All Articles & Reviews by
Scott Andrew Bird




(12780 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, 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.

URGOnight (Brain Training For Sleep)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : equipment, sleep


Interesting idea. The URGOnight is a combination of smartphone app & headset, designed to measure various sleep-related brainwaves during the day and gradually train your brain to sleep deeper, and longer. And although I'm somewhat skeptical of this particular device's abilities, I'm keen to try one out nonetheless. The URGOnight.


Hierarchy for the Olympic Lifts (Catalyst Athletics)

Great information.

filed in : video
tagged : Olympic Weightlifting


Great information.


Looking At : May 19, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : artificial intelligence, community, diet, injury, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, running, sleep, studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.


MyGrams ('Phone-Based Portable Scale)

Interesting combination.

filed in : Reading
tagged : calculators, diet, measurement


Interesting combination. MyGrams is portable scale which takes the form of a smartphone case, so it's always available. The ideal companion to something like the 'Custom Meal Planner' app. Very keen to try one. The MyGrams 'Phone-Based Portable Scale.


Building Strength, Muscle or a Bit of Both (Omar Isuf)

Very interesting approach.

filed in : video
tagged : Training Concepts & Strategies


Very interesting approach.


Looking At : May 12, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, artificial intelligence, brain injury, cancer, community, diabetes, futurism, gene editing, heart, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.


Hush Iced (Sleep-Inducing Blanket)

Interesting combination.

filed in : Reading
tagged : equipment, recovery, sleep


Interesting combination. The Hush Iced is a weighted blanket with a specific focus on the cooling (think sleep-inducing) side of things. And although we've discussed sleep an incredible amount on this site, we've never really explored the 'cool blanket' aspect. Works extremely well. The Hush Iced Sleep-Inducing Blanket.


Heavy Pressing (Brian Shaw, Robert Oberst and Eddie Hall)

Check out the somewhat uncommon use of the Trap Bar - nice one.

filed in : video
tagged : Trap Bar


Aside from the seriously heaving pressing, check out the somewhat uncommon use of the Trap Bar - nice one.


Looking At : May 5, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, aging & longevity, brain, brain injury, cancer, cardio, community, gene editing, heart, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, running, studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.


Looking At : Apr 28, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : aging & longevity, brain, cancer, cardio, community, diabetes, diet, gene editing, heart, intermittent fasting, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.


Bowhead (Smart Personalised Supplement Dispenser)

Looks great.

filed in : video
tagged : equipment, supplements

Looks great. The Bowhead is a personalised supplement dispenser, analysing your needs (via saliva samples, blood tests, DNA analysis and so on) and dispensing them accordingly. The idea is wonderful - very keen to see how well it works. The Bowhead.


Garage Gym Tour (Meg Squats)

I love seeing how other people train.

filed in : Tips
tagged : equipment, home gym

I love seeing how other people train : whether that's in a commercial space, an available location somewhere, or - if you're fortunate enough to have one - a home gym. Here's a look at Meg's.


Looking At : Apr 21, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, aging & longevity, brain, cancer, community, gene editing, heart, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, outdoor training, studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.


Louis Cyr - L'homme le plus fort du monde (Louis Cyr - The strongest man in the world)

Looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : DVDs, Old-Time Strength

Louis Cyr - L'homme le plus fort du monde
Louis Cyr - L'homme le plus fort du monde.

Looks great. Louis Cyr - L'homme le plus fort du monde. is a French-language DVD (with English subtitles), looking at the life of the incredible Louis Cyr. Although it's been around for a while now, I've never actually seen it - though I'm certainly keen to dive in. Review shortly. Louis Cyr - L'homme le plus fort du monde.


How To Master The Turkish Getup (Meg Squats)

Great explanation.

filed in : video
tagged : kettlebell, tutorial


I was discussing this particular exercise with a friend recently, and this would certainly have been a great video to point them to. Great explanation.


Looking At : Apr 14, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : community, diabetes, diet, futurism, microbiome, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, nutrition, outdoor training, studies & trials, supplements

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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 Matrix PowerWatch 2 (Self-Charging Fitness Watch

Looks great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : measurement, Wearables

Looks great. If you remember the original device, you'll recognise the design. The second generation, however, has a few extra capabilities (although the overall concept hasn't changed). The video will show you what I mean :
The Matrix PowerWatch 2.


The Fastest Way to Big Biceps (Athlean-X)

Very interesting ideas.

filed in : Tips
tagged : chin-up


Very interesting ideas.


Looking At : Apr 7, 2018

What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : brain injury, cancer, community, diabetes, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, outdoor training, running, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), stress, studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.

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.


Looking At : Mar 31, 2018

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

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : community, diabetes, gene editing, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Mar 24, 2018

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

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : artificial intelligence, brain, community, diet, gene editing, heart disease, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, running, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Mar 17, 2018

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

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : brain-controlled device, community, depression, gene editing, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, nutrition, robotics, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Mar 10, 2018

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

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

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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.


Balanx (EMS Training Suit)

Interesting idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : recovery, workout clothing

Interesting idea. The Balanx is a workout suit which incorporates a number of EMS devices (so you're still training, not just sitting in front of the TV). A spot of video will show you what I mean :

Personally, I'm interested in the rehab potential of the suit. Especially if the EMS can be controlled accurately, and remotely. The Balanx.


Brian Shaw at the Arnold (Injury, and Lifts)

As terrible as it is to see an injury, the response to it (this video and the following one) is wonderful.

filed in : video
tagged : injury


As terrible as it is to see an injury, the response to it (this video and the following one) is wonderful.


Looking At : Mar 3, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : brain, community, fat loss, HIIT, intermittent fasting, interval training, longevity, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, recovery, rehabilitation, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), supplementation, supplements

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Feb 24, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : brain, community, gene editing, longevity, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, recovery, rehabilitation, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Feb 17, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : air pollution, bodyweight, community, depression, diabetes, diagnosis, hands, hypertrophy training, longevity, microbiome, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), still got it, stretching

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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.


Cybershoes (Virtual Reality Footwear)

Great idea.

filed in : Reading
tagged : virtual reality

Great idea. And yes, the idea of a 'virtual gym & training partner' just got one step closer. Love it.
btw, although this particular video focuses on the gaming aspect, the potential use as both a fitness and health device is wonderful. Cybershoes (Virtual Reality Footwear).


Heavy Weights vs Light Weights for Big Biceps (Athlean-X)

Time to grow.

filed in : video
tagged : Training Concepts & Strategies


Very interesting ideas (for biceps, and in general).


Looking At : Feb 10, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, community, depression, diagnosis, diet, fat loss, futurism, gene editing, longevity, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Feb 3, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : artificial intelligence, community, diagnosis, diet, Fasting & Caloric Restriction, fat loss, futurism, longevity, mental health, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), still got it

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Jan 27, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : community, diagnosis, diet, futurism, longevity, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), still got it

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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.


RIDM (Fat & Muscle Tracking)

Interesting device.

filed in : Reading
tagged : bodyfat, measurement

Interesting device. The RIDM is a handheld bodyfat analyser, with data displayed via a smartphone app. Not sure yet if it connects to existing health services like Apple Health and Google Fit; or if it can export the data to a third-party app somewhere. Keen to try one out. A spot of video :
The RIDM.


Fasting and its Effect on Insulin (Thomas DeLauer)

Great explanation Tom.

filed in : video
tagged : fasting


If you've ever fasted for a few days (or more), you may have noticed this. Great explanation Tom.


Looking At : Jan 20, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, community, diabetes, diagnosis, diet, futurism, gene editing, heart, longevity, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, paraplegia, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Jan 13, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : air pollution, brain injury, community, diabetes, diagnosis, futurism, heart, insulin, longevity, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Jan 6, 2019

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : 3D printing, air pollution, artificial intelligence, community, cycling, health, longevity, regenerative medicine, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 : Dec 30, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

filed in : Weekly summary
tagged : bodyfat, community, diet, futu, gene editing, health, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), studies & trials, Synthetic Meat, Training Concepts & Strategies, veganism

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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 Future of Fitness : Health & Fitness Predictions for 2019

A few thoughts.

filed in : Articles
tagged : aging & longevity, BCI (Brain-Computer Interface), bioengineering, brain, futurism, longevity, Nerve damage and neurological conditions, photography, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, studies & trials, workout clothing

Batou
Batou (Ghost in the Shell).
A few predictions for the coming year. Things we're bound to be talking about.


Looking At : Dec 23, 2018

This week on Facebook, Twitter and Nuzzel.

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

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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.


Dinosaur Strength and Power Courses (PDFs)

These look great.

filed in : Reading
tagged : Training Concepts & Strategies

Dinosaur Strength and Power Courses
Dinosaur Strength and Power Courses.
These look great. It's fair to say that I've got plenty of reading material (training-specific, of course) ready for the holiday period. Although I'm always on the lookout for more. The list has just grown a little longer with the Dinosaur Strength and Power Courses - a series of short courses over on Brooks Kubik's site. You'll find them here : Dinosaur Strength and Power Courses.


Lean vs Strong (Omar Isuf)

Can you ever be too lean? If you care primarily about strength, yes.

filed in : Tips
tagged : diet, fat loss, Training Concepts & Strategies


Can you ever be too lean? If you care primarily about strength, yes.


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), studies & trials, vaccination

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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, veganism

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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), studies & trials

Binoculars at Echo Point, Blue Mountains
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.



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