All Articles & Reviews by
Scott Andrew Bird

(12716 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, 35) 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, Google+, Facebook; 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.

Looking At : Dec 16, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, air pollution, community, diagnosis, diet, electricity, fitness device, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), vaccination

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Fasciawear (Workout Clothing)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : workout clothing

Interesting idea. Fasciawear is workout clothing designed to assist with both pretension and compression, using inbuilt resistance bands running along the fasciae. A bit of video will show you what I mean :
Although I'm somewhat skeptical about some of the claims made, I'm still keen to try one out (the deliveries are currently scheduled for March 2019). Fasciawear.

Complete Guide To Intermittent Fasting (Thomas DeLauer)

I get a lot of questions on Intermittent Fasting - here's a full guide on how to go about things.

filed in : video
tagged : intermittent fasting

I get a lot of questions on Intermittent Fasting - here's a full guide on how to go about things.

Looking At : Dec 9, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, blood test, bone, community, diagnosis, diet, fitness device, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), vaccination

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

KEYTO (Breath Analyser & Mobile App)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : diet

Interesting idea.
KEYTO is a ketogenic diet assistant that combines a Breath Analyser with a Mobile App. Great combination. Two main questions : I'm curious to see how accurate it is, and how flexible the app is (I want to be able to export the data, and to use connect it to other apps). Will get a chance to find out both when it arrives. In the meantime, a spot of video : The KEYTO.

Staying Lean Year-Round (Athlean-X)

Great advice (apart from the initial list, of course).

filed in : video
tagged : fat loss

Great advice (apart from the initial list, of course).

Looking At : Dec 2, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, air pollution, community, conditioning, diabetes, endurance, gene editing, HIIT, injury, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

The Drive Podcast (Peter Attia, MD)

Sounds like a fantastic mix.

filed in : Reading
tagged : podcast

The Drive.

Looks great.
Peter Attia's 'The Drive' Podcast describes itself as 'Optimizing performance, health, longevity, critical thinking...and a few other things', which sounds like a fantastic mix. And although it's been on for a while now, I've just stumbled across it myself. Looks like I've got a little catching up to do. Peter Attia's 'The Drive' Podcast.

Brian Shaw Rolling a Frying Pan (Jujimufu)

I never get tired of seeing this feat. Love it.

filed in : video
tagged : Feats of Strength, grip, strongman, wrist strength

I never get tired of seeing this feat. Love it.

Looking At : Nov 25, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, air pollution, BCI (Brain-Computer Interface), community, diabetes, diagnosis, diet, healthspan, paraplegia, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Atmotube 2.0 (Portable Air Pollution Monitor)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : air pollution

Interesting idea. We've certainly been discussing air pollution a fair bit this week, and I just came across this offering - the The Atmotube 2.0. Long-term readers may remember the first incarnation of the device. Although I've got plenty of 'does it integrate with ... ' questions, I'm keen to try one out. And in the meantime, a spot of video :
The Atmotube 2.0 - Portable Air Pollution Monitor.

The Ideal Workout Split - For You (Athlean-X)

Not growing as quickly as you could?

filed in : video
tagged : hypertrophy training, Training Concepts & Strategies

Not growing as quickly as you could? NB : We first looked at this one in the weekly Strength & Fitness Newsletter (part of the Strength Kit). If you'd like to have it sent to you automatically (free!) each...

Looking At : Nov 18, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : air pollution, bone, community, diet, futurism, injury, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), Synthetic Meat

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Altifarm (Indoor Herb Garden)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Equipment
tagged : nutrition

Interesting idea. We've been talking recently about the various ways to fine-tune your diet, and 'growing your own herbs & vegetables' is certainly high on the list. The The Altifarm is a great way to do just that. Designed especially for indoor/small space use, it's essentially an organised stack of adjustable height planter boxes. A little video will show you what I mean :
The Altifarm.

Improving Brain Health, Reducing Dementia Risk (Max Lugavere)

Great information.

filed in : video
tagged : Nerve damage and neurological conditions, nutrition

Great information.

Looking At : Nov 11, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, air pollution, artificial intelligence, community, diagnosis, exoskeleton, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, obesity, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), technique

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

DreamOn (Sleep 'Watch')

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : sleep

Interesting idea. The DreamOn 'Watch' is a wrist-worn device, designed to help you get to sleep. Curious to try one (though somewhat skeptical); particularly interested in the ability to export the sleep data to other apps. In the meantime, a little video of the device :
The DreamOn Sleep 'Watch'.

How to Fix Wrist Pain (FitnessFAQs)

Great information.

filed in : Tips
tagged : injury, wrist strength

Great information.

Looking At : Nov 4, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, air pollution, bioengineering, community, diagnosis, futurism, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Facebook, Twitter (especially the lists!), Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Looking At : Oct 28, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : community, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Looking At : Oct 21, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : community, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Sated Keto (Meal Replacement Shake)

Interesting.

filed in : Reading
tagged : diet

Interesting. Whilst the ketogenic part is debatable, this looks like a great meal replacement shake. Keen to try it out. In the meantime, a spot of video :
Sated's Keto (Meal Replacement Shake).

The Psychological Approach to Rapid Fat Loss (Gravity Transformation)

Great information.

filed in : Tips
tagged : fat loss

Great information.

Looking At : Oct 14, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, aging & longevity, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, community, depression, diabetes, diagnosis, diet, futurism, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Google+ is No More

Sadly, it's closing down.

filed in : This site
tagged : google

Google+

This week we saw the impending closure of the wonderful Google+ - one of the online homes to the Straight to the Bar Community for several years now. Although the various sections aren't set to be for a while yet, it may be a good time to revisit (and download as desired) some of the previous discussions on there. You'll find a full list of the Gymchats here, and the community area here (just search for the desired person or topic). In the meantime, the discussions continue on our other online homes (list below). We'd love for you to join us at :

NB : we always love seeing - and hearing about - how other people train. If you've got suggestions for fine-tuning the abovementioned communities, drop us a line. Cheers.

HYDROW (Live Outdoor Reality Rower)

This looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : conditioning, rower

This looks great. The HYDROW bills itself as a 'Live Outdoor Reality Rower' (think rowing machine with a screen showing another rower, outdoors), which lets you row with world class athletes streaming live from the water. Very interesting concept - would love to see other pieces of equipment offer a similar pairing. To give you an idea of what this thing looks like and how it works, a spot of video :
The HYDROW.

How Long Should You Be Resting Between Sets? (Gravity Transformation)

Great information.

filed in : video
tagged : recovery

Great information.

Looking At : Oct 7, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, brain-controlled device, community, diet, futurism, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), Training Concepts & Strategies

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Lessons 3 & 4 of David Webster's 'The Complete Physique Course' [Kindle Edition]

The goodness continues.

filed in : Reading
tagged : Olympic Weightlifting, Training Concepts & Strategies

The Complete Physique Course - Lessons 3 & 4.

The goodness continues. This is the second part of David Webster's 'The Complete Physique Course' - Lessons 3 & 4. It's a wonderful combination of specific workouts and the basics of Olympic Weightlifting. I haven't read the originals for a long, long time - looking forward to diving in to the Kindle incarnation. Lessons 3 & 4 of David Webster's 'The Complete Physique Course' [Kindle Edition].

4 Lat Pulldown Variations (Athlean-X)

Nice one Jeff.

filed in : exercises
tagged : Training Concepts & Strategies

Nice one Jeff.

Looking At : Sep 30, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : bone, community, depression, diet, futurism, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, online training, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), vaccination, video training

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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 'This Week in Grip' Podcast ('Napalm' Jedd Johnson)

Great show.

filed in : exercises
tagged : audio, grip

Great show. Although I've been listening to 'Napalm' Jedd Johnson's 'This Week in Grip' podcast for a while now, a conversation this morning reminded me that we've never mentioned in it here. Time to rectify that. The most recent episode will give you a good idea of what the show's like. Suffice to say that if you enjoy the occasional dose of grip work, you'll love this. Wonderful insights, guests and hosts. You'll find it on Jedd's Youtube Channel :
Enjoy.

Calisthenics Strength 'Rules' (Calisthenicmovement)

Great Information.

filed in : video
tagged : calisthenics

Great Information.

Looking At : Sep 23, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : air pollution, community, cycling, HIIT, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Ascent (Whey Protein Powder)

Looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : protein

Ascent Native Fuel.

Looks good - will be testing it out shortly. Ascent Native Fuel is the protein powder that Tim Ferriss mentioned recently in a 'Five Bullet Friday' newsletter (and of course in the '4 Hour Body'). If you've never read it, the newsletter notes :

Ever since I wrote The 4-Hour Body, starting my day with ~30 grams of protein has been part of my routine. Of course, I don't always have time or the patience to cook a meal, so I supplement. Unfortunately, most protein powders are filled with excess sugar, questionable artificial sweeteners, or low-grade protein. Ascent Protein is an exception -- it contains zero artificial ingredients, artificial sweeteners, or added sugar. They also nailed the taste; they tested 282 versions before getting the chocolate (my favorite) just right. If you prefer, they also offer vanilla bean, cappuccino, and lemon sorbet flavors. Visit ascentprotein.com/Tim and use the code TFASCENT and you'll receive 20% off of your entire purchase. If you want a quick dose of protein to start your day or end a workout, this is a great option and my default. Use TFASCENT for your 20% discount. Enjoy!

If you're curious to find out more, swing by : www.ascentprotein.com/tim. Sounds great.

Arnold Schwarzenegger : Heavy Training at 71 (Gym Nation 2.0)

After the surgery, straight back into it.

filed in : video
tagged : bodybuilding, cycling, outdoor training, Training Concepts & Strategies

After the surgery, straight back into it.

Looking At : Sep 16, 2018

This week on Google+, Twitter (especially the lists!) a

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, artificial intelligence, community, futurism, healthspan, hearing, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, running, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), still got it

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Meyko (Medication Reminder for Children)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : breathing, Diagnosing Medical Conditions

Interesting idea. The Meyko is a medication reminder for children (for asthmatics in this case, but it could be anything), gamifying the regular consumption of medication. Doses are linked to care of the device. A bit of video will show you what I mean :
The Meyko.

Heavy Lifting at 6'6 (Jujimufu)

Love it.

filed in : video
tagged : strongman

A little on the tall side? Here's a great look at some seriously heavy lifting at 6'6. Love it.

Looking At : Sep 9, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter (especially the lists!) a

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : community, diet, exoskeleton, exosuit, futurism, Medical Imaging & Diagnostics, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, nutrition, probiotics, Probiotics, quantified self, sight, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), workout clothing

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

Lessons 1 & 2 of David Webster's 'The Complete Physique Course' [Kindle Edition]

Looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : bodybuilding, books, strongman

The Complete Physique Course.

Looks great. This is the Kindle version of David Webster's 'The Complete Physique Course' - Lessons 1 & 2. It's a wonderful combination of free-weight and bodybuilding-style training. I haven't read the originals for a long, long time - looking forward to diving in to the Kindle incarnation. Lessons 1 & 2 of David Webster's 'The Complete Physique Course' [Kindle Edition].

Fit Expo Grip Testing (Jujimufu)

filed in : video
tagged : grip strength, wrist strength

Love it.

Looking At : Sep 2, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, artificial intelligence, community, diet, fat loss, futurism, hormones, intermittent fasting, Medical Imaging & Diagnostics, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, sight, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), technique, wrestling

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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 Mighty (Portable Streaming Music Player)

Looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : music, The quantified self : fitness devices and gadgets

Looks great. The Mighty is a combination of the iPod Shuffle (remember those?) and a 'portable, streaming music player', better known as a 'phone. Should be the ideal device for a blast of music during a workout. The video below will show you what I mean :
The Mighty.

How to Make an Indoor Climbing Wall (I Like to Make Stuff)

Love it.

filed in : DIY
tagged : climbing

A great DIY idea - an indoor climbing wall. Love it.

Looking At : Aug 26, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : air pollution, community, drinking (alcohol), futurism, Medical Imaging & Diagnostics, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, running, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), video

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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 PR2 (Band Deadlifts Platform)

Looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : bands, deadlift, DIY, home gym

Looks great. The PR2 is a purpose-built Band Deadlift Platform, small enough to be portable and solid enough to cope with some insanely heavy pulls. Adjustable, designed to cope with both Standard & Reverse Band Deadlifts. A spot of video :
NB : I must admit, my own setup is very much like the DIY one shown in the video; but a dedicated platform like this certainly has its advantages. Ever tried one? The PR2 Band Deadlifts Platform.

Calisthenics Progressions (Calisthenicmovement)

Great information.

filed in : exercises
tagged : calisthenics

Great information.

Looking At : Aug 19, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and Nuzzel

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : air pollution, artificial intelligence, community, diet, exoskeleton, low-carb, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Personal Training, running, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), sports psychology

Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.

An Unusual Source of Protein : Cricket Flour

Interesting.

filed in : Diet and Nutrition
tagged : nutrition, paleo

Seek Food Sampler.

Interesting. I'm keen to try some of these myself - Seek Food's various cricket-based products (notably the various cricket flours on offer). Curious - have you experimented with any of these yourself? Any suggestions?