All Articles & Reviews by
Scott Andrew Bird
(12813 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, 36) 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.
Looking At : Jul 21, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
Spryng (Post-Workout Muscle Compression Device)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The Spryng is a post-workout muscle compression device, designed primarily for use with the legs. The idea is pretty simple : send constant waves through the legs, to help get the blood flowing (and to help to flush out the lactic acid that's built up).
A little video :
The Spryng.
Carousel Lift Challenge (From the Show 'The Strongest Man in History')
This is a tribute to Paul Anderson's lift on the Ed Sullivan Show. Fantastic.
This is a tribute to Paul Anderson's lift on the Ed Sullivan Show. Fantastic.
Looking At : Jul 14, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
MAXFIT (Portable Gym)
Looks great.
Looks great.
If you travel a fair bit, you'll understand the appeal of something like this. The MAXFIT is simply a cable-centric portable gym solution, which purports to provide a reasonable dose of resistance (keen to try one out, to see how 'reasonable' it is).
As for the device itself, a little video :
The MAXFIT.
How To Train For Mass (Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Arnold Schwarzenegger's approach to training. Nice one.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's approach to training. Nice one.
Looking At : Jul 7, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
iTrakit (GPS bike tracker)
Looks great.
Looks great.
We discuss cycling quite a bit on Straight to the Bar - it's a great way to get a little exercise whilst on your way to wherever you're going. Love it.
Still, we get quite a few questions regarding the tracking of the bicycles. To monitor your own journeys, and to help prevent theft.
The iTrakit takes care of the latter (though I suspect it does a little of both) : the 'theft dissuasion' part. Hidden inside the frame, discreetly.
A little video will show you what I mean :
The iTrakit.
Back in the Gym, Post Surgeries (Ronnie Coleman)
Must be incredibly satisfying, particularly after the 'you'll never walk again' comments.
Must be incredibly satisfying, particularly after the 'you'll never walk again' comments. Nice one.
Looking At : Jun 30, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
Move It Speed (Intelligent Punching Bag)
This is an interesting area.
This is an interesting area.
Although I'm not exactly convinced by the whole 'punch the boss' angle, the 'Move It Speed''s sensors & smartphone integration aspects are certainly promising. Would love to see them used in several other pieces of equipment.
And to give you an idea of the 'Move It Speed' itself, a bit of video :
Move It Speed.
The Importance of Core Strength (ThenX)
Nice one.
Nice one.
Looking At : Jun 23, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
Backmate (Doorway-Mounted Self-Massager)
Looks great.
Looks great.
As you can see from the above video, the Backmate is an incredibly simple idea. Completely portable (it doesn't require any fixed mounts - it expands to fit the available doorway), it looks ideal for travelling.
The Backmate.
Magnus Midtbø Destroys New Grip Strength Test (Jujimufu)
Very interesting grip tools.
Very interesting grip tools : weighted rock climbing grips (the Beast Fingers Grippūl Two, aka 'Beast Grips 420 Blazet').
Looking At : Jun 16, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
Next Level Strength - The Ultimate Rings and Parallettes Program (Al and Danny Kavadlo)
Looks great.
Looks great.
As the name suggests, Next Level Strength is all about getting seriously strong using only those wonderful calisthenics tools - rings and paralettes.
If you've ever seen either Al or Danny (or both) in action, you know what to expect. And for the uninitiated :
Next Level Strength.
Sleep is Your Superpower (Matt Walker)
Great information.
Great information.
Looking At : Jun 9, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
Emergy (Torque-Resistance Exerciser)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
The Emergy is a torque-resistance exerciser for basic grip work. And although I'm somewhat dubious of the device itself, the mechanism is certainly interesting.
Would love to see other types of equipment make use of the 'Torque-Resistance' approach.
A little video :
The Emergy.
The LifeXtenShow Pilot Episode (Lifespan.io)
It's wonderful to see a show about this area. Looking forward to it.
Although the humour may/may not be to your taste, it's wonderful to see a show about this area in particular. Looking forward to it.
Looking At : Jun 2, 2019
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
Superthotics (Customizable Orthotics)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
Superthotics is a customizable orthotic designed to help correct a few of the more common foot-related issues. If you enjoy the occasional run, you'll understand the appeal.
And yes, in addition to running, I'll be putting them through a bit of a test in the home gym. Curious about the deadlift in particular.
Superthotics.
The Science of Anti-Aging (Isaac Arthur)
Great information.
Although I regularly watch Isaac's wonderful videos on futuristic technologies, I somehow missed this one. Great information.
Looking At : May 26, 2018
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
URGOnight (Brain Training For Sleep)
Interesting idea.
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.
Great information.
Looking At : May 19, 2018
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
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.
Very interesting approach.
Looking At : May 12, 2018
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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.
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.
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'.
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'.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Very interesting ideas.
Looking At : Apr 7, 2018
What we were talking about this week on Facebook, Twitter and in The Daily 'Paper'.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
As terrible as it is to see an injury, the response to it (this video and the following one) is wonderful.
Are You as Strong as You Could Be?
Grab the Straight to the Bar Strength Kit.
Training Guides, eBooks and of course the Strength & Fitness Newsletter. Absolutely free.
If you love talking about training, make sure you check out the Gymchats. There's a full list of previous shows here.
To give you an idea of what they're like, here's an example :
Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen)
Fantastic discussion.
NB : if you'd like to be interviewed on an upcoming show (or know someone who should be), drop us a line. 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, we'd love to hear them. Cheers.
what we're saying
NB : As well as leaving a comment or two beneath the articles themselves, you might like to swing by the Daily 'Paper' for a somewhat more frequent dose of training goodness.
ready to get in shape?
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 - 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.
images of strength
Want to see (and learn) more Feats of Strength like this? Dive in.
reading : Ferocious Fitness (Phil Ross, Marty Gallagher)
Remember this? Great book. Ferocious Fitness : A Fighter's Proven Action Plan to Develop Blazing Power, Animalistic Strength and Killer Conditioning is a distillation of Phil Ross' training wisdom, in the form of a superbly comprehensive book. We took a look at the digital version recently, and you'll be pleased to know that the paperback version is now available. Definitely worthy of a place on the fitness shelf. Phil Ross' Ferocious Fitness.
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.
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.
leave it in the ground
On Straight to the Bar we talk a lot about air pollution, primarily from a gym-owner's perspective. In the 'Leave it in the Ground' newsletter we look at the topic far more broadly - the gradual move away from the use of fossil fuels. Daily, and free.
NB : We also discuss Electric Cars for a very similar reason - they're a great way to help tackle air-pollution. To find out more - looking at the Australian market in particular - swing by the daily 'EVs in Australia' 'paper'.
checking out
Spryng (Post-Workout Muscle Compression Device)Looks great.
The Spryng is a post-workout muscle compression device, designed primarily for use with the legs. The idea is pretty simple : send constant waves through the legs, to help get the blood flowing (and to help to flush out the lactic acid that's built up).
A little video :
And for the full list of the Books & DVDs we recommend, swing by the Recommended Books & DVDs page. To check out what we're reading at the moment (and to make suggestions), join us on Goodreads.
See you there.