Welcome to Straight to the Bar
Yes, I love the deadlift.
New Straight to the Bar T-Shirt : 'Circus Strongman'
Feels great.
As long-term readers will attest, we've commissioned a number of T-Shirt designs over the years, and we've just added a new one - you can grab it here. Feels great. We're really keen to hear your thoughts (on the design, the packaging and the shirt itself); either leave a comment below or join us over on the Straight to the Bar Community on Google+. Cheers.
Note that :
- The designer is my brother, Glenn Bird (for more of his work, check out glennbirdart.com). If you're thinking 'that name sounds familiar', that's why.
- We love seeing these clothes 'in the wild' (look at the images in the sidebar). If you'd like to share your own photos, just upload them somewhere and send us a link.
Gymchat 245 - Feats of Strength (Grip Strength) (Jedd Johnson)
Fantastic.
Sitting firmly at the heart of many forms of training is Grip Strength. Whether you're a Performing Strongman, Competitive Athlete or anyone who enjoys spending a bit of time with the iron.
In this discussion we'll be investigating two key aspects of grip work - the various feats you'll occasionally see, and grip training in general. Tackling these is the insanely strong Jedd Johnson, joined by 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 Jedd 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.
Looking At : Week Ending Apr 20, 2014
What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Daily 'Paper'
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Facebook and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Improving Your Pull-ups (Frank DiMeo)
Good stuff. I'm a huge fan the various forms of pull-ups, and the Gymchat last week was certainly an excellent exploration of the area. Nice one guys. Improving Your Pull-ups is one of the many superb resources mentioned in the discussion. This is the Kindle edition of Frank's own book on the subject, outlining a 12 week program that does exactly what the title suggests. And in no small way. Highly recommended.
Looking At : Week Ending Apr 13, 2014
What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Daily 'Paper'
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Facebook and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Video for Gymchat 243 - How to Improve Your Pull Ups (Frank DiMeo)
Ready to get better? Great.
Thanks again to everyone who watched and sent in questions for the discussion Gymchat 243 - How to Improve Your Pull Ups [with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett] - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video.
Gymchat 243 - How to Improve Your Pull Ups (Frank DiMeo)
Ready to get better? Great.
There are certainly many, many varieties of chin-ups and pull-ups. Fantastic exercises.
This week we're taking a detailed look at these amazing exercises, and discussing how to increase both their quality and quantity. Whether you can already knock them out by the dozen, or are gearing up for your first. Helping us tackle this one - as well as your questions (just post them on the Event page, or use the Q&A tool during the discussion itself) is Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, joined by 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 Frank 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.
Looking At : Week Ending Apr 6, 2014
What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Daily 'Paper'
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Facebook and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Video for Gymchat 242 - The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance (Bill Piche)
The role of each, and to what extent each can be changed.
Thanks again to everyone who watched and sent in questions for the discussion Gymchat 242 - The Role of Genetics in Aesthetics & Performance [with Powerlifter Bill Piche, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett] - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video.
The Reversal of Sports : From 'Aspirational' to 'Pure'
There’s a change on the way.
I love sports, always have. Strength, team, motor and so on. Anything and everything. Still, there's a significant change on the way; a subtle shift in how some sporting events are viewed. Let me explain.
Like to contribute something? I love hearing about how other people are training; if you’d like to write an article, record a video or tell us about a site you’ve discovered, get in touch.
Want More?
This week :
Gymchat 245 - Feats of Strength (Grip Strength) (Jedd Johnson)
We hold these every Wednesday, starting at 8pm Eastern. See you there.
NB : if you'd like to be interviewed in an upcoming discussion, we'd love to hear from you. It's great to find out how other people train.
And if you'd like to add your comments and suggestions on the Gymchats in general, you can do that here. Cheers.
setting up a home gym?
If you're getting ready to put together a solid Home Gym (fantastic thing), here's how.
And for more, swing by the full guide. Absolutely free.
images of strength
Want to see (and learn) more Feats of Strength like this? Dive in.
recommended
It'll come as no surprise that we've reviewed many, many products over the years. Everything from books, magazines and DVDs to racks, benches and complete home gyms.
To give you an idea :
- Recover Better and Faster with Elite Recoup
- Carlson Labs Fish Oil
- Get Extreme With Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite
- Review : Fixing Elbow Pain
- Gettin' Swole, Part 2
- Gettin' Swole
- You Need More Drugs
Looking for a full list of the various equipment and services we use and recommend? No problem - it's all here.
the team
There are some superb writers here, looking at the world of strength training from a number of angles. The regulars :
Scott Bird (@scottbird, +Scott Bird)
Writer and Fitness enthusiast
Josh Hewett (@TopFormFitness, +Josh Hewett)
Strongman, Personal Trainer and Host of the Gymchats
Conor Doherty (@sfactoryfitness, +Conor Doherty)
Educator and Personal Trainer
Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo (@DerekPeruoCSCS, +Derek Peruo)
Personal Trainer and Creator of the Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits
Dean Coulson (@DeanCoulson, +Dean Coulson)
Strength & Conditioning Coach and Martial Artist
Kat
'The Mighty Kat' Ricker (+Kat Ricker)
Bodybuilder and Writer
Jedd
'Napalm' Johnson (@jeddjohnson, +Jedd Johnson)
Grip champion and Strongman
NB : It's a big team - full list here.
In addition, articles are submitted from across the globe. Got a piece you'd like to share? Let us know.
in the wild
It’s always great to see how other people train.
If you’d like to send in a photo of yourself in action (wearing one of the Straight to the Bar Shirts of course - the latest design is here), just upload it somewhere and send us a link. Cheers.
the future of fitness
Over the years we’ve looked at the fitness industry from a number of angles - discussing the history, present approaches and potential future trends involved. Fascinating areas.
When it comes to the last part - discussing potential future trends - things get a little, well, unusual. If it’s an interest you share, or you just want to find out the types of things we think are likely, check out the posts tagged ‘Futurism’. And of course, Gymchat 224 (Roundtable) - The Future of Fitness. Superb discussion.
reading
Improving Your Pull-ups (Frank DiMeo)
Improving Your Pull-ups.Good stuff. I'm a huge fan the various forms of pull-ups, and the Gymchat last week was certainly an excellent exploration of the area. Nice one guys. Improving Your Pull-ups is one of the many superb resources mentioned in the discussion. This is the Kindle edition of Frank's own book on the subject, outlining a 12 week program that does exactly what the title suggests. And in no small way. Highly recommended. »»
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.
The Diesel Crew's Card Tearing 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.
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 help prevent it happening in the future.
When it comes to body transformation - whether that's an 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.
This is a fantastic book. As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train. Love it.
101 Fitness Myths [Kindle Edition]
A superb combination of fitness mythbusting and no-nonsense advice. If you're not quite sure where to start, grab this.
The Art of Expressing the Human Body
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.
For a full list of what we're reading and watching at the moment, just head over to the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.