The Complete Archives : Blast from the Past
Collections of exercise variations.
Blast from the Past : Plate Exercises
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : exercises, grip, plate
Whilst weight plates are typically used in conjunction with various types of bars and machines, there are several great exercises using only the plates themselves. Here are just a few of the Plate Exercises we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Good Morning Variations
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bands, clubs & maces, exercises, grip, leverage
Fantastic exercise.
Whether it's for rehab, prevention or simply strength (these can really help your deadlift) - there's nothing quite like a dose of lower back work. Here are just a few of the Good Morning Variations we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Rope Training II
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : Bulgarian Bag, climbing, conditioning, rope, weight vest
Via Begin2Dig : Rope Climbing in the Legion
We first looked at Rope Training (in this series) almost 3 years ago. While the basic idea is very much the same, a couple of new exercise variations have cropped up since then.
Here's another look at this wonderful form of training :
Blast from the Past : Ring Training II
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : rings
We first looked at Ring Training (in this series) almost 3 years ago. While the basic idea is very much the same, a couple of new exercise variations have cropped up since then.
Here's another look at this wonderful form of training :
Blast from the Past : Neck Training Methods
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bodyweight, neck
Whether it's for strength, safety or simply to look great in a suit - there's nothing quite like a spot of neck work. Here are just a few of the Neck Training Methods we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Kettlebell Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : grip, jaw lifting, juggling, kettlebells, Old-Time Strength, swimming
This week - Kettlebell Training.
I got my first kettlebell in June 2006, and have explored a number of weird and wonderful ways to put it to use. We've also seen a huge variety on Straight to the Bar, and here are a few of my favourites :
Blast from the Past : DIY Equipment II
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : DIY, stone lifting
This week - DIY Equipment II.
Long-term readers of Straight to the Bar will appreciate just how much I love building training equipment.
We've seen a number of new items since last year's roundup, and here are just a few of my favourites :
Blast from the Past : Suspension Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : still got it, suspension training
This week - Suspension Training.
As I mentioned yesterday, I love incorporating suspension training into my bodyweight workouts - particularly when travelling. Just hook it up and go.
Here's a sample of the many varieties of suspension work we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Getting Over It - Chin-ups & Pull-ups
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : assistance device, bands, bodyweight, conditioning, grip, parkour, thick bar
Serious weighted chins. Superb.
This week - Getting Over It - Chin-ups & Pull-ups.
For as long as I can remember, I've loved doing chin-ups. Monkey Bars in the school playground, the backs of doors and of course the power rack. Here are just a few of the many varieties of chins and pull-ups we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Squat Variations
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : Old-Time Strength
This week - Squat Variations.
Looking for a way to switch up your leg workouts - while still keeping them focused on all the beauty that is the squat? Here are just a few of the squat variations we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Recovery Methods
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bands, biphasic sleep, conditioning, recovery, sleep, treadmill
This week - Recovery Methods.
If Bill's post on Contrast Baths got you thinking about your recovery work, you're not alone. Here are just a few of the other recovery techniques we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Sledgehammer Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : conditioning, levering, sledgehammer training
Lawrence 'Slim The Hammerman' Farman.
This week - Sledgehammer Training.
I love doing all kinds of levering work, and one of my favourite tools is the humble sledgehammer. Here are just a few of the ways we've seen sledgehammer training performed over the years :
Blast from the Past : The Forgotten Lifts II
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : leg press, Old-Time Strength, still got it
Shoulder Bridge (precursor of Bench Press) by Joe Nordquest. Photo from Alan Calvert’s Super Strength, via Tom Black.
This week - The Forgotten Lifts II.
I've been getting some great feedback following the first installment of The Forgotten Lifts, with most people seeking a few more. Keep your training alive with a few of these :
Blast from the Past : Card Tearing
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : boxing, grip, Old-Time Strength, tearing
This week - Card Tearing.
If the Card Tearing eBook got you thinking seriously about this wonderful feat, you're not alone. Here are just a few of the more challenging card tearing displays we've seen over the years :
Blast from the Past : Dip Variations
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bands, DIY
This week - Dip Variations.
When it comes to bodyweight training, dips are a staple (throw in a few sets after your presses and you'll understand why).
Here are just a few of my favourite variations of this wonderful exercise :
Blast from the Past : Incredible World Records
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : grip, Old-Time Strength
This week - Incredible World Records.
For as long as I can remember I've been interested in the many ways in which people push themselves to the limit - run the fastest, lift the most weight and generally hold on longer than anyone else.
Here are just a few of the incredible world records we've seen set - and broken - over the years :
Blast from the Past : Chains
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
This week - Chains.
I first heard about training with chains from Kris, who noted their use in adding variable weight to the bench press. This is their key benefit - the weight of chain varies throughout the exercise, as part of it is on the floor.
Since then, chains have been used in a number of ways. Here are just a few of my favourites :
Blast from the Past : Unusual Equipment - Treadmills
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : abdominal, conditioning, running, treadmill
For parents who think kids should exercise rather than play - Gymkids.
This week - Unusual Equipment - Treadmills.
There's certainly some unusual workout equipment on the market (just take a look at the many varieties of rowed tricycles), and treadmills are no exception. Here are a few of the more creative versions we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Tire Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
This week - Tire Training.
They're often free, and great for flipping, dragging and other fun things. Here are just a few of the tire (tyre) training ideas we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Might As Well Jump
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bands, DIY, kettlebells, parkour
This week - Might As Well Jump.
Whether you enjoy a solid dose of bodyweight training, swinging a kettlebell or shifting some serious iron there's a jump variation just waiting for you. Never really thought about jumping? Here are a few ideas you might like to consider :
Blast from the Past : Indoor Climbing
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : DIY
This week - Indoor Climbing.
Ever thought about building your own indoor climbing wall? Here are a few ideas you might like to consider :
Blast from the Past : Burpee Variations
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : still got it
This week - Burpee Variations.
The burpee is the answer to many 'if you could only do one exercise...' lines of questioning - and with good reason. It's a beast of an exercise.
Of course, there are several variations on the humble burpee, including :
Blast from the Past : Sandbag Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : grappling
Sandbag Snatching at the Ice Chamber.
This week - Sandbag Training.
I love sandbag workouts, and over the years we've looked at a number of aspects to this wonderful form of training. Here are just a few of my personal favourites :
Blast from the Past : Kettlebells
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bending, grip, juggling, kettlebells, Old-Time Strength, tearing
This week - Kettlebells.
Over the years we've looked at kettlebell training from a number of angles - what kettlebells are (and where to get them), a range of exercises (both common and somewhat unusual), technique and injury prevention. Here are just a few of my personal favourites :
Blast from the Past : Hand Strength - Grip, Bending and Tearing
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bending, grip, Old-Time Strength, tearing
Scrollwork.
This week - Hand Strength - Grip, Bending and Tearing.
My first foray into the world of hand strength came several years ago during a shoulder injury. Thanks to Jedd, Adam and Ryan (and many others) I soon became hooked on these glorious feats. Here's a look at just some of the grip, bending and tearing demonstrations we've featured on Straight to the Bar over the years :
Blast from the Past : Training Outdoors
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : calistenics, conditioning, kettlebells, parkour
Outdoor training in Ghana.
This week - Training Outdoors.
I love training outdoors, especially at this time of year. Here's a sample of the superb outdoor workouts we've looked at on this site :
Blast from the Past : Thick Rope Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : climbing, conditioning, kettlebells, rope
A little rope work at the Royal New Zealand Show.
This week - Thick Rope Training.
There's an incredible variety of thick rope exercises. Here are just a few of my favourites :
Blast from the Past : Log Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : DIY
Poster for this year’s World Log Lift Championship. Should be great.
This week - Log Training.
Whether your equipment is real or steel, log training is great. Here are just a few of the superb log-based exercises we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Ring Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : DIY
Larry Scott on the rings.
This week - Ring Training.
Ring training is great. Here are just a few of the superb ring-based exercises we've looked at over the years :
Blast from the Past : Teeth, Hair, Ears and Elbows
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bending, horseshoe bending, Old-Time Strength
This week - Teeth, Hair, Ears and Elbows.
Lifting heavy objects isn't limited to the arms and hands. Here are a number of Strongmen putting other body parts to incredible use :
Blast from the Past : Training On-the-Road
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bands, Training When Travelling
This week - Training On-the-Road.
Training never really stops, and you may wonder just how to get a decent workout in whilst you're on the road. Here are a few ideas to get you started :
Blast from the Past : Tricking
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : tricking
This week - Tricking.
Tricking is a fairly young sport, combining various elements of martial arts and gymnastics. Here's a look at this amazing activity :
Blast from the Past : Handbalancing
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : TGIF
Bert Assirati.
This week - Handbalancing.
If the Morning Glory video got you in the mood for a bit of handbalancing action, you'll love this. Here are this site's highlights from the world of handbalancing :
Blast from the Past : The Mace
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : clubs & maces, DIY, grip, leverage
This week - The Mace.
The mace is a deceptively simple piece of equipment, consisting only of a narrow shaft with a heavy weight at one end. If you're new to the world of The Mace, here's a brief look at making, using and training with these wonderful tools :
Blast from the Past : Recovery
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : recovery, treadmill
This week - Recovery.
A couple of weeks ago we took a look at the many benefits of sleep following a hard session in the gym. This time we'll be peering at the numerous other recovery techniques, including :
Blast from the Past : Olympic Lifting
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Champion Olympic weightlifter Jackie Berube. Photo via Sport People.
This week - Olympic Lifting.
There's something inherently satisfying about Olympic Lifting. Perhaps it's the fact that you get to explosively move a lot of weight; or the incredible payoff from a bit of fine-tuning of technique. Here's a brief look at just some of the many Olympic Lifting articles and videos we've noted over the years :
Blast from the Past : Sleep
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : recovery
This week - Sleep.
Sleep is easily the most widely used recovery technique available. A good dose of shut-eye can heal many gym excesses (especially the light days which suddenly transform into 'time to break a few PRs' sessions). Here's a brief look at just some of the sleep-related articles and experiments we've noted (and tried) over the years :
Blast from the Past : Clubs
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : clubs & maces, DIY, grip, leverage, still got it
This week - Clubs.
I love all kinds of leverage training, and clubs are never far from my hand. Here's a brief look at just some of the club-training goodness we've noted over the years :
Blast from the Past : DIY Training Equipment
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : clubs & maces, DIY, grip, leverage, Old-Time Strength, thick bar
Zercher Slosh Walk. Great exercise.
This week - DIY Training Equipment.
I love building all kinds of training equipment (and things in general, for that matter). Here's a brief look at just some of the DIY gym gear we've noted over the years :
Blast from the Past : Bands
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bands, Training When Travelling
Band resisted chin-ups.
This week - Bands.
I love training with resistance bands. They're the ultimate combination of a versatile training tool and a way of modifying existing exercises. Superb.
To highlight the beauty of the humble band, here are a few nuggets from the archives :
Blast from the Past : Partials
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : grip, partial
Paul Anderson's idea of a partial squat. Beautiful..
This week - Partials.
Partials are great things. Performing lifts through only part of the usual range of motion can yield tremendous benefits; enabling you to work with heavier weights, enjoy a greater grip element and focus on weaknesses in your technique.
To highlight the beauty of the partial, here are a few gems from the archives :
Blast from the Past : Stone Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : stone lifting
Atlas Stones. Photo by Steve Collins Photography.
This week - Stone Training.
Aside from the deadlift, a stone lift is perhaps the clearest demonstration of strength and technique. To mark the launch of the Diesel Crew's Stone Lifting Fundamentals DVD (highly recommended), here are a few stone-training nuggets from the archives :
Blast from the Past : Feats of Strength
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : grip, Old-Time Strength, tearing
This week - Feats of Strength.
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the old-time feats of strength. Blowing up a water bottle, holding back runaway horses and lifting enormous weights with a single finger. If you share this passion, take a look at these :
Blast from the Past : How-to Videos
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : conditioning, DIY
This week - How-to Videos.
A major part of learning a new skill is seeing how someone else does it (before having a go yourself, of course). If you're looking for inspiration for the Instructional Video Competition, take a look at these :
Blast from the Past : The Forgotten Lifts
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : Old-Time Strength
Jefferson Lift.
This week - The Forgotten Lifts.
There are several lifts which are rarely seen these days in commercial gyms; yet are ideal in a number of ways. If you're ready to expand your routines a little, take a look at these :
Blast from the Past : Short Steel Bending
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bending, Old-Time Strength
First Bend.
This week - Short Steel Bending.
I love bending nails, spikes, and many other small objects from the hardware store. If you share this strange obsession, take a look at these :
Blast from the Past : Bodyweight Training
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : bodyweight, conditioning, DIY, Training When Travelling
This week - Bodyweight Training.
I love mixing a bit of bodyweight training into my routines; especially when travelling. If you share this passion, take a look at these :
Blast from the Past : DIY Grip Tools
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : DIY, grip
This week - DIY Grip Tools.
I love grip training, and building my own gym equipment; so a combination is perfect. If you share these strange obsessions, take a look at these :
Blast from the Past : Parkour
by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Blast from the Past
Tags : conditioning, parkour
This week - Parkour.
One of the clearest demonstrations of physical prowess comes in the form of Parkour, or Free Running. Whether you're trying it out for the first time or are a seasoned professional, you're sure to get something out of these :
what we're saying
images of strength
Want to see (and learn) more Feats of Strength like this? Dive in.
how to
Bending (Nails, Horseshoes)
Easily one of the most rewarding ways to train.
Clubs & Maces
A great way to get a top workout in, without wasting time.
Grippers
I love training with grippers. Beautiful things.
Kettlebells
Fantastic.
Ropes (Climbing/Dragging, Battling Ropes)
Have you got what it takes?
Sandbags
If you're ready to take your conditioning workouts up a notch, grab one of these.
Suspension Training
Perfect for outdoor sessions.
recommended
It'll come as no surprise that we've reviewed many, many products over the years. Everything from books, magazines and DVDs to racks, benches and complete home gyms.
To give you an idea :
- Carlson Labs Fish Oil
- Get Extreme With Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite
- Review : Fixing Elbow Pain
- Gettin' Swole, Part 2
- Gettin' Swole
- You Need More Drugs
- Isopure Protein Powder - My Review
Looking for a full list of the various equipment and services we use and recommend? No problem - it's all here.
join the discussion
The Gymchats are weekly discussions on a range of strength-training topics. Quite apart from being fascinating discussions in their own right, they're a lot of fun.
This week :
Gymchat 203 - Fat Loss (with Vic Magary)
We hold these every Wednesday, starting at 9pm Eastern. If you're in a different timezone, here's the quickest way to see when that is.
NB : if you'd like to be interviewed in an upcoming discussion, I'd love to hear from you. It's great to hear how other people train.
the team
There are some superb writers here, looking at the world of strength training from a number of angles. The regulars :
Scott Bird (@scottbird)
Writer and Fitness enthusiast
Conor Doherty (@sfactoryfitness)
Educator and Personal Trainer
'Captain' Kirk Fontaine (@fitnewbie)
Personal Trainer and Host of the Gymchats
Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo (@DerekPeruoCSCS)
Personal Trainer and Creator of the Renaissance Fitness Supplement Kits
Jedd
'Napalm' Johnson (@jeddjohnson)
Grip champion and Strongman
'Unbreakable'
Adam T Glass (@adamtglass)
Bending freak and Strongman
Kat
'The Mighty Kat' Ricker
Bodybuilder and Writer
NB : It's a big team - full list here.
In addition, articles are submitted from across the globe. Got a piece you'd like to share? Let us know.
elsewhere
This is a fantastic book. If you've ever considered learning this
incredible strength feat, the Card
Tearing eBook (review)
is the perfect place to start. Love it.
In addition to the articles on this site are a number I've written elsewhere. Including :
- Paleo Diet : Increased Mental Clarity
- The Art of Working Out Alone
- The Ultimate Guide to Freezing Food (part II)
- Rock the Kitchen: Plan for Diet Success
- 10 Challenging Bodyweight Exercises
- Buying Your First Kettlebell
- Switching to Biphasic Sleeping? Start here.
reading
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.
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.
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.
This is a fantastic book. As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train. Love it.
101 Fitness Myths [Kindle Edition]
A superb combination of fitness mythbusting and no-nonsense advice. If you're not quite sure where to start, grab this.
The Art of Expressing the Human Body
If you've ever watched a Bruce Lee film and marveled at his strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility or muscularity, this book should take pride of place in your collection. Unlike many other writings covering everything from Lee's training methods to nutrition, this book is based not on the recollections of people around him; but on Lee's own notes. Brilliant.
For a full list of what we're reading and watching at the moment, just head over to the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.