Straight to the Bar Archives : Tips

Recently in Tips

Total Fitness Bodybuilding Video Chat (Lee Hayward)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : bodybuilding, diet, Training Concepts & Strategies

Another great Q&A series - this time with the incredible Lee Hayward.

Learning How To Program, 5/3/1, Managing A Gym (Alan Thrall)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : Training Concepts & Strategies

Great information Alan.

Pivot Blocks, and Fixing The Good Morning Squat (Alan Thrall)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : powerlifting, Training Concepts & Strategies

Great information Alan.

AlphaDestiny Q&A (Alex Leonidas)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : Training Concepts & Strategies

There's some great information in these videos.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Fasting (Jimmy Moore on Health Theory)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : cancer, diet, intermittent fasting, low-carb, nutrition

Very interesting discussion.

A Brain Boosting Breakfast for Low Carb Diets (Max Lugavere)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : low-carb, paleo

I get a lot of questions about low-carb diets in general (notably Paleo), and this answers one of the more common ones - how to begin the day.

Why Sleep is More Important Than Diet (Shawn Stevenson on Health Theory)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : diet, sleep

Love it.

Meathead Meal Prep (Brian Shaw)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : diet, nutrition, strongman

Interesting look at some of the regular meal prep (the meat) for a competing Strongman.

100 Push Ups A Day (THENX)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : calisthenics

Great way to get a few push-ups in.

Using DIY Strongman Equipment with Clients (Alan Thrall)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : DIY, sled dragging, strongman, Training Concepts & Strategies, truck pull

Very interesting area (and yes, I agree entirely).

How To Properly Train To Lose Fat (Omar Isuf)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : fat loss, Training Concepts & Strategies

Great information.

AutoRegulation & RPE (Silent Mike)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : measurement, Training Concepts & Strategies

Interesting area.

Bench Press Tips (Silent Mike)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : bench press

I love these videos - examining form and discussing possible improvements.

A Guide To Your First Powerlifting Meet (Alan Thrall)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : powerlifting, Training Concepts & Strategies

Great explanation.

"How Many Calories Should I Consume?" (Jordan Feigenbaum)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : diet

Nice one.

Training Older People with ZERO Experience

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : powerlifting, still got it, Training Concepts & Strategies

Nice one.

Hosting A Strongman Competition

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : fitness business, strongman

Nice one Alan.

How To Start Calisthenics

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : calisthenics

Very interesting suggestions.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting, Daily (Josh Hewett)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : diet, Fasting & Caloric Restriction, intermittent fasting

How and why Josh fasts. Incidentally - I do it the same way, for the same reasons.

15 Planche Progressions (Barstarzz)

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : bodyweight, gymnastics

Wonderful information. Love it.

How to Muscle Up

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : bodyweight, calisthenics, tutorial

Fantastic tutorial.

The Best Way To Grip The Human Flag

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : bodyweight, calisthenics

Nice one Ed.

600lb Deadlift Technique

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : deadlift

Nice one Omar.

Assistance Exercises and the Spectrum Of Specificity

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : Training Concepts & Strategies

Nice one Alan.

How To Hook Grip

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Tags : deadlift, Olympic Weightlifting

Fairly painless if done correctly.

NB : if you're looking for something specific, use the search box (top of the page) or drop us a line. And if you're happily browsing around, here's a list of all the categories and tags we use on the site :

Cheers.

The Gymchats with Josh Hewett. Talking about strength, every week.

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 : In addition to leave a comment or two beneath the articles themselves, come and join us over on Google+ to see what else we're talking about.

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?

'Do It With Hewett.'

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.

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 :

And there's also the full list of the fitness-focused books and DVDs we've looked at over the years : Reading

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.

reading : Ferocious Fitness (Phil Ross, Marty Gallagher)

Ferocious Fitness.

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.

giving

Straight to the Bar Team on Kiva.

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.

daily newsletter

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.

love your grip work?

Check out The Grip Authority. Fantastic site.

want to help out?

Sign in here. Photo by Robert Bejil ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/robnas/ ).

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

On the Lookout 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 : Occlusion Training with BFR Straps – Blood Flow Restriction for Size & Recovery
Al Kavadlo : Air Baby Tutorial
Dictated Journeys Of A Personal Trainer : My caloric goal achieved using the s health app on my phone
Gains & Aesthetics : In a rut with your routine? Tips to get motivated again

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 Rogue Fitness Sandbags

These look great - heavy, configurable sandbags. The video (Alan Thrall) will show you a great way to use them - in place of Atlas stones.

The Rogue Fitness Sandbags.

Read on »»

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 'Napalm' 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.

The New Primal Blueprint

Confused about what to eat, how much to eat; even when to eat? This book will help you get the most out of your food plan. Superb.

Rings of Power

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.

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.

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.

Just Joined Us? Try These.

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 these, check out the complete 'Best Of Straight to the Bar' list. Fantastic.

Converters and Calculators.

Before you start your fitness journey, it's important to measure a few things.

Here's how.

Wherever You Are, We Are.

In addition to the main site, you can share your strength-training passion with a like-minded community on :

Wherever you like to hang out, get your regular dose of strength. Straight to the Bar.

all things strength

Recently in Tips

Categories

Tags

what we're saying

just joined us? try these

ready to get in shape?

setting up a home gym?

images of strength

gift buying guide

strength calendar

reading : Ferocious Fitness (Phil Ross, Marty Gallagher)

community

giving

daily newsletter

love your grip work?

want to help out?

in the wild

the future of fitness

leave it in the ground

elsewhere

checking out

Just Joined Us? Try These.

Converters and Calculators.

Wherever You Are, We Are.