Looking At : May 19, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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 : May 12, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Gymchat 203 - Fat Loss (with Vic Magary)

Time to get to work.

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Fat loss. It's certainly a goal for an awful lot of people, but where exactly do you start? What do you eat, what do you do? This week we'll be discussing this fascinating area. Whether you're looking to do a little fine-tuning or shed a load of 'extra material', we'll detail precisely how to do that. Joining us is Online Fitness Coach Vic Magary, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine and You. Should be a great one - see you there.

Looking At : May 5, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Video For Gymchat 202 - Intermittent Fasting (with Josh Hewett)

When - and how often - do you eat?

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Gymchat 202 - Intermittent Fasting (with Josh Hewett) - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

Gymchat 202 - Intermittent Fasting (with Josh Hewett)

When - and how often - do you eat?

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What's your current diet like? When do you eat, and why? This week we'll be talking about the fascinating world of Intermittent Fasting. What it is, why it's worth considering and how it all works. Helping us tackle this fascinating area is Personal Trainer and Strongman Josh Hewett and Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. Should be a great one - see you there.

Looking At : Apr 28, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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 : Apr 21, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Video For Gymchat 201 - Hormonal Optimisation (with Josh Hewett)

Time to do a little fine-tuning.

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Gymchat 201 - Hormonal Optimisation (with Josh Hewett) - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

Gymchat 201 - Hormonal Optimisation (with Josh Hewett)

Time to do a little fine-tuning.

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How do you go about fine-tuning something like fat loss? Once you've made the major adjustments, where do you go from there? This week we'll be discussing just one part of the puzzle - hormone optimisation. The various ways to measure and adjust your hormone production, in order to achieve better body composition. Helping us tackle this fascinating area is Personal Trainer and Strongman Josh Hewett, alongside Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. Should be a great one - see you there.

Looking At : Apr 14, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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 7, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

The Future of Workout Clothing

Where's it All Going?

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Over the past couple of years we've seen a number of unusual ideas in the 'workout clothing' space; some of them a little more promising than others. The obvious question : where's it all going?

Looking At : Mar 31, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Joe Weider

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The incredible Joe Weider.

Looking At : Mar 24, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Video For Gymchat 200 - Beginning Powerlifting (with Chadwick Haines)

Where do you begin?

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Gymchat 200 - Beginning Powerlifting (with Chadwick Haines) - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

Gymchat 200 - Beginning Powerlifting (with Chadwick Haines)

Where do you begin?

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How do you enter the world of Powerlifting - move from 'training hard' to competing? How do you find the meets, and what can you expect when you get there?
This week we'll be discussing the ins and outs of this change with serious fan of the iron Chadwick Haines (aka Horse From Hell), who's recently made the transition himself. Joining Chad (and keeping us all on track) is Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine. Should be a great one - see you there.

Looking At : Mar 17, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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 : Mar 10, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Video For Gymchat 199 - Stretching & Warming Up (with Conor Doherty)

How do you get your stretch on?

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Gymchat 199 - Stretching & Warming Up (with Conor Doherty) - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

Gymchat 199 - Stretching & Warming Up (with Conor Doherty)

How do you get your stretch on?

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Stretching and Warming Up. We all know we should be doing some, but when? How? And perhaps most important : does it actually help?
This week we're going to discuss the various ways to get your stretch on, how to warm up and why you might want to do a little of both. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Certified Athletic Trainer Conor Doherty. Fantastic.

Looking At : Mar 3, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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.

Video For Gymchat 198 - The Science of Muscle Growth (with Kevin Stock)

What to do, when and how often.

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Gymchat 198 - The Science of Muscle Growth (with Kevin Stock) - much appreciated. Unfortunately the last half hour or so wasn't recorded (technical glitch - now resolved). For anyone that wasn't able to join us live, we'll be talking to Kevin once again in a future Gymchat. Details of that one will be announced shortly. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

Gymchat 198 - The Science of Muscle Growth (with Kevin Stock)

What to do, when and how often.

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How do you grow muscle in the healthiest, strongest and fastest way possible? Whether that's for strength, size & shape or simply because it makes everything you do just that little bit easier? This week we're going to be talking about the science of muscle growth; what to do, when and how often. Helping us tackle this one is Chemist & Personal Trainer Kevin Stock, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine and You. Should be a great one.

Looking At : Feb 24, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the 'Paper'

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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 : Feb 17, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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 197 - Stretching & Warming Up (with Conor Doherty)

The various ways to get your stretch on.

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Stretching and Warming Up. We all know we should be doing some, but when? How? And perhaps most important : does it actually help? This week we're going to discuss the various ways to get your stretch on, how to warm up and why you might want to do a little of both. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Certified Athletic Trainer Conor Doherty. Fantastic.

Looking At : Feb 10, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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 : Feb 3, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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 : Jan 27, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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 196 - Explaining Crossfit Principles (with Dai 'The Moose' Manuel)

What's CrossFit All About?

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If you've spent any time exploring the world of fitness, chances are you've heard of CrossFit. This week we're going to be discussing the thinking behind it - what it is, and the logic behind doing things the CrossFit way. The daily workouts, Olympic Lifting, diet and a whole lot more. Helping us tackle it is CrossFit Level 1 Coach, Dai Manuel. Fantastic. NB : I'm very keen to hear both Dai's thinking on CrossFit, and yours. If you've got questions or opinions on the CrossFit approach, join us on the Hangout. Here's how.

Looking At : Jan 20, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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 : Jan 13, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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.

Building a Salmon Ladder

Up For a Challenge? Try One of These.

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A Salmon Ladder is one of those things I'd almost forgotten about until I saw the ads for the television series Arrow, where he's putting one to work. I'd love to build one for the home gym here (or more likely, the backyard) - but how? There are a couple of basic approaches. I'll detail those in a minute, but first, a spot of history :

What is a Salmon Ladder? How Did It Come About?

Think of a Salmon Ladder as an extra challenging pull-up variation, with a little Kipping and Plyometrics thrown in. The video below will show you exactly what it is. As for the origin : as far as I can tell, the first time a Salmon Ladder was shown to the world was in competition 18 of Sasuke (shown in many countries as 'Ninja Warrior'); held in Spring 2007. The course was greatly modified following competition 17 (which was considered 'too easy' by some), and a number of new obstacles - notably the Salmon Ladder - were introduced. To give you a taste, here's the Salmon Ladder being tackled admirably in a later Sasuke competition (Sasuke 27) : As you can see, it's a fairly simple idea; though certainly a challenging obstacle. In fact, the first time it appeared in a Sasuke competition, only 50% of the competitors succeeded in negotiating it.

Video For Gymchat 195 - Fitness Over 40 (with Kevin Redman)

Great interview.

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Gymchat 195 - Fitness Over 40 (with Kevin Redman) - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

Gymchat 195 - Fitness Over 40 (with Kevin Redman)

What do you start doing, stop doing or just do in a slightly different way?

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How does strength-training change when you're a little older? What do you start doing, stop doing or just do in a slightly different way? This week we're going to be discussing the many forms of 'Fitness Over 40'; everything from serious gym sessions to simply staying active. Helping us tackle this one is Corporate Trainer Kevin Redman, Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine and you. Should be a great one. NB : We'll be sending out the URL during the week. If you're joining us on the Hangout (and sharing opinions, asking questions etc) be sure to get there a little early - only 8 spots are available. Cheers.

Looking At : Jan 6, 2013

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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.

Conor's Corner : Speed In Hockey

How do you become faster?

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Looking At : Dec 30, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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 : Dec 23, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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.

Survey : What Time Should We Hold the Gymchats?

We'd Love You To Join Us.

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We mentioned this one briefly a while ago, and Kirk's just posted a more detailed version over on Google+. Would love to hear what you think.

Looking At : Dec 16, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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.

Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits

Helping you reach your fitness goals, one month at a time.

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These sound great. Personal Trainer extraordinaire Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo is currently putting together various supplement kits, designed to provide regular doses of everything needed to help attain a particular goal. The video below will give you the overall idea :

The Straight to the Bar Community on Google+

Love talking about strength-training? Same here.

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As long-term readers are doubtless well aware, I absolutely love Google+. We started having discussions on it last year (thanks again Adam), and it's been growing rapidly ever since. Fantastic.

Straight to the Bar 2012 : Strength-Training Resources

We've noted a number of superb resources in the newsletter this year. Here are a few personal favourites.

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We've noted a number of superb resources - books, DVDs, equipment, workshops and sites - in the newsletter this year. Here are a few personal favourites.

Looking At : Dec 9, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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.

Sand Digs

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A while ago we looked at the superbly simple 'Rice Digs' - essentially just burying your hands in a bucket of rice, and moving them in different ways. Good fun. If you're ready to step it up a notch, try these. Ryan Pitts demonstrates the beachside equivalent - Sand Digs. Love it.

Looking At : Dec 2, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

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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.

Video for Gymchat 194 (Gymchat Bite 2) - Performance Training for Hockey (with Conor Doherty)

Great interview.

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and took part in the discussion Performance Training for Hockey (with Conor Doherty) - much appreciated. If you haven't seen it yet (or simply want to go over a particular point again), here's the entire video. Look forward to hearing your comments.

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

images of strength

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

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. »»

 

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 :

• Carlson Labs Fish Oil
• Get Extreme With Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite
• Review : Fixing Elbow Pain
• Gettin' Swole, Part 2
• Gettin' Swole
• You Need More Drugs
• Isopure Protein Powder - My Review

Looking for a full list of the various equipment and services we use and recommend? No problem - it's all here.

join the discussion

The Gymchats are weekly discussions on a range of strength-training topics. Quite apart from being fascinating discussions in their own right, they're a lot of fun.

This week :

Gymchat 203 - Fat Loss (with Vic Magary)

We hold these every Wednesday, starting at 9pm Eastern. If you're in a different timezone, here's the quickest way to see when that is.

NB : if you'd like to be interviewed in an upcoming discussion, I'd love to hear from you. It's great to hear how other people train.

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
  
• Conor Doherty (@sfactoryfitness)
  Educator and Personal Trainer
  
• 'Captain' Kirk Fontaine (@fitnewbie)
  Personal Trainer and Host of the Gymchats
  
• Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo (@DerekPeruoCSCS)
  Personal Trainer and Creator of the Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits
  
• Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson (@jeddjohnson)
  Grip champion and Strongman
  
• 'Unbreakable' Adam T Glass (@adamtglass)
  Bending freak and Strongman
  
• Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker
  Bodybuilder and Writer
  

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

This is a fantastic book. If you've ever considered learning this incredible strength feat, the Card Tearing eBook (review) is the perfect place to start. Love it.

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

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.

For a full list of what we're reading and watching at the moment, just head over to the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.

Straight to the Bar copyright ©2004-2013 | Scott Andrew Bird

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