Results matching “Bird”

Monday, 1 February 2010 - Issues

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 :

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 - Burpees 21 Style

Here's an interesting variation of the humble Burpee - over to Joe. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - Functional Correction Manual

Functional Correction ManualIf you've ever woken up and thought 'that shouldn't still be sore', or you've become accustomed to spending the first hour of each day in 'walking like a zombie' mode, you need this book.

A full review will be coming shortly; in the meantime, swing by and check out the Functional Correction Manual.

Superb.


Coming Events

Twitterchat 51 - Warming Up : How do you currently get warmed up for your workouts, or for competition? Light weights, a little cardio, various bodyweight movements? More importantly, how should it be done?

This week we're discussing the various things people do prior to a solid session, or a competition lift or two. Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is Train Better Fitness's Chris Smith. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Warming Up
When : Wed Feb 3, 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.

Exercise of the Week : JM Press

JM Blakley is well-known in Powerlifting circles (particularly when it comes to the Bench Press), and this exercise clearly shows why. It's a fantastic triceps builder.

Once again, this is an exercise which is best learnt by seeing it, and then doing it. Describing / demonstrating the JM Press, the man himself :

Superb. Give it a shot.

Monday, 25 January 2010 - Issues

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 :

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 - Dynamic TKEs

Knees feeling a little beaten up? Smitty looks at a great way to incorporate an old favourite into your workous. Nice one.

Deal of the Week - Convict Conditioning

Convict ConditioningMy 'books to read' list piled up over the past month or so (and yes, both Christmas and my birthday had more than a little to do with it), and one I've been extremely keen to dive in to is Convict Conditioning. As Josh points out (excellent review incidentally), the book teaches progressions for several challenging bodyweight exercises.

Chief among them - for me personally - is the One-Armed Handstand Push-up. Yep, one arm.

Fantastic.


Coming Events

Twitterchat 50 - Nutrition for Combat Athletes : What should you eat when you're getting ready for a fight? How about the rest of the time?

This week we're discussing the nutrition side of training - specifically for combat athletes. Cutting weight, getting ready for an upcoming battle, or simply keeping yourself in great condition year-round. Helping us to navigate this fascinating world is TDA Training's Nathan Teodoro. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Nutrition for Combat Athletes
When : Wed Jan 27, 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.

Exercise of the Week : Hise Shrug

Joseph Curtis Hise (often called The Father of American Weight Training) popularised a number of great ideas in the west, including the flat-footed squat. Here's another one of his great legacies - the Hise Shrug.

The Hise Shrug is essentially a shrug performed with the bar resting across the traps, as if you were about to perform a high-bar squat. Note that it's not exactly a comfortable, pain-free movement; though it's certainly an effective one when it comes to building (and toughening up) the traps.

For that reason alone, it's definitely a keeper.

Good fun. Give it a shot.

Monday, 18 January 2010 - Issues

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 :

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 - Brothers in Grip Tip: "Wrong-way" Blob Lifts

A great way to increase the challenge of your blob training - put your hand the 'wrong way'. Nice one.

Deal of the Week - The Ultimate Sandpack

The Ultimate SandpackRemember the Ultimate Sandpack video we saw recently? Brilliant bit of kit - extremely versatile, and incredibly well made.

If you're ready to kick your training up a notch, give it a run.

Beautiful thing.


Coming Events

Twitterchat 49 - Training with Minimal Equipment : As great as it is to train in a well-stocked gym, there are plenty of times when that equipment simply isn't available. Fortunately, there's always an alternative or three.

This week we're discussing some of the ways to get a solid workout when you only have a little equipment, or none at all. Helping us to navigate this incredible array is Body By D-Rock's Derek Peruo. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training with Minimal Equipment
When : Wed Jan 20, 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.

Exercise of the Week : Steinborn Lift

Although Henry 'Milo' Steinborn is comparatively well known (notably for bringing the Barbell Squat to the US), the Steinborn Lift is an animal not often seen.

It's perhaps easiest to explain via a demonstration :

Good fun. Give it a shot.

Monday, 11 January 2010 - Issues

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 :

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 - Power Development for Athletes : Jump Training

It's incredible how powerful a bit of jumping can be. Here's the Diesel Crew take on this wonderful form of training.

Enjoy.

Deal of the Week - Rings

Ring TrainingGiven the subject of this week's twitterchat (details below), it's perhaps not surprising that I've found myself discussing quite a few things on Jason's Bodyweight Aficionados' Guide to Gear list. Chief among them are the humble gymnastic rings.

No matter what your training goals are, there's a good chance that a dose of ring training will slot in nicely. Good fun.



Coming Events

Twitterchat 48 - Training for Ninja Warrior : After stumbling across Ninja Warrior back in 2007, I've become a confirmed fan on the show. It's fantastic to watch athletes navigate an obstacle course that's truly challenging.

This week we're taking a look at some of the major challenges in the Ninja Warrior course, and discussing how to train for them. Helping us to navigate this fascinating topic is Professional Freerunner Levi Meeuwenberg. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Training for Ninja Warrior
When : Wed Jan 11, 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.

Exercise of the Week : One-legged Divebomber Push-up

One-legged Divebomber Push-upLooking to vary things a little? Try the One-legged Divebomber Push-up.

Beautiful.

Monday, 4 January 2010 - Issues

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 :

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 - Making Light Clubs Feel Heavy Again

What happens after you've been training with clubs for a while, and the initial weights are no longer challenging? Kevin Wikse takes at look at several exercises that will have you re-using the 'light' ones. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - RMAX Clubbells

I got a couple of questions over the holidays (from family members - I won't say which ones) regarding club training. What do you get, and how do you get started?

Really, there are many, many great options; and it's actually quite hard to find a bad one. In my case, I started with a pair of RMAX Clubbells, and the Encyclopadia of Clubbell Training DVD.

Highly recommended.


Coming Events

Twitterchat 47 - Post-Injury Training : How do get back to serious training after an injury? What should you avoid, and when do you push yourself to the limit?

This week we're chatting about post-injury training, together with someone who's doing exactly that : the enigmatic @GoodyGirl77. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Post-Injury Training
When : Wed Jan 6, 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.

Exercise of the Week : Duck-Feet Clean-Grip Deadlift

Duck-Feet Clean-Grip DeadliftLooking to vary your deadlift training? Try the Duck-Feet Clean-Grip Deadlift.

From the article '10 Variations of The Best Bodybuilding Exercise' :

This one is a staple of Chinese Olympic lifters -- the strongest lifters in the smaller weight classes and women's lifting. It's mostly because this is the way they do their cleans and snatches. The heels are together (or close to together) in the starting position, with the feet turned out 45 degrees.
This variation of the clean-grip deadlift is better than the original for building the quadriceps. The lower leg angle allows you to keep the bar closer to the body, because the knees aren't in the way, which decreases the involvement of the lower back. However, it does put less emphasis on the glutes.

Beautiful.

Monday, 28 December 2009 - Issues

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 :

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 - Reverse Turkish Getup

Looking for a little variety in your kettlebell training? Throw in a Reverse TGU or two. Good stuff.

Deal of the Week - Second-hand Gym Gear

Second-hand platesThis is a great time of year for hitting the garage sales, and stocking up the home gym. Good fun.

Over the next few weeks we'll be looking at tips and techniques to consider when it comes to 'reclaiming' some of the gear. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the following (and grab it as soon as you find it, you won't be the only one looking) :



  • used plates, both Standard and Olympic

  • fixed weight dumbbells

  • kettlebells (a rare find, but grab them when you see them)

Things to avoid (second-hand, that is) :

  • Personally, I avoid anything that could snap or break without warning; equipment with cables or straps. I also avoid buying second-hand bars, as it's impossible to know the age, strength, and difficult to spot subtle bends.

How about you - are you a fan of second-hand gear, and what sort?

Coming Events

Twitterchat 46 - Z-Health : Despite having first read about Z-Health more than 3 years ago (in this interview with Dr Eric Cobb), I didn't start including the concepts into my own training until fairly recently. Pity, because it's absolutely fantastic.

This week we're chatting about Z-Health : what it is, and how to incorporate it into your routines. Aiding us in this is none other than Z-Health Master Trainer, Mike T Nelson. Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Z-Health
When : Wed Dec 30, 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.

Exercise of the Week : Front Plate Raise

Eye levelThis is about as simple as they come; all you'll need is a plate.

To perform the exercise :

The movement itself really is as simple as the name suggests. Grab a plate by the sides (angled down a bit, as if driving a bus) and straighten your arms in front of you. Raise it until you're looking through the hole, and lower it again. That's it.

Beautiful.

Monday, 21 December 2009 - Issues

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 :

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 - D-Rock TV

Derek Peruo has just launched his new series of videos (first one below), taking a look at various workout tips and products. Enjoy.

D-Rock TV

Deal of the Week - Battling Ropes

Battling RopesAs we mentioned last week, a length of thick rope is a superb training tool. No matter what your training goals are, for some serious conditioning work you can't go past the Battling Ropes.

Beautiful.


Coming Events

Twitterchat 45 - Belts, Wraps & Straps : Used sparingly, Belts Wraps & Straps are all ideal for increasing the amount you lift/adding safety in certain conditions. Great things.

This week we're chatting about these and other assistance devices; when and how to use them to get the benefit without putting yourself at risk. Aiding us in this is none other than the Strength Doctor, Tim Hull. Fantastic.

Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Belts, Wraps & Straps
When : Wed Dec 23, 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.

Super Gym's Hot Dog Eating Competition : How many hot dogs (with the bun) can you eat in five minutes? Swing by the Super Gym, Iceland.

Fantastic.

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

Exercise of the Week : Sandbag Obstacle Course

Not so much as an exercise as a great way to train. Grab your sandbag and head to the local park.

Good fun.


In this week's twitterchat we're discussing the many forms of pinch grip training - the equipment, techniques and competitions.

The twitterchat will be an open forum, moderated by Straight to the Bar's Scott Bird (@scottbird) and Body by Long's Bill Long (@bill_long1); both of whom have been training grip for nearly as long as they can remember.

First up a quick definition. What is a pinch grip?

A pinch grip is where an object is held by the thumb pushing towards the fingers (think of carrying a book or newspaper by your side). As Alfred pointed out, it's the thumb that does a lot of the work.

The width of this grip is broken into narrow and wide pinching. All other things being equal, a wide pinch grip is more difficult for the majority of people.

A few examples of pinch gripping :

  • Blob work (video)
  • Plate pinching
  • Hub lifts (video)
  • Anvil lifting
  • Narrow pinching using a coin or steel washer
  • Finger walking with a sledge hammer (video)
  • Jumper cable pinching

Equipment

This is a brilliant collection.

Comprising no fewer than three content-packed DVDs, Logan Christopher 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.

On the first DVD, Logan explains - and demonstrates - nearly 50 Kettlebell Juggling techniques. These are arranged in order of difficulty, providing a clear progression through the list. And if you're comfortable with basic kettlebell techniques (such as the swing, clean and snatch), you can just dive right in. Superb.

The second DVD takes a look at the various ways to train Kettlebell Juggling. Whether you choose to perfect the basic moves with heavier and heavier bells, or tackle the advanced exercises using a more modest weight; there are a number of ways to perform your Kettlebell Juggling. Everything from timed sets to the many forms of circuit training.

Also on the second DVD is a great look at the many ways to juggle two kettlebells at once. As with the single 'bell forms, there are a number of specific exercises which are clearly explained and demonstrated. Logan also notes the differences (besides the obvious) between juggling one and two kettlebells.

Finally, the third DVD contains interviews with a couple of guys who are no slouches themselves when it comes to kettlebell work : John Brookfield and Dave Whitley. It's fantastic to hear their insights into this incredible training style.

Overall, I highly recommend this collection. If you're looking for a great way to combine your grip sessions and strength conditioning work with a touch of showmanship, you can't go past The Definitive Guide to Kettlebell Juggling. Brilliant.

Review : Card Tearing eBook - SttB Articles

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.

Introduction

Before taking a closer look at the eBook, a quick word on my own training. Although I've been lifting heavy stuff for years, I didn't begin doing dedicated grip work until 2007. Since then I've hit a wealth of PRs, and grip work has been a firm favourite.

Despite this, I haven't devoted any serious time to tearing; primarily as I didn't know how, or where to begin. Jedd has bridged that gap brilliantly, and my own card tearing has improved in leaps and bounds in just a few weeks. I have every confidence that full decks won't be all that far away - a great feeling.

Now, back to the book itself. There are 5 key sections which get you tearing within hours :

Techniques

As with any aspect of gaining strength, there are several ways to do it. Jedd examines a number of techniques for tearing cards, covering everything from the initial hand positions to the movement of the tear. Several common and challenging techniques are clearly described, illustrated and demonstrated.

The book also outlines the various factors that will determine your preferred technique, including everything from hand size to the strength of your own wrists in a particular direction.

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