Welcome to Straight to the Bar
Yes, I love the deadlift.
Incidentally, this site’s been helping people become fitter, healthier and stronger since January 2004. If you’ve just joined us, I highly recommend subscribing to the weekly Strength & Fitness Newsletter, which contains details of new posts on the site, freshly-minted video demonstrations & tutorials, details of upcoming Gymchats and a whole lot more.
And yes, it’s absolutely free.
The Immortal Strength Harness and Water-Fillable Club
Superb combination.
This is a superb combination. Ideal for hiking/biking/training expeditions, the harness is designed to hang on to the club on the way there. As for the club itself - fill it up with water/sand/lead shot (up to 70lb worth) and get to work. Perfect. The Immortal Strength Harness and Water-Fillable Club.
Using the Weighted Dead Hang for Lat Size+Strength (and to Help Perform Additional Pull-ups)
Nice one.
Nice one.
Looking At : Aug 20, 2017
What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel
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.
The Concept2 BikeErg
Looks good.
Was talking to someone about this just a few hours ago - the Concept2 BikeErg. Looks good. I'll be trying it out as soon as it's available here (early next year). In the meantime, a bit of video to show you what's on offer :
The Concept2 BikeErg.
Deadlift Tips with Ben Pollack
Nice one.
Nice one.
Looking At : Aug 13, 2017
What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel
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.
The HearScope Smartphone Otoscope
Very interesting combination.
Very interesting combination - a smartphone-connected otoscope which makes use of artificial intelligence software to help you understand what you're looking at. Promising indeed. Look forward to learning more, particularly the online storage and sharing aspects. And of course, how well it integrates into other health monitoring tools and services. The HearScope Smartphone Otoscope.
How To Squat
Nice one Alan.
Nice one Alan.
Looking At : Aug 6, 2017
What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel
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.
The Torch M1
Great idea.
Love this concept - an incredibly bright helmet-mounted light for cyclists. To see, and to be seen. Simple idea - the video shows how everything works : The Torch M1.
Like to contribute something? I love hearing about how other people are training : if you've got a strength-related competition or seminar coming up, add it to the calendar. And if you'd love to be on one of the weekly Gymchats - get in touch. Look forward to hearing from you.
Want More?
As you can imagine, there’s an incredible amount of material on this site. Articles, video demonstrations & tutorials, the weekly Gymchats and a whole lot more. To keep up with everything going on in the World of Strength, grab the weekly Strength & Fitness Newsletter - part of the Straight to the Bar Strength Kit.
Absolutely free.
If you love talking about training, make sure you check out the Gymchats. There's a full list of previous shows here.
Up next :
Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)
Should be a great discussion - see you there.
NB : if you'd like to be interviewed on an upcoming show (or know someone who should be), drop us a line. 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, we'd love to hear them. Cheers.
what we're saying
And if you'd like to see the comments as soon as they arrive, you can grab the RSS feed here.
ready to get fit? not quite sure where to start?
A dose of Online Personal Training is ideal. Your place, their experience.
As you'd expect, I work with a number of Fitness Professionals myself (both personally, and to research various parts of this site) - including the wonderful Josh Hewett. If you're about to begin your own strength-training journey, swing by his site at :
top-form-fitness.com/online-coaching
Highly recommended. If you're looking to get serious about 'getting in shape', book some time with Josh. Fantastic guy.
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.
strength calendar
Looking for an upcoming competition, or know of one in your area? Why not add it to the spreadsheet.
Ferocious Fitness (Phil Ross, Marty Gallagher)
Remember this? Great book. Ferocious Fitness : A Fighter's Proven Action Plan to Develop Blazing Power, Animalistic Strength and Killer Conditioning is a distillation of Phil Ross' training wisdom, in the form of a superbly comprehensive book. We took a look at the digital version recently, and you'll be pleased to know that the paperback version is now available. Definitely worthy of a place on the fitness shelf. Phil Ross' Ferocious Fitness.
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.
elsewhere
As you can see, we love talking about training. In addition to the conversations on here, in the Google+ Community, Twitter and so on are discussions on several other great fitness-focussed sites.
Check out :
- Josh Hewett : Basic Home Workout for Beginners
- Al Kavadlo : The Benefits of Cold Exposure
- Diesel Crew : This Weeek in Grip – Episodes 24, 25, and 26
- Year of the Bear : 6 Week Program Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead
- Gains & Aesthetics : What The Greek God Fitness Program Is All About
Of course, we're always on the lookout for new additions to this list. If you'd like to suggest a site you've come across personally (or perhaps one that you run), drop us a line.
giving
If you've been training for a while, gradually cleaning up your diet, no doubt you've experienced the amazing power of transformation. It's a tremendous feeling. If you're ready to give someone else a hand to transform their own lives - through education, sharing equipment, financial help - take a look at the full list of organisations on the Giving page. Cheers.
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.
leave it in the ground
On Straight to the Bar we talk a lot about air pollution, primarily from a gym-owner's perspective. In the 'Leave it in the Ground' newsletter we look at the topic far more broadly - the gradual move away from the use of fossil fuels. Daily, and free.
checking out
The Immortal Strength Harness and Water-Fillable Club This is a superb combination.Ideal for hiking/biking/training expeditions, the harness is designed to hang on to the club on the way there. As for the club itself - fill it up with water/sand/lead shot (up to 70lb worth) and get to work. Perfect.
The Immortal Strength Harness and Water-Fillable Club.
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.
This is a superb resource. With a focus on law enforcement personnel, it takes the form of a Facebook Group as well as one on one coaching sessions. Created by the incredible Jeff Wilson.
Mike Gillette explains the various ways to put the gymnastic rings to work - progressively - in Rings of Power. With clear emphases on both strength and rehabilitation, it's an ideal place to start.
Particularly those of us in the 'over 40' crowd.
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.
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 at the moment (training-related and otherwise), join us on Goodreads. And for a cut-down list showing only the ones we recommend, swing by the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.