Gem From The Vault : The Hack Squat
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
Wonderful exercise.Looking At : Aug 15, 2021
Scott Andrew Bird | Follow @scottbird
What’s been going on this week? Quite a lot actually.
Over to you. I’d love to hear what you think : leave your comments on the above articles, and share them with your friends/colleagues/clients and so on.
NB : If you’re keen to do a little fitness writing and would like to submit your own piece for Straight to the Bar, get in touch.
Video : Eight Sleep’s Huge Software Update – Sleep OS & Autopilot Mode (Katie Type A)
I love tracking health & fitness as much as possible – particularly when it comes to sleep. Katie obviously shares this obsession, and her video on the updated 8 Sleep Pro software (above) dives deep into this wonderful area. Incidentally, if you just want a look at the 8 Sleep cover itself, her earlier video (same channel) afford a thorough look : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55ymWXBvybI .
Gymchat 278 – TBA
We’re still finalising the details for this week’s discussion. I’ll post them on the blog (and Twitter, Facebook etc) shortly. In the meantime, take a look at some of the previous episodes of the show – (there’s an example below, and a full list here). And if you’ve got any questions or comments on the various topics discussed, we’d love to hear them. Just leave a note below the video.Previously : In Gymchat 251 we discussed Gaining Maximum Functional Muscle Mass, with Performing Strongman Bud Jeffries, and Personal Trainer & Strength Athlete Josh Hewett. Great conversation.
If you missed the live stream (or just want to go over a particular point again), you’ll find the entire video here. NB : if you’d like to take part in a future episode – either as an interviewee, or as a guest host – just drop us a line. Love hearing how everyone else trains.
Ever Tried Kettlebells?
If you've seen people using them but never taken the plunge yourself, here are the ones I use personally. You can also pick up a book/DVD/course if you want to learn how to put them to work.
Checking Out : UpCore (Posture Device)
Interesting combination. Although I’m somewhat skeptical of its abilities, the UpCore is certainly an intriguing device. A posture alignment harness for the upper back, paired with a little EMS for the supporting muscles. (Personally, I’d prefer to tackle these muscles separately; but then I’m partial to a little back work.) It’s controlled via a companion smartphone app, which enables the range of customization and tracking features you’d expect. A little video to show you what I mean :The UpCore.
Tip of the Week : Planche Nugget
Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via Twitter, the blog; and the newsletter. Wherever you are, there’s always a way to improve what you’re doing.Noticed this nugget on the Bodyweight Culture Forums, in a discussion on the Planche :
The skill is very simple to describe but hard to do. Here we go:Nice one.If you can roll the wheel with straight arms down to the point where the wheel will touch your pubis (lower front of hipbone) and bring it back up to the pushup position, you should hurry and take Paul Hamm’s spot in the Olympics.
- Take the ab-wheel.
- Get into a pushup position while holding an ab wheel.
- Now instead of rolling it toward your head, roll it toward your feet and back.
Unlock Your Hips, Unlock Your Squat
I get a lot of questions regarding the impact of ‘unlocking your hips‘ on heavy squatting. Rick Kaselj goes into it in plenty of detail in the ‘Unlock Your Hip Flexors‘ program; and I’ve also posted a brief video below which demonstrates/explains some of the exercises.
Both (working with Ryan, and Rick’s program) are highly recommended. And as always, we love hearing your feedback – if you sample any of the above exercises or the ‘Unlock Your Hip Flexors‘ program, we’d love to hear about it.
Exercises of the Week : Some Great Kettlebell Exercises
<
Via Rif’s Blog : Dynamo Sambo‘s Vadim Kolganov demonstrates some great kettlebell exercises. If you’re looking to vary your kettlebell training a little, take a look at this.
Incidentally, if you’d like to get in touch regarding this or any other aspect of strength, you can contact me here. Look forward to hearing from you.