I’m constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you’re looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you’ll enjoy these :

• Gem From The Vault : 8 Glasses of Water Per Day?
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Maybe.
  

• Looking At : Nov 17, 2024 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 : Estimating Your VO2max (BBC Click)

Interesting device. (And I suspect that a lot more people would find out their approximate VO2max once they see how simple it can be.)

Gymchat 278 – TBA

We’re still finalising the details for this week’s discussion. I’ll post them on the blog (and X, 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 166 we discussed How Do You…IV with Everyone. Great conversation.
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.

Checking Out : Modular Pillow (Set Of Custom Pillows)

Interesting idea. The Modular Pillow (pillows, really) is a collection of purposely shaped pillows that hold you in an ideal sleeping position. Unusual idea certainly, though I’m keen to test it out. A little video :
The Modular Pillow.

Tip of the Week : Finding a Personal Trainer

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via X (Formerly `Twitter`), the blog; and the newsletter. Wherever you are, there’s always a way to improve what you’re doing.

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When it comes to getting a fitness professional who’s going to help you clarify and reach your goals, finding one is half the battle. Offering a couple of suggestions in that area is Total Transformation’s John Kaiser, who’s had more than a little experience himself. Nice one. Over to John.
From the article Eliminating the Lug Nuts: How to Find a Good Trainer, a few thoughts :

Get the Digits. Step one, ask your trainer for references that you can contact. Step two, contact those references. It is amazing how many people miss step two–apparently asking for references only as a bluff. When you call the list of references, ask about their results. Where did they start and how far has he taken them? Did their hard work combined with his training know-how pay off? Has he been reliable and professional? Good trainers get results; lug nuts only get your money. One Size Fits All. Is the nutrition/training sheet your trainer gives you just a black and white copy–the same one he hands out to all his clients? Or does she/he give you a personalized workout and nutrition plan? You are paying for a personalized approach, so make sure you get it! Good Trainers Personalize, Bad Trainers Xerox Can’t we All Just get Along? There is nothing worse than putting down several hundred dollars on a personal trainer only to find that the two of you can’t get along. So pay for a few individual sessions (even if it costs a bit more). This will give you an opportunity to get to know the trainer, see how he runs his shop, and strike up a rapport. You aren’t auditioning him/her for the role of best friend, but you should expect a certain level of professionalism. A good trainer is always professional

Good stuff.

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 : A Gathering of Old-Time Favourites

A recent comment from Bud prompted this brief list of some of the older exercises I occasionally use. Bathiak : As with the Dand, Matt Furey has remarketed this one as a ‘Hindu Squat‘. These have been used with great success by wrestlers and martial artists for centuries. Even Louie Simmons has been known to do a sumo-stance version. Bradford Press : Named for former US Heavyweight lifter Jim Bradford, this is a great way to hit the shoulders in their entirety. And you thought an Overhead Press was fun. Dand : This is what Matt Furey refers to as a ‘Hindu Push-up‘, and is often confused with the slightly different Dive Bomber Push-up. This is only one of many push-up varieties I occasionally employ; though certainly one of my favourites. Hack Squat : If you’ve only ever performed these using a Hack Squat machine, try the deceptively simple barbell version. The original and best. Handstand push-up : If you’re a Jackie Chan fan you may have seen him do this once or twice (from memory, there’s a good scene in Rumble in the Bronx that shows it off). Exactly what it sounds like. Jefferson Lift : Although the origins of the name are unknown (to me at least), the exercise itself is fantastic. Essentially a deadlift with the bar held between the legs. Neck Bridge : Also well-loved by wrestlers and martial artists. This one is somewhat controversial, and possibly better put in the ‘advanced‘ category. Once again Matt Furey has tried to rename it and sell it as his, but there you have it. Neider Press : Another one with uncertain origins (although shotput champion Bill Neider seems the most likely source), this is used by boxers (it simulates a punching action) and powerlifters alike. The plate version is also fun. One-armed chin-up : Also in the ‘exactly what it sounds like‘ camp – and exceedingly difficult – is this wonderful exercise. There is a progression, but it’s a long one. Zercher Squat : One of strongman Ed Zercher’s great legacies. Often performed incorrectly (it’s not a comfortable one), it’s a squat with the bar held low, and in front of the body; in the crook of the elbows. Beautifully painful. Zottman Curl : Another legendary strongman, another great exercise. This is a bicep curl with a twist – and your forearms will thank you for it.

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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.

Fitness Reading/Listening For The Week : ‘The Future Is Now : Unveiling the Power of Regenerative Medicine’ (by Dr Mark Fedorczyk)

It’ll come as no surprise that we discuss a lot of fitness-related books, courses & podcasts; on this site as well as the various networks noted in the sidebar. Dr Mark Fedorczyk’s ‘The Future Is Now : Unveiling the Power of Regenerative Medicine’explores a fascinating area – that of the various types of stem cells, and typical (and potential) uses. Dive in. Incidentally, I’m always looking to add to the ‘books to read‘ list. If you’ve come across something which you’d love everyone else to check out, drop me a line. There’s also a list of our all-time fitness suggestions over there. Dive on in.