Gymchat 170 - Intermittent Fasting

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Quick reminder : we've noted a number of nutritional tweaks over the years - everything from minor adjustments to major lifestyle changes. In this week's Gymchat we'll be taking a close look at just one of these changes - the idea of Intermittent Fasting. What it is, and why it may be something to consider. And naturally, if you've got any questions on IF or your own experiences, we'll be more than happy to go through as many as possible. Join us for Gymchat 170 - Intermittent Fasting.

Looking At : May 20, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 169 - Recovery Foods

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Quick reminder : we've noted a number of forms of recovery over the years - everything from sleep to the various forms of 'active recovery'. In this week's Gymchat we'll be taking a look at the nutritional side of things; the various foods and drinks to consume (and when) which help keep your post-workout soreness to a minimum. And naturally, if you've got any questions on your own nutritional needs, we'll be more than happy to go through as many as possible. Join us for Gymchat 169 - Recovery Foods.

Looking At : May 13, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 168 - Workout Nutrition II

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be returning to a critical area that's often overlooked (or at the very least, not given a great deal of thought); the various things we consume before/during/after our time in the gym. Maik will help to clarify what particular types of foods do during these periods, why and how. And naturally, if you've got any questions on your own nutritional needs, we'll be more than happy to go through as many as possible. Join us for Workout Nutrition II.

Looking At : May 6, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 167 - Setting Up the Home Gym

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be returning to our discussion on Training at Home - equipment & space required, sharing progress and getting feedback. The many ways to make the most of what's available. Join us for Setting Up the Home Gym.

Looking At : Apr 29, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 166 - How Do You...IV

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be returning to our discussion on training approaches, looking at the many, many ways we all do things. Join us for Use What's Around You, and tell us what's working there.

Looking At : Apr 22, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 165 - Use What's Around You

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the various ways to train when you simply don't have the equipment available. Join us for Use What's Around You.

Looking At : Apr 15, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 164 - Online Training II

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the various ways to connect with your trainer (or client, depending on which side of the fence you sit) when you're not actually in the same physical location. Join us for Online Training II.

Looking At : Apr 8, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Looking At : Apr 1, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 162 - Neck Training II

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the various ways to get your yoke on (and why you might just want to) - in Neck Training II. Superb.

Interview with Maik Wiedenbach on Good Day NY

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In case you missed it this morning, here's Maik Wiedenbach's interview on Good Day NY. Very interesting indeed.

Looking At : Mar 25, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 161 - Belts, Wraps & Straps

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the various protective/assitive devices available - the Belts, Wraps & Straps - when & how to use them, and what role (if any) they play in your training. See you there.

Looking At ...

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 160 - Supplementation

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the nutritional potential of a bit of dietary supplementation; whether that involves a little fine-tuning or a major overhaul.

Looking At : Week Ending Mar 11, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 159 - Recovery Methods : Sleep II

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the incredible ability of sleep to aid your workout recovery, and the many ways to improve the sleep you're already getting. No matter what your sleep is like at the moment - and how you'd like to fine-tune things - we'd love to hear about it. See you there.

Looking At : Week Ending Mar 4, 2012

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During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

Gymchat 158 : Heavy Duty - The Mentzer Legacy

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Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be discussing the legacy of Mike Mentzer (and the many people he worked with), guided by Olympic athlete, Personal Trainer & Nutritionist Maik Wiedenbach. See you there.

Fitness Monitoring : Upcoming Nike Sensor Shoes

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Near the end of the latest episode of This Week in Google (video below, about 1h15m in), Jeff Jarvis discusses the recently released Nike Fuelband and some of the upcoming Nike footwear products. These shoes will incorporate the same shared fitness data ideas as the Fuelband, or something like the FitBit. Will be very interesting to see how products like this are used (by athletes of all types, professional and amateur) over the next few years.

Blindfolded Boxing [1949]

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Via Buzzfeed : an unusual sport to say the least. Blindfolded Boxing.

Welcome to the Gymchats IV : 137 - 156

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Over the past few months we've had some superb discussions over on Google+ : thank you all. It really is fantastic to hear your ideas and techniques on such a wide variety of training topics.

Gymchat 152 - Leg Training

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A quick reminder about this week's gymchat - a discussion on Leg Training. Really looking forward to it.

Where It All Began

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Today marks the 8th anniversary of Straight to the Bar (the first post was Re-Entering the World of Fitness), and to say I'm grateful is an understatement. Thank you for all of the comments, techniques, ideas and inspiration.

The Power of Transformation

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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.

Transcript of Gymchat 148 - Training for Football II

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This was a fantastic discussion, taking a close look at the training required for this wonderful sport. Thanks Justin, appreciated.

Are Protein Shakes Necessary when Following a Paleo or Primal Diet?

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Shortly after the discussion on Nutritional Basics, we took a look at this particular topic over on Google+; and there were some very interesting responses indeed.

Welcome to the Gymchats III : Using Google+

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I love Google+. It's proven to be a great place to share article links & commentary, photos and research from both the fitness and medical worlds. It's also ideal for the Gymchats.

Bearhug Deadlift

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'Unbreakable' Adam Glass' latest training video shares an uncommon deadlift variety with the world - The Bearhug Deadlift.

Return of the Magnificent Seven

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A little over a year ago I posted The Magnificent Seven, a short list of my favourite articles from Straight to the Bar. There have been a number of outstanding pieces since then - accordingly, here's an updated list : the Return of the Magnificent Seven.

Blast from the Past : Good Morning Variations

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Whether it's for rehab, prevention or simply strength (these can really help your deadlift) - there's nothing quite like a dose of lower back work. Here are just a few of the Good Morning Variations we've looked at over the years.

Getting to Know : Personal Trainer Vic Magary

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I love finding out more about the people here - their training, background, ideas and goals. Always fascinating. This time it's in the form of an interview with a particularly inspiring Personal Trainer, Vic Magary. As you'll see, he's got an incredible outlook on the world.

World Record Front Squat : 600lb

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Via FrontSquat.com : I love stuff like this - heavy Front Squatting. Nice one. Details : that's James "Pitbull" Searcy, lifting 600lb at a bodyweight of 330lbs. Good stuff.

Straight to the Bar Guides : Returning to Heavy Training After a Break [PDF]

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No matter how long you've been away from the iron - months/years/decades - we're here to help you get back to it. To return to a regular routine, using the gear you've already got, and without getting injured.

Blast from the Past : Rope Training II

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Over the past seven years this site's amassed an enormous amount of content. To help you find the highlights, I'll be taking an occasional wander through the archives.

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We first looked at Rope Training (in this series) almost 3 years ago. While the basic idea is very much the same, a couple of new exercise variations have cropped up since then. Here's another look at this wonderful form of training.

Sledgehammer Challenge for Charity

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Ready to see some serious conditioning work? On 15th October, Rob Russell will be doing a Sledgehammer Challenge for Charity, attempting to strike a tyre (tire if you prefer) 1,000 times in 1 hr with a 25kg Hammer. To assist in fundraising he's written a superb 45 page ebook, which he'll be giving away in exchange for a minimum £2 donation. Beautiful.

Straight to the Bar Guides : Suspension Training 101 [PDF]

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If you're entering the world of suspension training - whether you've been working out for years, or are just getting started - this free ebook is a must-have. Using the incredibly popular TRX Pro as an example, Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo explains how to set up and use this incredible tool; as well as providing sample exercises and routines.

Welcome to the Gymchats II : Previous Discussions

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For the Gymchats (formerly twitterchats), the move to Google+ has been a fantastic thing. It's now possible to review previous discussions, add a comment or two, search for relevant people and interesting topics to discuss. Absolutely love it.
Here's a quick summary of the discussions we've already held on Google+, and links to each. Feel free to jump in and share your own views on each. And if you'd like to volunteer to be interviewed in a future discussion, just let me know.

Vulcan Lever Attachment for Wrist Strength

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Another brilliantly simple dose of DIY goodness from 'Mighty Joe' Musselwhite. Love it.

Blast from the Past : Ring Training II

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Over the past seven years this site's amassed an enormous amount of content. To help you find the highlights, I'll be taking an occasional wander through the archives.

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We first looked at Ring Training (in this series) almost 3 years ago. While the basic idea is very much the same, a couple of new exercise variations have cropped up since then. Here's another look at this wonderful form of training.

Welcome to the Gymchats

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I love these discussions. They started back in February 2009 as a way to share, debate and learn a wealth of training-related information. In that time we've heard numerous ideas, tips and suggestions; and been pointed to some fascinating sites, apps, podcasts, books and equipment. Thanks to everyone who's taken part - it really is appreciated.

30 Day Challenge : Becoming a Morning Person

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After 40 years of being a 'night owl' (much, much happier at 2am than 8am), I decided to see if it was possible to adjust my body clock and become a morning person. It is.

The Strongman of Engine Company 13 - Harry F. Griffin

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Harry F. Griffin - The Strongman of Engine Company 13 - performing in 1913.

Australian Strongman Don Athaldo

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Walter Joseph Lyons (better known as Don Athaldo) was an Australian Circus Strongman in the 1920s and 1930s. Although he published several books, it was his The Athalding System mail-order offering that helped give him lasting fame.

Want more?

As you can doubtless see, I love talking about training. Becoming stronger, bigger and faster; using any number of styles and techniques. If you share this passion, grab the newsletter. Absolutely free.

what we're saying

how to

• Bending (Nails, Horseshoes)
  Easily one of the most rewarding ways to train.
  
• Clubs & Maces
  A great way to get a top workout in, without wasting time.
  
• Grippers
  I love training with grippers. Beautiful things.
  
• Kettlebells
  Fantastic.
  
• Ropes (Climbing/Dragging, Battling Ropes)
  Have you got what it takes?
  
• Sandbags
  If you're ready to take your conditioning workouts up a notch, grab one of these.
  
• Suspension Training
  Perfect for outdoor sessions.
  

»» Want more? They're all here. »»

 

images of strength

Want to see (and learn) more Feats of Strength like this? Dive in.

popular articles

Welcome. Here you’ll find everything that grunts, groans and ticks in the world of strength training. To give you an idea, here are just a handful of this site's most popular articles :

• DIY: How to Build an Olympic Weightlifting Platform [Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker]
  Beautiful.
  
• Building A Neck Of Steel [Mike 'The Machine' Bruce]
  So you want a strong neck? It's actually quite simple.
  
• Straight to the Grip Contest (part II, III, IV, V and VI) [Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson] Getting ready for your first grip contest? Here's what to expect.
  
• A Little Yoke Work : 10 Exercises for a Bigger Neck [Scott Bird]
  Traps maketh the man.
  
• 29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner [Jason Kirby]
  This is absolutely superb.
  
• Get Mental! The Psychology of Strength [Josh Hewett]
  The thinking side is half the challenge.
  
• Small Victories [Josh Hanagarne]
  Improve what you can improve, every day.
  

If you enjoyed these, check out the complete 'Best Of Straight to the Bar' list. Fantastic.

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 :

• You Need More Drugs
• Isopure Protein Powder - My Review
• Hercules for a Day
• CRUSH DVD Review!
• A Critical Analysis: Reaction Ball
• Mizuno Wave Enigma Running Shoes Review
• Review : StrongerGrip Loadable Blob

NB : if you'd like to review a product for Straight to the Bar, I'd love to hear from you. It's fantastic to see how other people put things to the test.

also learning from

join the discussion

Straight to the Bar is very much an interactive website. In addition to the articles here, there are a number of ways to share your passion with other lovers of the iron :

• Seen something cool? Send us a tweet
• Discuss it in the forums
• Join the Gymchats on Google+.
• Vote for stories on StumbleUpon & Facebook
• Add training and comp pics to the Flickr group
• Submit articles on styles and techniques
• Subscribe to the tutorial videos on youtube

Incidentally, for updates whenever new articles are published (as well as lots of other top strength-related stuff), follow me on twitter :

Follow @scottbird

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)
  Writer and Fitness enthusiast
  

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.

lb to kg, kg to lb

(how to use the converter)

elsewhere

In addition to the articles on this site are a number I've written elsewhere. Including :

• Paleo Diet : Increased Mental Clarity
• The Art of Working Out Alone
• The Ultimate Guide to Freezing Food (part II)
• Rock the Kitchen: Plan for Diet Success
• 10 Challenging Bodyweight Exercises
• Buying Your First Kettlebell
• Switching to Biphasic Sleeping? Start here.

reading

Want more? Try these :

The Diesel Crew Bending eBook

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.

Functional Correction Manual

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.

Precision Nutrition

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.

Strength Training Anatomy

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.

And if you're a strength coach or personal trainer, check out the books Derek found invaluable when setting up his (commercial) gym. Fantastic place.

Over to you. What are you reading right now?

technique

Welcome.

If you’ve just joined us, I’d highly recommend checking out the ‘Start Here’ page - which takes a thorough look at what this site’s all about. However, if you’re more the ‘dive right in, read the manual later’ type, you may wish to check out the articles I’ve highlighted below. Just a few personal favourites.

Straight to the Bar copyright ©2004-2012 | Scott Andrew Bird

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