All Articles & Reviews by
Scott Andrew Bird
(12997 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, 37) 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.
OTARI (Interactive Workout Mat)
Intriguing combination.
Intriguing combination.
The OTARI is a Yoga mat (although it has plenty of potential uses for other aspects of training) with a strong interactive component. In addition to a screen with specific advice relating too the workout, the inbuilt AI can help to offer specific advice on form (there's a camera built in to the mat).
A little video :
The OTARI Interactive Workout Mat.
Doctor's Nighttime Routine For Better Sleep (Dr Mike Varshavski)
I'm a huge fan of sleep as a recovery method.
I'm a huge fan of sleep as a recovery method. Here's a quick look at a basic nighttime routine from the medical side of things.
Looking At : May 31, 2020
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 Dinosaur Files' for May 2020
A great mix.
I love these.
The latest issue of Brooks Kubik's 'The Dinosaur Files' (May 2020) is now available. An instant .PDF download. Perfect.
If you've never read one, these are monthly newsletters which comprise a mix of pieces by Brooks, well-known old-time strongmen and the Dinosaur Training community. As an example, here's a brief look at a previous issue :
It's a great mix.
You can grab the latest incarnation here :
brookskubik.com/dinosaurfiles-may2020.html .
Intermittent Fasting - How it Affects Sleep (What I've Learned)
The various sleep-related impacts of IF.
I was chatting with a friend the other day about the various benefits of Intermittent Fasting and Time Restricted Eating, and he asked about sleep. For everyone wondering about the same thing, this video explains the various sleep-related impacts.
Looking At : May 24, 2020
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.
CalfPRO (Leveraged Calf Stretching Tool)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The CalfPRO is a deceptively simple calf-stretching tool, designed for regular pre-training use. And unlike many of the calf-stretching methods, it fortunately doesn't bend your toes back.
A little video will show you what I mean :
The CalfPRO.
Joe Rogan Experience #1474 (Dr Rhonda Patrick)
Fascinating discussion.
Fascinating discussion.
Looking At : May 17, 2020
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.
Bebird X17 Pro (Smart Visual Ear Cleaning Rod)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The range of simple, in-home medical devices continues to grow, and here's another one to add to the list. The Bebird X17 Pro is an ear-cleaning wand with a built-in camera, and a smartphone app so you can see what you're doing. A whole lot easier than the cotton-tip alternative.
A little video :
The Bebird X17 Pro.
Dissecting The Wim Hof Method (Medlife Crisis)
It's getting in to the colder part of the year here (Sydney, Australia).
As it's getting in to the colder part of the year here (Sydney, Australia), last night I found myself chatting to a friend about the Wim Hof Method. If you know the name but very little of what's involved (fairly common situation, which may/may not be considered a good thing, depending on your viewpoint); this video explains it - and the medical research behind parts of it - in detail.
Looking At : May 10, 2020
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.
Huami Amazfit X (Curved, Fitness-Focused Smartwatch)
Promising indeed.
Promising indeed.
We first mentioned this one a while ago, and it's great to see that it's now up on Indiegogo. The Huami Amazfit X - a curved, fitness-focused smartwatch. Great combination.
The form factor looks ideal, and it includes the usual suspects when it comes to the fitness-tracking side of things.
A little video :
The Huami Amazfit X.
Aging Research in the Age of COVID-19 (Brent Nally and Dr Aubrey de Grey)
Very interesting conversation.
Very interesting conversation.
Looking At : May 3, 2020
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.
NEXX (Home Therapy Neck Device)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
Although I'm not exactly a fan of the 'late night infomercial' vibe of the video (below), the product itself is intriguing. Particularly the stretching aspect.
The NEXX is a pillow-sized neck therapy device, with a focus on the cervical traction approach to things. A spot of neck stretching and massage.
A little video to show you what I mean :
The NEXX.
How to Make Sense of the Constantly Shifting Info on the Coronavirus (Peter Attia on Impact Theory)
Interesting discussion - especially the exercise & supplementation points.
Interesting discussion - especially the exercise & supplementation points.
Looking At : Apr 26, 2020
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.
Carbon SnoreX Pillow (Cooling Pillow with Anti-Snore Tech)
Looks great.
Looks great.
Sleep is important at the best of times, especially during the lockdown. It's easily my favourite form of recovery.
The Carbon SnoreX is a cool, bacteria-resistant pillow with a somewhat distinctive shape. Although the 'anti-snoring' aspect may be getting all the attention, it's a combination of the above that appeals to me personally.
A little video :
The Carbon SnoreX.
The 10 Greatest Home Exercises of All Time (Athlean-X)
No home gym available? Try some of these.
No home gym available? Try some of these. Bodyweight only.
Looking At : Apr 19, 2020
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.
HoloGear (Holographic Glowing Sports Gear)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
HoloGear is a range of reflective sports equipment, designed specifically for your night-time training sessions. Although I suspect it has many other uses.
The reflectivity can either be full-time or part-time (with glasses). The video will show you what I mean :
HoloGear.
Everything You Need to Know About The Coronavirus Pandemic (David Sinclair on Health Theory)
A detailed look at the current pandemic, how to respond, and how to prevent it from happening again.
A detailed look at the current pandemic, how to respond, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Looking At : Apr 12, 2020
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.
SMASH Target (Half Tractor Tyre, For Hammer Work)
Great idea.
Great idea.
The Stronger Grip SMASH Target is half of a recycled tractor tyre, for everyone who lives in an apartment (or anywhere urban, for that matter).
As for putting it to work, just wail on it with a sledgehammer :
The Stronger Grip SMASH Target.
New Technologies that May be on the Cards (Isaac Arthur)
This video takes a look at a range of upcoming technologies, notably those of a health-related nature (beginning 9m30s in). Good stuff.
This video takes a look at a range of upcoming technologies, notably those of a health-related nature (beginning 9m30s in). Good stuff.
Looking At : Apr 5, 2020
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.
ROCKUBOT (UVC Sterilization Robot)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
The ROCKUBOT is a small, sterilising robot. Think Roomba with UVC rather than suction.
Personally, I'd love something like this for the home gym - and I suspect I'm not alone in that. Nothing like a little 'shelter in place' time to reinforce a few things.
As for the device itself, a little video :
The ROCKUBOT.
Gym Closed? A Simple Home Bodyweight Workout (Alan Thrall)
With the gyms closed, equipment-free home workouts certainly have plenty of appeal.
With the gyms closed, equipment-free home workouts certainly have plenty of appeal.
Looking At : Mar 29, 2020
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.
Circular Smart Ring (Fitness-Tracking Wearable)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The Circular Smart Ring is a fitness-tracking wearable device in the form of a waterproof ring. Perfect.
A little video :
The Circular Smart Ring.
The PERFECT Home Workout (Athlean-X)
Stuck at home? Here's a simple equipment-free workout to keep the gains coming.
If you're spending a bit more time indoors right now - and don't yet have a home gym setup - here's a simple equipment-free workout to keep the gains coming.
Looking At : Mar 22, 2020
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.
FoldEat (Food Storage & Eating Mat)
Looks great.
Looks great.
I tend to train in a variety of locations, and I suspect the same applies to a number of people here. Either from travelling, or simply from enjoying the great outdoors.
The FoldEat looks ideal for that sort of routine - combining several food storage containers with a machine-washable eating mat.
A little video to show you what I mean :
The FoldEat.
6 Reasons To Be Optimistic About Coronavirus (Medlife Crisis)
If all of the closures and cancellations have got you down, take a look at this.
If all of the closures and cancellations have got you down, take a look at this. Nice one.
Looking At : Mar 15, 2020
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.
HotRock (Heated Foam Roller)
Looks great.
Looks great.
As the name implies, the HotRock is an adjustable, highly portable (long cord) heated foam roller. Looks like an ideal way to aid recovery, or simply to start your workout.
A little video to show you what I mean :
The HotRock.
VR Fitness Games 2020 (Brian Lovett)
This is certainly an interesting area - VR Fitness Games. Somewhere between gaming and a full training session.
This is certainly an interesting area - VR Fitness Games. Somewhere between gaming and a full training session.
Looking At : Mar 8, 2020
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.
Free 40 Minute Intu-Flow® Routine (Tacfit)
Looks great.
Looks great.
This is a free downloadable version of the Intu-Flow program with Aaron Cruz. Focused on mobility, it looks like an ideal complementary routine.
I'm about to dive into it here. How about you - ever tried the Intuitive-Flow system? Would love to hear your thoughts.
The Intu-Flow program with Aaron Cruz.
DNA Manipulation in Living Subjects (Isaac Arthur)
This is a very interesting look at an area we've discussed briefly several times on this site, and is now becoming tantalisingly close - the ability to manipulate DNA in living humans.
This is a very interesting look at an area we've discussed briefly several times on this site, and is now becoming tantalisingly close - the ability to manipulate DNA in living humans. Love hearing your thoughts.
Looking At : Mar 1, 2020
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.
Jself (Massage Pillow)
Looks great.
Looks great.
The Jself is a pillow with massage/heating/music functions built in. Looks like an ideal post-workout device.
I'm keen to test one, though I suspect that the heating and massage functions feel pretty good regardless of their long-term abilities. And in the meantime, a spot of video :
The Jself.
What I Learned From Parents Who Don't Vaccinate Their Kids (Jennifer Reich)
A very positive way to look at the anti-vaccination issue, long term.
A very positive way to look at the anti-vaccination issue, long term. How about you - how do you typically respond?
Looking At : Feb 23, 2020
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.
Accusage Thermo 7 in 1 (Hot & Cold Massage Wrap)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
The Accusage Thermo is a combination Heating/Cooling Massage Wrap - ideal for workout injuries.
Until I try one personally I'm unable to speak to the device's ability, though I suspect the warmth & heating help things quite a bit (and probably feel great in the process).
A spot of video :
The Accusage Thermo
Guardian XO Exoskeleton (Sarcos Robotics)
Thoughts?
Had a fascinating conversation over the weekend about the future of exoskeletons - to aid walking and to perform a variety of other tasks. The consensus? That things like the one in the video will help fund & develop the ones for mobility.
Thoughts?
Looking At : Feb 16, 2020
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.
Vie Zone (EEG earphones)
Interesting idea.
Interesting idea.
The Vie Zone is a combination EEG Headset / earphones / smartphone app which uses music & various measurements to help you get into the right mental state for a workout/creativity/sleep etc. A spot of video will show you what I mean :
Although I somewhat skeptical of the device's abilities, I'm keen to check one out. How about you - ever tried one, or anything similar?
The Vie Zone.
Training Like The Worlds Best Endurance Athletes (Stephen Seiler)
A very interesting approach.
A very interesting approach.
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.
daily newsletter
For some people, this site's weekly newsletter (The Strength & Fitness Weekly - part of the Strength Kit) isn't quite frequent enough. For those I produce a daily version, which you can grab here. Absolutely free.
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.
air pollution & health
We discuss air pollution quite a bit on this site - particularly the various health impacts involved. If you'd like to dive in a little deeper, I invite you to check out the following :
- The 'Electric Cars' list on Twitter
- The 'Leave it in the Ground' newsletter
- The daily 'EVs in Australia' 'paper'
and of course :
Cheers.
checking out
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.