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 Dinosaur Files' for Oct 2019
I love these.
I love these. The latest issue of Brooks Kubik's 'The Dinosaur Files' (Oct 2019) is now available. An instant .PDF download. Perfect. If you've never read one, these are monthly newsletters which comprise a mix of pieces by Brooks, well-known old-time strongmen and the Dinosaur Training community. As an example, here's a brief look at last months' issue :
It's a great mix. You can grab the latest incarnation here : brookskubik.com/dinosaurfiles-october2019.html .
How Fast is a Two Hour Marathon Pace? (Mike Boyd)
Brutal pace.
No doubt you're well aware of Eliud Kipchoge's Vienna marathon by now. Even if you aren't, this video shows just what a brutal pace this is.
Looking At : Oct 13, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter, in The Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Handy Gym (Portable Inertial Trainer)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea. Was just having a conversation about the Handy Gym, a portable inertial training device that is roughly equivalent to 'weighted band training'. The video below will show you what I mean :
Looks ideal for rehab work, and for quick sessions when travelling. Keen to give one a try. Handy Gym.
Robert Oberst's Biggest Lifts (The Strongest Man in History, Season 1)
Love this show.
Love this show.
Looking At : Oct 6, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter, in The Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Fridge Eye (Smart Fridge Camera)
Very interesting idea.
Very interesting idea. Fridge Eye is a camera for inside the fridge - as well as a 'phone app - to turn any fridge into a 'Smart Fridge'. The smartphone software includes object-recognizing AI, though I suspect the device is quite powerful even without that. The ability to quickly check what's in the fridge at any time (particularly when shopping) is wonderful. A spot of video to show you what's on offer :
Fridge Eye.
David Sinclair on Intermittent Fasting (Modern Wisdom Podcast #066)
Got questions on both Intermittent Fasting and longevity? Great.
We get a lot of questions on both Intermittent Fasting and longevity. Here's David Sinclair's view on the combination.
Looking At : Sep 29, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter, in The Daily 'Paper' and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Eve - A Trainer, Dietitian & Coach in Your Pocket (AI Personal Trainer)
Very interesting combination.
Very interesting combination. Eve is a mix of Personal Trainer & Dietitian; blending a human and an AI-powered assistant. Sounds wonderful. I'm certainly keen to check this one out myself; very much looking forward to it. In the meantime, a spot of video to help explain what it's all about :
Eve - A Trainer, Dietitian & Coach in Your Pocket.
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 : Guided Meditation – Lose Your Mind & Come to Your Senses
- Gains & Aesthetics : In a rut with your routine? Tips to get motivated again
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.
daily newsletter
For some people, this site's weekly newsletter (The Strength & Fitness Weekly - part of the Strength Kit) isn't quite frequent enough. For those I produce a daily version, which you can grab here. Absolutely free.
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 Dinosaur Files' for Oct 2019I love these.
The latest issue of Brooks Kubik's 'The Dinosaur Files' (Oct 2019) is now available. An instant .PDF download. Perfect.
If you've never read one, these are monthly newsletters which comprise a mix of pieces by Brooks, well-known old-time strongmen and the Dinosaur Training community. As an example, here's a brief look at last months' issue :
It's a great mix.
You can grab the latest incarnation here :
brookskubik.com/dinosaurfiles-october2019.html .
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 'Napalm' 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.
Confused about what to eat, how much to eat; even when to eat? This book will help you get the most out of your food plan. Superb.
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.