All Articles & Reviews by
Scott Andrew Bird
(13033 posts in total - only latest ones shown)
Scott Andrew Bird is a writer, photographer and a guy who just loves this stuff. He's been at home in front of a computer for more years than he cares to remember (OK, 37) and is now making amends for years of many mistakes noted in the De-constructing Computer Guy articles (part 2) on T-Nation.
Find out what he's up to via Twitter, Facebook, the Daily 'Paper'; and of course his online home. Enjoy.
NB : Like to write a guest post for Straight to the Bar? I love hearing about how other people are training. And 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.
August of Arms 2020 (Training Program)
This looks great.
This looks great. I'm a big fan of Jedd's training in general, and am certainly keen to check this one out. As the name suggests, August of Arms 2020 is the latest instalment of an annual focus on arm training. Featuring training programs, video instruction & and a whole heap of suggestions; this is certainly a comprehensive package. Jedd Johnson's August of Arms 2020.
Top 5 Mass-Building Exercises For Faster Growth (Musclemonsters)
Just starting out? Here are a handful of exercises to pack on a bit of muscle quickly.
Just starting out? Here are a handful of exercises to pack on a bit of muscle quickly.
Looking At : Aug 2, 2020
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.
UCAN SuperStarch (Energy Powders and Bars)
These sound great.
These sound great. I came across these via Tim Ferriss' '5-Bullet Friday' newsletter. The UCAN SuperStarch range is a collection of low carbohydrate powders & energy bars, with a strong focus on the low-GI side of things. To dive in a little deeper, swing by the website. I also strongly recommend Tim's newsletter, which itself peels back the curtain a bit. The UCAN SuperStarch range.
Eating My Old Strongman Diet For A Day - 15,000 Calories! (Brian Shaw)
This is a great way to see just how much difference a good diet can make.
This is a great way to see just how much difference a good diet can make. Whether you're a competing Strongman or not.
Looking At : Jul 26, 2020
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.
Bouncing Back (Book)
Sounds great.
Sounds great. It seems that my 'books to read' pile gets taller by the day, and this one certainly makes it aboard. Bouncing Back is very simply a book that covers the 'What happens now?' aspect of the journey to a post-athletic world. To dive in a little deeper, swing by the book's Indiegogo page. Be warned though, you'll be waiting until December for the full version. Very much worth the wait.
The 'Right' Way to Grip The Bar (Jeff Cavaliere)
Elbow pain when lifting? These changes make a huge difference.
Elbow pain when lifting? These changes make a huge difference.
Looking At : Jul 19, 2020
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.
MedHub (Smart Medical Intake Adviser)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
The MedHub is a smart container for your medications/supplements, with a smartphone app holding the various details. It'll automatically advise when a pill (or pills) is/are to be taken, and the quantity. Perfect.
To see the device itself :
The MedHub.
Cryotherapy Chamber for the Home Gym (Eddie 'The Beast' Hall)
Very interesting recovery device.
Very interesting recovery device.
Looking At : Jul 12, 2020
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.
Amazfit ZenBuds (Sleep-Focused Earbuds)
These look great.
These look great.
The Amazfit ZenBuds are lightweight earbuds with a definite focus on sleep. With noise cancellation, soothing sounds, sleep monitoring & alarm functions.
Great mix.
A little video :
The Amazfit ZenBuds.
Strongmen Benching in Planet Fitness (Brian Shaw)
Nice one.
Nice one.
Looking At : Jul 5, 2020
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.
The Key to SuperHuman Strength (Michael Eckert)
Interesting approach.
Interesting approach.
OYO Nova Gym (Portable Training Equipment)
Much heavier.
Nice one.
Remember the OYO DoubleFlex Black? Here's its newer, beefier cousin - the OYO Nova. Similar design (ideal for travelling), double the resistance.
Nice and heavy.
A little video :
The OYO Nova Gym.
Looking At : Jun 28, 2020
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.
LMP S2 (Reusable Protective Face Mask)
Nice one.
Nice one.
As you'd expect, there are plenty of face masks currently on offer. One of those I've been looking at recently is the LMP S2 - a re-usable setup which is already shipping.
The video below gives you a general idea of what's on offer, and the site goes into detail on the various features. Looks good.
The LMP S2.
Garage Gym Build & Tour (Brian Alsruhe)
A great way to help deal with things - building an impromptu home gym.
The pandemic's certainly rough on an awful lot of people, and here's a great way to deal with things - building an impromptu home gym. Nice one.
Looking At : Jun 21, 2020
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.
MAPS Capstone Challenge (Studying The Use Of MDMA To Help Treat PTSD)
Love it.
Love it.
I came across this via the latest issue of Tim Ferriss' '5 Bullet Friday' newsletter - the MAPS Capstone Challenge. This challenge is to provide the funding necessary ($30 million USD) to complete the studies required for FDA approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Wonderful.
The abovelinked site contains more information on the challenge itself. If you'd like to know a little more about either Tim Ferriss or MAPS, here's a conversation from last year's 'Psychedelic Science Summit' :
MAPS Capstone Challenge.
5 Tips for Easier Pull Ups (Marine Sgt Michael Eckert)
Nice one.
Nice one.
Looking At : Jun 14, 2020
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.
Aggressive Strength Conversations Podcast Episode 1 (Mike Mahler & Ory Ortega)
Keen to dive in.
Keen to dive in.
My list of 'videos to watch' (training-related and otherwise) seems to grow steadily, with new ones always appearing on the list. Next up is Mike Mahler's Aggressive Strength Conversations, which I'm about to dive in to.
If you're similarly intrigued, the first episode - a chat with Ory Ortega - is below :
Mike Mahler's Aggressive Strength Conversations.
Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi Takes on the US Marine Obstacle Course (Austen Alexander)
It's wonderful to see the many different approaches to fitness.
Nice one. It's always wonderful to see the many different approaches to fitness, in this case it's the US Marines' Obstacle Course.
Looking At : Jun 7, 2020
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.
OTARI (Interactive Workout Mat)
Intriguing combination.
Intriguing combination.
The OTARI is a Yoga mat (although it has plenty of potential uses for other aspects of training) with a strong interactive component. In addition to a screen with specific advice relating too the workout, the inbuilt AI can help to offer specific advice on form (there's a camera built in to the mat).
A little video :
The OTARI Interactive Workout Mat.
Doctor's Nighttime Routine For Better Sleep (Dr Mike Varshavski)
I'm a huge fan of sleep as a recovery method.
I'm a huge fan of sleep as a recovery method. Here's a quick look at a basic nighttime routine from the medical side of things.
Looking At : May 31, 2020
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.
'The Dinosaur Files' for May 2020
A great mix.
I love these.
The latest issue of Brooks Kubik's 'The Dinosaur Files' (May 2020) 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 a previous issue :
It's a great mix.
You can grab the latest incarnation here :
brookskubik.com/dinosaurfiles-may2020.html .
Intermittent Fasting - How it Affects Sleep (What I've Learned)
The various sleep-related impacts of IF.
I was chatting with a friend the other day about the various benefits of Intermittent Fasting and Time Restricted Eating, and he asked about sleep. For everyone wondering about the same thing, this video explains the various sleep-related impacts.
Looking At : May 24, 2020
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.
CalfPRO (Leveraged Calf Stretching Tool)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The CalfPRO is a deceptively simple calf-stretching tool, designed for regular pre-training use. And unlike many of the calf-stretching methods, it fortunately doesn't bend your toes back.
A little video will show you what I mean :
The CalfPRO.
Joe Rogan Experience #1474 (Dr Rhonda Patrick)
Fascinating discussion.
Fascinating discussion.
Looking At : May 17, 2020
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.
Bebird X17 Pro (Smart Visual Ear Cleaning Rod)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The range of simple, in-home medical devices continues to grow, and here's another one to add to the list. The Bebird X17 Pro is an ear-cleaning wand with a built-in camera, and a smartphone app so you can see what you're doing. A whole lot easier than the cotton-tip alternative.
A little video :
The Bebird X17 Pro.
Dissecting The Wim Hof Method (Medlife Crisis)
It's getting in to the colder part of the year here (Sydney, Australia).
As it's getting in to the colder part of the year here (Sydney, Australia), last night I found myself chatting to a friend about the Wim Hof Method. If you know the name but very little of what's involved (fairly common situation, which may/may not be considered a good thing, depending on your viewpoint); this video explains it - and the medical research behind parts of it - in detail.
Looking At : May 10, 2020
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.
Huami Amazfit X (Curved, Fitness-Focused Smartwatch)
Promising indeed.
Promising indeed.
We first mentioned this one a while ago, and it's great to see that it's now up on Indiegogo. The Huami Amazfit X - a curved, fitness-focused smartwatch. Great combination.
The form factor looks ideal, and it includes the usual suspects when it comes to the fitness-tracking side of things.
A little video :
The Huami Amazfit X.
Aging Research in the Age of COVID-19 (Brent Nally and Dr Aubrey de Grey)
Very interesting conversation.
Very interesting conversation.
Looking At : May 3, 2020
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.
NEXX (Home Therapy Neck Device)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
Although I'm not exactly a fan of the 'late night infomercial' vibe of the video (below), the product itself is intriguing. Particularly the stretching aspect.
The NEXX is a pillow-sized neck therapy device, with a focus on the cervical traction approach to things. A spot of neck stretching and massage.
A little video to show you what I mean :
The NEXX.
How to Make Sense of the Constantly Shifting Info on the Coronavirus (Peter Attia on Impact Theory)
Interesting discussion - especially the exercise & supplementation points.
Interesting discussion - especially the exercise & supplementation points.
Looking At : Apr 26, 2020
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.
Carbon SnoreX Pillow (Cooling Pillow with Anti-Snore Tech)
Looks great.
Looks great.
Sleep is important at the best of times, especially during the lockdown. It's easily my favourite form of recovery.
The Carbon SnoreX is a cool, bacteria-resistant pillow with a somewhat distinctive shape. Although the 'anti-snoring' aspect may be getting all the attention, it's a combination of the above that appeals to me personally.
A little video :
The Carbon SnoreX.
The 10 Greatest Home Exercises of All Time (Athlean-X)
No home gym available? Try some of these.
No home gym available? Try some of these. Bodyweight only.
Looking At : Apr 19, 2020
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.
HoloGear (Holographic Glowing Sports Gear)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
HoloGear is a range of reflective sports equipment, designed specifically for your night-time training sessions. Although I suspect it has many other uses.
The reflectivity can either be full-time or part-time (with glasses). The video will show you what I mean :
HoloGear.
Everything You Need to Know About The Coronavirus Pandemic (David Sinclair on Health Theory)
A detailed look at the current pandemic, how to respond, and how to prevent it from happening again.
A detailed look at the current pandemic, how to respond, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Are You as Strong as You Could Be?
Grab the Straight to the Bar Strength Kit.
Training Guides, eBooks and of course the Strength & Fitness Newsletter. Absolutely free.
If you love talking about training, make sure you check out the Gymchats. There's a full list of previous shows here.
To give you an idea of what they're like, here's an example :
Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)
Fantastic discussion.
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
NB : As well as leaving a comment or two beneath the articles themselves, you might like to swing by the Daily 'Paper' for a somewhat more frequent dose of training goodness.
ready to get in shape?
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 - 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.
reading : 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.
community
talking about If you tweet a lot about fitness and would love to be on this list, let me know.love your grip work?
Check out The Grip Authority. Fantastic site.
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.
air pollution & health
We discuss air pollution quite a bit on this site - particularly the various health impacts involved. If you'd like to dive in a little deeper, I invite you to check out the following :
- The 'Electric Cars' list on Twitter
- The 'Leave it in the Ground' newsletter
- The daily 'EVs in Australia' 'paper'
and of course :
Cheers.
checking out
August of Arms 2020 (Training Program) This looks great.I'm a big fan of Jedd's training in general, and am certainly keen to check this one out. As the name suggests, August of Arms 2020 is the latest instalment of an annual focus on arm training.
Featuring training programs, video instruction & and a whole heap of suggestions; this is certainly a comprehensive package.
Jedd Johnson's August of Arms 2020.
And for the full list of the Books & DVDs we recommend, swing by the Recommended Books & DVDs page. To check out what we're reading at the moment (and to make suggestions), join us on Goodreads.
See you there.