Progression for the One Arm Pushup

How do you work up to a One Arm Pushup? Like this.

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How do you work up to a One Arm Pushup? Like this.

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Gymchat 274 - Forskolin For Fat Loss & Muscle Building (Kurtis Frank)

Forskolin. Yes? No?

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Kurtis Frank. Photo by Kira Beriault.Forskolin (from Coleus Forskohlii). Although it's often marketed in muscle building and fat loss contexts, there are a few things to consider before adding it to your arsenal. This week we'll be taking a deep...

Looking At : Jan 25, 2015

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

835lb Speed Deadlift

Time for a spot of serious speed work with the incredible George Leeman.

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Time for a spot of serious speed work with the incredible George Leeman. Good stuff.

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Gymchat 273 - 10 Tips for Achieving Balance in Your Life & Your Diet (Aeryon Ashlie)

Moving from where you are to where you want to be.

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If you're fortunate enough to be on your own strength-training journey - and experience the incredible transformations, both physical and mental - that come with it; you're doubtless keen to help as many other people as possible to do it themselves. It really is a fantastic feeling. Still, if you've ever been approached by someone who's keen to 'get in shape', you may be wondering just where they should begin. How to go from 'couch potato' to following a fitness lifestyle. This week we'll be exploring this in detail; looking at the many things which help you move from where you are to where you want to be. Helping us tackle this is Fitness Competitor Aeryon Ashlie, and Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We love hearing everyones' comments, questions and feedback in general If there's a particular subject you'd like Aeryon and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask them directly. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Looking At : Jan 18, 2015

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

Zen Mind, Strong Body

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This looks great. Zen Mind, Strong Body is an insight to the training philosophy driving the incredible Al Kavadlo; in the form of a number of articles he's written over the years. Really looking forward to it. I'll share a few thoughts once I've finished it here; in the meantime, a brief comment from none other than Paul Wade :

Zen Mind, Strong Body expertly covers the methods, the moves, the nutrition, the equipment, the benefits, the philosophy and even the culture of bodyweight training. If you are a newbie uncertain about whether to explore bodyweight, or an advanced athlete looking for a new take on the most ancient conditioning method, this is now the definitive go-to book.

Good stuff. Al Kavadlo's Zen Mind, Strong Body.

Winter Workout Routine

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What are your winter workouts like?

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Gymchat 272 - NLP Skills for Fitness Professionals (Jen Mulhall)

There are some valuable skills in there.

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Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Certainly an interesting - if somewhat controversial - form of psychotherapy. Perhaps more widely known in communications and personal development contexts. This week we'll be looking closely at these last two areas, identifying the specific skills which are most valuable in a strength-training environment. Particularly for those on the Fitness Professional side of the fence. Tackling this one are are Personal Trainers (and Strength Athletes) Jen Mulhall and Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : No matter where you stand on a subject like this, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If there's a particular subject you'd like Jen and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask them directly. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Looking At : Jan 11, 2015

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 : Jan 4, 2015

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

Reading/Watching/Listening To in 2015

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A few people have asked what I'm going to be reading/watching/listening to in 2015. It's safe to say that it's quite a list. I'll certainly be sharing that shortly; and I'd also love to hear what's on your own. What sorts of things do you plan to Read/Watch/Listen to in 2015?

Gymchat 271 - Chat with Craig Bongelli (Topic TBA)

Get ready.

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Really looking forward to this one - Craig's certainly a fascinating guy. As we're still finalising the details, I'll post an update on the blog (and Twitter, Google+ etc) shortly. In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show - there's a full list here. And if you've got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we'd love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.

Looking At : Dec 28, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

The Chaos Row

Looking for a challenge?

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Gymchat 270 - Are Saturated Fats Really That Bad for You? (Kirsten Gallagher)

How much do you need?

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What's the research like on saturated fats and cholesterol - what levels are optimal? How much do we need, and what sorts of things should we avoid? This week we'll be tackling these and a whole lot more, together with Personal Trainers Kirsten Gallagher and Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Kirsten and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Looking At : Dec 21, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

The Future of Fitness : Health & Fitness Predictions for 2015

Time once again to peek into the near-term future.

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We've looked at the possible future of both health & fitness many times over the years - Workout Clothing, Virtual Training Partners, various medical discoveries and of course the Gymchats. Particularly #224.
It's time once again to peek into the near-term future. Here are just a few of the health & fitness-related things I think we're likely to see over the next year or so.

• Far more discussion & research surrounding the potential of 'smart fabrics'; with the idea of creating clothing (for everyday use - not just in workouts) to monitor/record/share various types of biometric data. Heart rate, glucose levels and so on.
• Addition of various sensors and devices - both mobile and static versions, for people and buildings - to monitor ambient air quality in many areas. Real-time maps ultimately created from this information.
• Significantly more (than in 2014) 3D-printing of prostheses, and assistive devices.
• A number of attempts to create metamaterials (which are completely synthetic - don't exist anywhere in nature) to solve specific medical problems.
• Much more realtime health monitoring possible, and used in a number of small trials.
• Growing medical use of information from commercial fitness devices (the many types of fitness wearables on the market). I suspect this information will be used in much the same way by an ever-growing number of fitness professionals.

Over to you. Do you agree or disagree with the various things listed; the items themselves or the timeframe? And is there anything you'd add to the list - anything you think we'll probably see in 2015? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Of course, there's a whole lot more - on these, and other aspects of health & fitness. Head over to the 'Futurism' category and jump in the conversation.

Looking At : Dec 14, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 268 - Bulking on a Budget (Adam Klymkiw)

Get big without breaking the bank.

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How do you pack on a bit of mass without spending a lot of money? Is it realistic to do so, and to what extent? This week we'll be examining this area in detail; looking at what to get, when, why and how much it's all going to cost. Tackling it is Personal Trainer Adam Klymkiw, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Adam and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : Personal Trainer Adam Klymkiw, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You Topic : Bulking on a Budget When : Monday Dec 15, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone). How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Periodization Training for Sports (3rd Edition)

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This looks great. Although it's not out until early in the new year (Jan 15), the third edition of Tudor Bompa/Carlo Buzzichelli's Periodization Training for Sports promises to be a fantastic read. From the Amazon page :

In this new edition of Periodization Training for Sports, Bompa teams with strength and conditioning expert Carlo Buzzichelli to demonstrate how to use periodized workouts to peak at optimal times by manipulating strength training variables through six training phases (anatomical adaptation, hypertrophy, maximum strength, conversion to specific strength, maintenance, and tapering) and integrating them with energy system training and nutrition strategies. Coaches and athletes in 35 sports have at their fingertips a proven program that is sure to produce the best results. No more guessing about preseason conditioning, in-season workloads, or rest and recovery periods; now it's simply a matter of identifying and implementing the information in this book.

Tudor Bompa/Carlo Buzzichelli's Periodization Training for Sports.

Looking At : Dec 7, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 267 - Carving out a Niche in the Strength Equipment Business (Eric Chessen)

Got an idea for a piece of equipment? What's next?

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Whether you're on the 'fitness enthusiast' or 'fitness professional' side of the fence (or perhaps a little of both), chances are you've had an idea at some point for a new piece of equipment. Or perhaps a change to an existing one. This week we'll be discussing the various ways to go from 'wouldn't it be good if...' to having your own line of fitness equipment. Where do you start? How do you get the word out? Who do you ask for help? Helping us tackle this one is Exercise Physiologist Eric Chessen, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Eric and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : Exercise Physiologist Eric Chessen, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You Topic : Carving out a Niche in the Strength Equipment Business When : Monday Dec 8, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone). How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Looking At : Nov 30, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 266 - Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself (Sincere Hogan)

Give more, get more.

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I first read about this concept in the writings of Robert Cialdini (highly recommended), and I have to say that it works extremely well. This week we'll be discussing what it is, and the many ways to use it in a fitness context. Whether you're on the Regular Gymgoer or Fitness Professional side of the fence. Helping us tackle this one is New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, joined by Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We'd love to hear your questions and comments. If there's a particular subject you'd like Sincere and Josh to address, just swing by the event page for this Gymchat and leave a comment or jump in the Hangout and ask it directly. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Details -

Who : New Warrior Training Systems' Sincere Hogan, Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett, and You Topic : Art of Reciprocity: Give More to Get More from Clients, Colleagues, & Yourself When : Monday Dec 1, 8:00pm EDT (the Event page shows what time that is in your local timezone). How : Watch the live stream, join the hangout (just add Top Form Fitness to one of your circles, and Josh'll send out the URL when the Hangout starts), or jump in the Q&A on the Event page itself. We'll also post the full video shortly after the Gymchat.

Personalised Settings in the Gym

Just the way you like it.

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Imagine this scenario :

You swipe your card on the way into the gym, and various things are configured to the way you like them. The music's the type you like, and only for you (basic music players & headphones are freely available at the main desk). The air temperature in the area is roughly what you like. As is the water temperature & pressure when you're having a shower after your workout.

All of these things - and a whole lot more - are automatically set according to your preferences, and can easily be overridden if you're seeking something different that day. Same workout, with a much more personalised feeling.

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What do you think - is this something you'd like; and in the gym only, or in other areas - around your own home perhaps?

Looking At : Nov 23, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 : Nov 16, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

Clubbell 5x5

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Looks great. Clubbell 5x5 is Alberto Gallazi's take on the classic 5x5 approach, applied specifically to club training. Simple idea, with an awful lot behind it. We'll be taking a closer look at the entire package shortly, but suffice to say there are a number of manuals and videos included. For the full list : clubbell5x5.com Good stuff.

Gymchat 263 - Building an Indestructible Body (Logan Christopher)

How do you go about it?

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Whether you're training specifically for strength or just for general fitness, chances are that you're keen to avoid illness and injury wherever possible. This idea of being 'indestructible' - and being tough enough to tackle anything - is exactly what we'll be talking about this week. Joining us is 'Physical Culture Renaissance Man' Logan Christopher, and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Logan and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Looking At : Nov 9, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

Diamond-Cut Abs

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Looking forward to this one. We'll be discussing the topic of 'finding things to read' in this week's Gymchat, but suffice to say that the next one on my own list is Danny Kavadlo's Diamond-Cut Abs. Looks great. To give you an idea of what it's all about (although the title probably says quite a lot), a piece of one of the reviews on the main page :

The section on nutrition is awesome, stressing the "practical over the theoretical" (p32). He doesn't worry about fat grams, macros, calorie counting or weight scales (unless it involves throwing them out) but rather wholesome and natural foods - nothing processed.

This is where his experience comes into play. While the information about proper eating wasn't necessarily new to me (it may be for others), it was the results he achieved eating in certain ways that convinced me to ditch the meat scales, spreadsheets and everything else I used to count macros and incorporate his approach in my diet.

Danny Kavadlo's Diamond-Cut Abs. Good stuff.

Gymchat 262 - Learning from Experts Outside of Your Discipline (Frank DiMeo)

Always a beginner.

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When you're focussed on strength, does it really help to devote time to learning other topics? Absolutely. This week we'll be exploring what/how often/why; no matter what those other topics are. Helping explain how all this works is Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Frank and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Looking At : Nov 2, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

Strength Training for Triathletes - The Complete Program to Build Triathlon Power, Speed, and Muscular Endurance

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Keen to dive in to this one.
It doesn't appear until Dec 15 (on Amazon, that is), but looks intriguing nonetheless. We'll be taking a look at it once it launches, in the meantime though, a snippet from the Amazon page :

Certified USA Triathlon coach and NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year Patrick Hagerman, EdD, reveals a focused, triathlon-specific strength training program that will enable triathletes to push harder during training and on the race course when the effort is hardest. Triathletes who master this progressive strength training program will also become more resistant to injury, meaning fewer missed workouts.

Strength Training for Triathletes. Nice one.

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Quick Tip : Lateral Sled Work

How?

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This tip comes from the Gymchat Bite on Sled Training, with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. How Frank performs Lateral Work with a Sled : Good stuff.

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Gymchat 261 - How To Increase INTENSITY (Fadel D)

Time to get serious.

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What exactly is training intensity, and how does it influence your workouts? This week we'll be exploring this somewhat enigmatic area; answering these and a whole lot more. Helping us is insanely strong Powerlifter Fadel D, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Fadel and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Looking At : Oct 26, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 Bite 1 - Sled Training (Frank DiMeo)

What, how and why.

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Thanks again to everyone who watched and joined in the discussion Gymchat Bite 1 - Sled Training [with Strength Coach Frank DiMeo and Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete 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.

Gymchat Bite 1 - Sled Training (Frank DiMeo)

What, how and why.

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Long-term readers/viewers may remember the 'Gymchat Bites' - shorter versions of our weekly show, looking closely at a single exercise/technique/piece of equipment.
We'll be returning to this format (in addition to the regular, full-length show) from time to time, beginning with a discussion on a wonderful exercise : Sled Dragging. Helping us tackle this one is Strength Coach Frank DiMeo, joined by Personal Trainer (and Strength Athlete) Josh Hewett. Fantastic. NB : If you'd like to take part in an upcoming discussion (either a Gymchat Bite, or the full-length show), drop Josh a line. You'll find all his contact details here.

Quick Tip : Finding a Personal Trainer

How to identify the 'right' one.

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When it comes to getting a fitness professional who's going to help you clarify and reach your goals, finding one is half the battle. Offering a couple of suggestions in that area is Total Transformation's John Kaiser, who's had more than a little experience himself. Nice one. Over to John.
From the article Eliminating the Lug Nuts: How to Find a Good Trainer, a few thoughts.

Ready to Run - Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally

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Looks fantastic. Last week we looked at my own collection of fitness-related books (and cheers for all of the suggested ones to add - much appreciated); in particular Kelly Starrett's Becoming a Supple Leopard. Great read. Kelly's new work - Ready to Run - Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally - comes out tomorrow, and sounds equally comprehensive. To give you an overall idea of the content covered in the book, and Kelly's thinking in general, check out his latest appearance on the Bulletproof Video podcast :
Ready to Run - Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally. Fantastic.

Gymchat 260 - How to Use DROP SETS for More Gains (Bill Piche)

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What exactly are drop sets, and how can you use them most effectively? This week we'll be taking a deep dive into the wonderful world of Drop Sets; exploring answers to the questions above and a whole lot more. Helping us get a handle on this particular technique is Powerlifter Bill Piche, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Bill and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

Handstand Human Flag Hybrid

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Looking for a challenge?
Good stuff Al.

Looking At : Oct 19, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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 : Oct 12, 2014

What we were talking about this week on Google+, Twitter and the Daily '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.

Ramstein Blob Challenge

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A fairly unusual approach to lifting the Blob. Good stuff.

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Cadence Based Gripper Training

Time to get seriously strong.

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Perfect. It seems as though my 'to read/watch' pile has exploded in the past week or two; although 'Napalm' Jedd Johnson's Cadence Based Gripper Training certainly made a rapid rise to the top. I have to say, it looks superb. I'll post a full review once I finish the course (8 weeks); for the full explanation of what it's all about, over to Jedd : Cadence Based Gripper Training.

Gymchat 258 - Questioning Fitness Authority : Your Trainer Might Be Wrong (Bud Jeffries)

When to listen, when to question.

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When should you accept that your trainer knows what they're doing, and when should you question things? And if you do, what sorts of areas are up for grabs? This week we'll be tackling these, and all of the underlying questions they invoke. Helping us get a handle on this critical area is Performing Strongman/Author/Speaker Bud Jeffries, together with Personal Trainer and Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Fantastic.
NB : We love hearing from as many people as possible. Join Bud and Josh on the Hangout, or fire in your questions via the Q&A. Full details below. And if you'd like to point your friends/colleagues to the discussion, just use the 'share' button at the top of that page. The more the merrier.

How They Got Started : Alana Grimolfson

How it all began.

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We do these every Monday, starting 8pm Eastern. This week :

Gymchat 274 - Forskolin For Fat Loss & Muscle Building (Kurtis Frank)

NB : if you'd like to be interviewed in an upcoming discussion, we'd love to hear from you. 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, you can do that here. Cheers.

ready to get fit? not quite sure where to start?

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 (both personally, and to research various parts of this site) - 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.

also on this site

Progression for the One Arm Pushup

How do you work up to a One Arm Pushup? Like this.

Gymchat 274 - Forskolin For Fat Loss & Muscle Building (Kurtis Frank)

Forskolin. Yes? No?

Looking At : Jan 25, 2015

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

835lb Speed Deadlift

Time for a spot of serious speed work with the incredible George Leeman.

Gymchat 273 - 10 Tips for Achieving Balance in Your Life & Your Diet (Aeryon Ashlie)

Moving from where you are to where you want to be.

Looking At : Jan 18, 2015

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

Winter Workout Routine What are your winter workouts like? 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 week, just add your email here.

images of strength

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

gift buying guide

When your spouse/sibling/friend is ready to 'get in shape' (or they already are), what do you get them?

No matter what sort of training they're in to, we've got a few suggestions. And if you're looking for something specific, we'll help you find out where to get it. Just leave a comment on any of the posts listed below.

There are a number of articles that may help you in your quest. Specifically :

• Grrl's Valentine's Day Wishlist (Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker)
• The Bodyweight Aficionado's Guide to Gear (Jason Kirby)
• Recommended Books and DVDs on Strength-Training & Nutrition (The Straight to the Bar Authors)
• Clothing (Glenn Bird)

NB : if you're still not sure what to get, there's always the option of buying them a gift card. There are certainly plenty of options; Amazon's still my favourite. Now it's your turn. Let us know how you get on, and feel free to share any photographs of what you bought or how it's being used. Look forward to hearing from you.

strength calendar

Looking for an upcoming competition, or know of one in your area? Why not add it to the spreadsheet.

the writers

There are some superb writers here, looking at the world of strength training from a number of angles. The regulars :

• Scott Bird (@scottbird, +Scott Bird)
  Writer and Fitness enthusiast
  
• Josh Hewett (@TopFormFitness, +Josh Hewett)
  Strongman, Personal Trainer and Host of the Gymchats
  
• Conor Doherty (@sfactoryfitness, +Conor Doherty)
  Educator and Personal Trainer
  
• Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo (@DerekPeruoCSCS, +Derek Peruo)
  Personal Trainer and Creator of the Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits
  
• Dean Coulson (@DeanCoulson, +Dean Coulson)
  Strength & Conditioning Coach and Martial Artist
  
• Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker (+Kat Ricker)
  Bodybuilder and Writer
  
• Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson (@jeddjohnson, +Jedd Johnson)
  Grip champion and Strongman
  

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.

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.

want to help out?

As you've doubtless noticed, in addition to the main site is a Community on Google+, Facebook and Twitter. Wherever you are, a daily dose of strength isn't all that far away.

To help run all of these sites, we're on the lookout for several additional Moderators. To welcome new community members, bring up new items to discuss and generally keep the conversations on track.

If you're already spending a bit of time at any of the above sites, and would like to offer your services as a Moderator, just drop us a line. And thanks for that, it really is appreciated.

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.

checking out

Zen Mind, Strong Body

Zen Mind, Strong Body.This looks great. Zen Mind, Strong Body is an insight to the training philosophy driving the incredible Al Kavadlo; in the form of a number of articles he's written over the years. Really looking forward to it. I'll share a few thoughts once I've finished it here; in the meantime, a brief comment from none other than Paul Wade : Zen Mind, Strong Body expertly covers the methods, the moves, the nutrition, the equipment, the benefits, the philosophy and even the culture of bodyweight training. If you are a newbie uncertain about whether to explore bodyweight, or an advanced athlete looking for a new take on the most ancient conditioning method, this is now the definitive go-to book. Good stuff. Al Kavadlo's Zen Mind, Strong Body. »»

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 at the moment (training-related and otherwise), join us on Goodreads. And for a cut-down list showing only the ones we recommend, swing by the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.

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