Where It All Began

posted by Scott Andrew Bird
Filed in : Articles
Tags : history

Today marks the 8th anniversary of Straight to the Bar (the first post was Re-Entering the World of Fitness), and to say I'm grateful is an understatement. Thank you for all of the comments, techniques, ideas and inspiration.
As examples of all of the above (and to show just how transformative a regular dose of training can be), here are just a few of the many stories we've shared here over the years. How the journey really began.

as well as a brief look at my own transformation.

Want more? No problem. We'll be publishing a few more of these stories over the next few months (and if you'd like to add yours, just let me know); a spot of inspiration for everyone who's just getting started. And if you are, welcome.

It really will change your life.

Scott Andrew Bird is a writer, photographer and a guy who just loves this stuff. He's been at home in front of a computer for more years than he cares to remember (OK, 29) and is now making amends for years of many mistakes noted in the recent De-constructing computer guy articles (part 2) on T-Nation.

Stalkers may wish to track his every move via Twitter or Google+; everyone else is cordially invited to hop over to his online home. Enjoy.

Like this? Check out some of the other articles by Scott Andrew Bird :

For a full list, head over to the author page for Scott Andrew Bird.

NB : if you'd like to join the writing team here and share your own thoughts on strength-training, get in touch. Look forward to hearing from you.

Got the Gear?

For more information on the equipment mentioned above, take a look at :

Bending (Nails, Horseshoes)
Clubs & Maces
Grippers
Kettlebells
Resistance Bands
Ropes (Climbing/Dragging, Battling Ropes)
Sandbags
Sledgehammers
Suspension Training

And for the full list, swing by the Straight to the Bar Store. Perfect.

Want more? Grab the Newsletter.

As you can doubtless see, I love talking about training. Becoming stronger, bigger and faster; using any number of styles and techniques.

If you share this passion, grab the newsletter. Absolutely free.

Over to you. Leave a comment below, or send us a tweet :

Follow @scottbird

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what we're saying

images of strength

Want to see (and learn) more Feats of Strength like this? They're all here.

latest articles

Scott Bird. Artwork by Vince Palko. Welcome. Here you’ll find everything that grunts, groans and ticks in the world of strength training. To give you an idea, here are the most recent articles on the site :

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

eating well

Scott Bird. Artwork by Vince Palko. There are also a number of superb articles on this site from the world of nutrition. A few recent posts :

If you enjoyed these, check out the complete Diet & Nutrition collection. Some superb reading in there.

also learning from

join the discussion

Straight to the Bar is very much an interactive website. In addition to the articles here, there are a number of ways to share your passion with other lovers of the iron :

Seen something cool? Send us a tweet
Discuss it in the forums
Join the Gymchats on Google+.
Vote for stories on StumbleUpon & Facebook
Add training and comp pics to the Flickr group
Submit articles on styles and techniques
Subscribe to the tutorial videos on youtube

Incidentally, for updates whenever new articles are published (as well as lots of other top strength-related stuff), follow me on twitter :

Follow @scottbird

the team

There are some superb writers here, looking at the world of strength training from a number of angles. The regulars :

Scott Bird (@scottbird)
Writer and Fitness enthusiast

NB : It's a big team - full list here.

In addition, articles are submitted from across the globe. Got a piece you'd like to share? Let us know.

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elsewhere

In addition to the articles on this site are a number I've written elsewhere. Including :

reading

Want more? Try these :

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 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.

Functional Correction Manual

If you ever wake up with that 'just run over by a truck' feeling, you need a copy of Tim Hull's Functional Correction Manual. Not only will it help you to locate and repair the problem, it'll help prevent it happening in the future.

Superb book.

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.

101 Fitness Myths [Kindle Edition]

A superb combination of fitness mythbusting and no-nonsense advice. If you're not quite sure where to start, grab this.

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.

And if you're a strength coach or personal trainer, check out the books Derek found invaluable when setting up his (commercial) gym. Fantastic place.

Over to you. What are you reading right now?