps.

This week we're diving into the world of Fat Loss - what it is, things that work and the way to tie it in to your training. Helping us to navigate this fascinating area is Jimmy Smith Training's, own @jimmysmithtrain. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Fat Loss
When : Wed Feb 24, 9pm EST (1am UTC)
How : include #sbgym in your tweets (here's how)

To see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Got an event that you'd like to add? Let me know.

Reading : Strength Training Anatomy

This is a fantastic book.

As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train.

Love it.

Exercise of the Week : The Bradford Press

Named after weightlifter Jim Bradford, the Bradford Press (sometimes called the Rainbow Press) is one of the first shoulder exercises I added to my routines. And once you try it, you'll understand why.

From the original article :

The exercise looks similar to a Military Press, except that the weight is moved in an arc from in front of the head to behind it; and back again. This manages to work all parts of the deltoids, as well as giving the forearms something to think about. An unusual, but highly effective, movement.

As with a number of fairly uncommon exercises, a brief video demonstration also goes a long way :

Nice one.

Via IronMind : Derek and the Axle.

A great week here on Straight to the Bar. The highlights :

Another great clip from the guys at Animal Strength. Good stuff.