Recently in studies
Taking a detailed look at Health & Fitness from all angles.
Looking At : Apr 22, 2012
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : coffee, conditioning, deadlift, grip, links, nutrition, photography, sleep, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook)
Echo Point, Blue Mountains.During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Looking At ...
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : cycling, jump, links, photography, skiing, Social Media (Twitter Google+ and Facebook), streaming video
Binoculars. Photo by Phil Whitehouse.During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Exercise in Healthy Older Adults
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning, still got it
Ida Wasserman, hitting the gym at 100.Chris notes two very interesting studies which look at the impact of exercise on older adults - Cardiovascular Aging and Exercise in Healthy Older Adults and Is Regular Exercise a Friend or Foe of...
The Effects of Music Tempo
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Dr Costas Karageorghis.Scott Dunlap over at A Trail Runner's Blog notes the work of Dr Costas Karageorghis on music tempo and exercise. For an overview, head over to the New York Times; for a little more meat, check out the...
Better Sleep, Better Memory
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : sleep
Sleeping dog. Photo by jswieringa.Mark notes a Swiss study which reinforces the idea that sleep aids memory. If you're going to learn a new skill tomorrow, make sure you get a bit of quality shut-eye tonight....
Hunger Can Make You Happy
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Hungry mouse. Photo by pasotraspaso.Via Digg : Livescience notes an interesting study published this month in Nature Neuroscience. The short version? Hunger can make you (well, mice anyway) happy....
Learning to Juggle At Any Age
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : brain, juggling, still got it
Juggling. Photo by jayniebell.Via Just Your Average Joggler : the Journal of Neuroscience noted an interesting study this week, relating to the brain changes associated with learning a new skill (specifically juggling) - particularly for those over 50. If you've...
The Smell of Coffee
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : coffee, podcast
Even rats enjoy waking up to it.
All In The Mind?
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Placebo. Photo by purchio.Chris notes another study which looks at the performance-enhancing effects of a placebo. Very interesting....
Extra Sleep Improves Athletic Performance
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning
Sleeping. Photo by prakhar.Via Conditioning Research : Science Daily notes one of the many sleep vs performance studies taking place at the moment. Although I disagree with the idea of simply increasing the duration of sleep - in my opinion,...
Does Fasting Help Prevent Jetlag?
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : bodyclock
Starved. Photo by Crystl.Via Digg : Reuters notes an interesting study on the benefits of starvation prior to a long flight. Anyone tried it?...
The Number of Fat Cells Remains Constant
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning
They're happy because they eat lard. Image via SharkeyinColo.Via Conditioning Research : EurekAlert notes another very interesting snippet from the current research on fats : the number of fat cells in a person's body is established during teen years; remaining...
Fat Cells Die and Are Replaced
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning
Mmmmm. Photo by terren in Virginia.Chris points to a very interesting piece in the NYT, noting a Swedish study on the lifecycle of fat cells. From the article : Every year, whether you are fat or thin, whether you lose...
The Effects of Training in a Fasted State
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning
No Food. Photo by Mykl Roventine.Chris points to an interesting study on a slightly controversial issue for Intermittent Fasters : what are the effects of training in a fasted state? Definitely something to think about....
The Benefits of Carbohydrate Restriction
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning
Carbohydrate Restriction.Chris notes an interesting study [256kb, .pdf] on carbohydrate restriction. Several potential benefits....
Tattoo Vaccination
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : vaccination
Perfect.
Fasting-Induced Changes
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning
Chris notes an interesting study on the effects of fasting : Fasting-Induced Changes in the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis (abstract only). It's a fascinating area of research....
Is it Ever Too Cold to Exercise?
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Via SCAQ : Not according to the NY Times. Interesting read....
Stretching May Increase Strength
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : stretch
Via FitSugar : MSNBC notes another study on the positive aspects of regular stretching - possible strength gains. It's all good....
Feeling Tense? Try a Spot of Meditation
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Yahoo! Health notes an interesting study on mediation - pointing out that short, regular sessions can have real benefits in overall health. What's more, it's relaxing. And no, you don't need to sit out in a field and chant....
Alternate-Day Fasting
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : conditioning, diet, intermittent fasting
Over at Conditioning Research Chris points to an interesting study on the effects of alternate-day fasting (as per routines such as The QOD Diet) in mice. There's still a way to go before the long-term effects of similar diets are discovered for humans, but it's a great start.
Another look at 2 green tea studies
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
The Got Strength? Blog takes a brief look at two studies on my favourite beverage (other than water) - green tea. Short version - a miracle cure it isn't, but there are health benefits aplenty. Good stuff....
Heart attacks down following smoking ban
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : smoking
This is definitely good news. Researchers at Glasgow University have noted that in the 10 months since Scotland banned smoking in many areas (most notably pubs), the incidence of heart attacks has fallen by a solid 17%. Not bad at...
Spiderman suit may not be that far away
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
At least in the ability-to-climb-walls department. A team of Italian scientists is currently looking at ways to use carbon nanotubes (just think of really, really small drinking straws made of carbon) to create a suit which will allow the wearer...
Exercise 'Must Be Tough To Work'
posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Via Netscape : It looks as though walking to the car just won't cut it. Exercise 'must be tough to work'....
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Cheers.
If you love talking about training, make sure you check out the Gymchats. There's a full list of previous shows here.
This week :
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.
just joined us? try these
There are some incredible writers on the team here. To give you an idea, check out these posts :
DIY: How to Build an Olympic Weightlifting Platform
Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker
Building A Neck Of Steel
Mike 'The Machine' Bruce
Straight to the Grip Contest
Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson
A Little Yoke Work : 10 Exercises for a Bigger Neck
Scott Andrew Bird
29 Things to do with a Barbell in the Corner
Jason Kirby
Get Mental! The Psychology of Strength
Josh Hewett
Small Victories
Josh Hanagarne
If you enjoyed the articles above, check out the complete 'Best Of Straight to the Bar' list. And if you'd like to do some fitness writing yourself and submit your own piece, get in touch.
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.
what we're saying
And if you'd like to see the comments as soon as they arrive, you can grab the RSS feed here.
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.
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)
'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.
TACFIT Commando
TACFIT Commando is Scott Sonnon's deceptively simple bodyweight program, used with great success by a wide range of military and law enforcement personnel. Everyone from the Israeli Secret Intelligence Service to Firefighters.
Incorporating a wide range of instructional ebooks, daily journals, mission calendars and demonstration videos; this is the ideal way to learn a new set of physical skills. Regardless of your starting point.
To find out more, swing by :
Fantastic.
community
talking about If you tweet a lot about fitness and would love to be on this list, let me know.
giving
If you've been training for a while, gradually cleaning up your diet, no doubt you've experienced the amazing power of transformation. It's a tremendous feeling. If you're ready to give someone else a hand to transform their own lives - through education, sharing equipment, financial help - take a look at the full list of organisations on the Giving page. Cheers.
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.
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.
elsewhere
As you can see, we love talking about training. In addition to the conversations on here, in the Google+ Community, Twitter and so on are discussions on several other great fitness-focussed sites.
Check out :
- Josh Hewett : Fat Burning Ladder SuperSet Workout
- Al Kavadlo : STREET WORKOUT
- Diesel Crew : New Products: Grippin’ Window Decals
- Year of the Bear : Starting Strongman Program: Week 3
- Gains & Aesthetics : Motivational Video: Effort Is So Important (ft. CT Fletcher)
Of course, we're always on the lookout for new additions to this list. If you'd like to suggest a site you've come across personally (or perhaps one that you run), drop us a line.
checking out
The Keto Summit As the name suggests, the Keto Summit is a conference which takes a detailed look at ketosis and ketogenesis. If you've ever considered (or currently enjoy) a ketogenic diet, swing by.
Despite the wealth of information available - through dozens of talks taking a look at the area from all angles - it's free, and available entirely online. To find out more (and to sign up), swing by :
Read on »»
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.
This is a superb resource. With a focus on law enforcement personnel, it takes the form of a Facebook Group as well as one on one coaching sessions. Created by the incredible Jeff Wilson.
Mike Gillette explains the various ways to put the gymnastic rings to work - progressively - in Rings of Power. With clear emphases on both strength and rehabilitation, it's an ideal place to start.
Particularly those of us in the 'over 40' crowd.
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.
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.