Welcome to Straight to the Bar
If you’ve just joined us, welcome. Here you’ll find everything that grunts, groans and ticks in the world of strength training. In short, this site is the home of all things strength.
Incidentally, this site’s been helping people become fitter, healthier and stronger since January 2004. If you’ve just joined us, I highly recommend subscribing to the weekly Strength & Fitness Newsletter (part of the Strength Kit), which contains details of new posts on the site, freshly-minted video demonstrations & tutorials, details of upcoming Gymchats and a whole lot more.
And yes, it’s absolutely free.
To help get you started, here are a few of our most recent posts. And if you want to dive in to a particular area. check out the ‘Start Here‘ page above. Enjoy.
ABLEFIT (Breath Trainer)
The ABLEFIT is a device for training your breath, with variable resistance just like the rest of your workout.
How to Use ChatGPT to Make GAINS in Muscle and Strength (Dr Jacob Goodin)
I was chatting to someone yesterday about the use of something like ChatGPT to generate workouts & nutrition plans, versus the use of personal trainers and dieticians.
This video explains (and demonstrates, so you can see the exact prompts) the ‘ChatGPT workout & diet’ side of things.
Looking At : Aug 20 2023
This Week On Straight To The Bar…
Fitness Reading/Listening For The Week : ‘Paging Dr. Gupta’ (by Dr Sanjay Gupta)
Paging Dr. Gupta is a wonderful look at the process of performing surgeries in incredibly harrowing circumstances. Love it.
Kneeflow (Massage Therapy Device For The Knee)
The Kneeflow is a massage therapy device which combines soft massage airbags, infrared light and heat therapy.
Very interesting combination.
Why Alex Honnold Stopped Climbing Without Ropes (Dusted)
Great mini-biography of Alex Honnold.
Looking At : Aug 13 2023
This Week On Straight To The Bar…
Fitness Reading/Listening For The Week : ‘Migraine: Inside a World of Invisible Pain’ (by Maria Konnikova)
Migraine: Inside a World of Invisible Pain is a fascinating look at this incredibly mysterious area – its history, possible workings, variations and treatments.
As for exercise as a potential therapeutic, well, I’ll let Maria explain.
Qstoves ElectriQ (Electric Pizza Oven)
I must admit, when I get hold of one of these I’ll likely be combining my obsession of outdoor training with a love of pizza. Suspect I’m not alone in that.
What actually ARE muscle cramps? (Medlife Crisis)
I was talking to a friend last night and they asked about muscle cramps – what they are, and how to prevent them. If you’re curious about those things yourself, watch this.
Wonderful explanation of the two main theories, and the research surrounding them.