Welcome to Straight to the Bar

Scott Bird. Artwork by Vince Palko.
Yes, I love the deadlift.
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.


There have been some superb articles posted on this site over the years (my favourites are listed here), as well as training logs, product reviews, forum discussions and of course the gymchats. It's really been (and continues to be) an incredible ride.

Before we dive in to the list itself, a quick word on the content : while it's quality stuff, there's a lot of it. Feel free to pick out your favourites, bookmark them, add them to Instapaper/Evernote/Pinboard; Stumble them and share them with your friends. Dive in.

And now for the articles themselves. Enjoy.


Gymchat 169 - Recovery Foods

What do you eat after a gruelling session?

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Gymchats (formerly twitterchats)

Chas Melichar
Chas Melichar.
Quick reminder : we've noted a number of forms of recovery over the years - everything from sleep to the various forms of 'active recovery'. In this week's Gymchat we'll be taking a look at the nutritional side of things; the various foods and drinks to consume (and when) which help keep your post-workout soreness to a minimum. And naturally, if you've got any questions on your own nutritional needs, we'll be more than happy to go through as many as possible. Join us for Gymchat 169 - Recovery Foods.

Looking At : May 13, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Weekly summary

Binoculars at Echo Point
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.

Gymchat 168 - Workout Nutrition II

What do you eat, why and when?

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Gymchats (formerly twitterchats)

Maik Wiedenbach
Maik Wiedenbach.
Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be returning to a critical area that's often overlooked (or at the very least, not given a great deal of thought); the various things we consume before/during/after our time in the gym. Maik will help to clarify what particular types of foods do during these periods, why and how. And naturally, if you've got any questions on your own nutritional needs, we'll be more than happy to go through as many as possible. Join us for Workout Nutrition II.

Looking At : May 6, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Weekly summary

Binoculars at Echo Point
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.

Quael dich, du Sau! (Talent Alone Means Nothing!)

The value of putting in the work.

Maik Wiedenbach
Filed in : Articles

5724414.jpgWhat plays a bigger role in lifting, genes or hard work?

Gymchat 167 - Setting Up the Home Gym

Train just the way you like.

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Gymchats (formerly twitterchats)

Andrew Nalepa
Andrew Nalepa.

Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be returning to our discussion on Training at Home - equipment & space required, sharing progress and getting feedback. The many ways to make the most of what's available. Join us for Setting Up the Home Gym.

Looking At : Apr 29, 2012

What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Weekly summary

Binoculars at Echo Point
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.

You Need More Drugs

My Review of Vasopro Xtreme Pre-Workout Supplement

Derek 'D-Rock' Peruo
Filed in : Diet and Nutrition

Vasopro, from Mega-Pro
Vasopro, from Mega-Pro

As a self-proclaimed professional caffeine junky, Vasopro Xtreme from Mega-Pro has a lot to live up to.

Gymchat 166 - How Do You...IV

What's your training like?

Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Gymchats (formerly twitterchats)

Whitehouse Gym, Truman Administration
Whitehouse Gym, Truman Administration.

Quick reminder : in this week's Gymchat we'll be returning to our discussion on training approaches, looking at the many, many ways we all do things. Join us for Use What's Around You, and tell us what's working there.

My Full Body Workout Routine

Why I Believe A Full Body Workout Routine is The Best Training Method

John Cammidge
Filed in : routines

Franco Columbu
Franco Columbu.
For those of you who read my last post will know I have been training for more than 10 years. In that time I have tried various workout routines and have certainly learnt a lot, I know what works well for me and what doesn't work so well.

Want more? No problem. Here's a list of some of my favourites from the past 7 years. Dive in.


Like to contribute something? I love hearing about how other people are training; if you’d like to write an article, record a video or tell us about a site you’ve discovered, get in touch.


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