Ah, the deadlift — a lift loved by many and loathed by some. The deadlift is simplistic in nature, but can become incredibly complex when things are not going swimmingly. Typically, the deadlift is more ... Continue Reading
The Fascinating Untold History of Powerlifting
To me, there is nothing more humbling than watching the powerlifters train in my local gym. Huddled around a barbell, sniffing ammonia, slapping each other's backs and violently screaming as they rip ... Continue Reading
Converse Chuck Taylor Review — Why Do Athletes Love Them?
The Converse Chuck Taylor has remained relatively unchanged for many years, and that's consistently grown this shoe's cult-like following. In fact, the only noticeable changes made on this shoe came after ... Continue Reading
How to Choose the Perfect Cross Training Shoe
Over the course of my two years here at BarBend, I've spent a ton of time reviewing, testing, and wearing the best cross training shoes on the market. After all of my reviews, I've learned two major things ... Continue Reading
When You Should Withdraw From Your Powerlifting Meet
You’re training for your upcoming powerlifting contest, and something happens: an illness, an injury, or an unexpected life event which impacts your training. And now, you’re stuck facing that dreaded, ... Continue Reading
JBL Under Armour True Wireless Flash Headphones Review
Headphones are one of the most important and subtle tools for multiple athletes' successes in the gym. Great wireless workout headphone are not cheap, and there are a ton of the market, so how do you ... Continue Reading
Two of the Most Popular Squat Cues That Need Rethinking
We hear the popular and broadly used squat cues time and time again that goes something like, "drive through your heels" or "sit back into the heels", and it's time they receive a rethink. In ... Continue Reading
The Best Resistance Band Accessories for Powerlifting
The biggest drawback to resistance bands is after a certain point, they will not get you stronger. They only come so thick and stretch so far before they snap. Ever had a band break and smack you? Not ... Continue Reading
Ascent Pre Workout Review – The Most Basic?
“Clean energy and hydration fuel” is the promise from Ascent, the all natural supplement company that has released a pre workout that’s remarkable in its simplicity. This is the first pre workout we’ve ... Continue Reading
Need Gear and Supplements? Check Out Onnit’s Massive Semi-Annual Sale
When sleuthing around the internet for new gear, there are few things greater than stumbling upon massive sales. If you're a fan of Onnit's products and saving money, then sleuth no more — Onnit's ... Continue Reading
Why Pulling Is An Underrated Cue for the Bench Press
If you're a strength training regular and love the bench press, then there's a good chance you've heard the cue "pull the bar apart" at least one time or another. This cue is thrown around a lot in ... Continue Reading
Benedikt Magnusson Wants to Pull 528kg At the World Deadlift Championships
Professional srongman fans and deadlift lovers, get ready. Things are starting to heat up as athletes prepare for this year's Giant's Live World Deadlift Championships taking place in Wembley, England on ... Continue Reading
The Best Foods and Supplements for Fighting Inflammation
Inflammation is a word that gets thrown around a lot, and it’s such a common phenomenon that it tends to get misused. Every other supplement “fights inflammation.” Sitting too much causes inflammation.(1) ... Continue Reading
Athletic Greens Whey Protein Review – Is Grass-Fed Better?
“The purest pasture raised whey on Earth” is the promise made by Athletic Greens for their 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein. Founded in 2010, Athletic Greens is best known for their greens supplement, which I ... Continue Reading
Can Turmeric Really Improve Your Workout Recovery?
Have you heard? Turmeric is spicing up the wellness and fitness world. Commonly known as a spice that’s used in many Asian and Indian dishes, turmeric has gained new-found fame in “wellness” drinks and ... Continue Reading
Does Intermittent Fasting Affect Women Differently Than Men?
Nobody is saying women are more delicate than men. But it’s possible that intermittent fasting affects men and women differently. We could do with a lot more research in this area and by no means is ... Continue Reading
How to Work Around a Rotator Cuff Injury
The shoulder is a shallow ball and socket joint that has the handy ability to move in multiple directions. This allows you to lift humongous weights, throw baseballs and footballs really hard, or throw ... Continue Reading
Squats and Deadlifts Are Not Enough to Build a Strong, Defined Core
How many times have you heard the phrase or the idea that squats and deadlifts are enough to build a strong core? More than likely you've heard this phrase at least once in your lifting career — and it's ... Continue Reading
3 Front Squat Tips From a Professional Powerlifter
When it comes to powerlifting, the squat, bench, and deadlift are king — but if that’s all you do in the gym, there’s a good chance you’ll end up either burnt out or just straight-up bored. I’ve written ... Continue Reading
3 Bottoms Up Kettlebell Exercises to Improve Lifting Technique
Holding a kettlebell bottoms-up is simple, but not easy. Rather than holding a kettlebell with the bell hanging below the hand, flip it upside down so the heavy portion sits above the handle and the horn ... Continue Reading
Under Armour Project Rock 1 Review
The Project Rock 1 is a high-top training shoe that was constructed by Under Armour with the help of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Of all the lifting and cross training shoes we've reviewed to date, the Under ... Continue Reading
The Untold History of Women in Strength Sports
Immersed in a cultural moment in which it may seem that strong women are more celebrated than ever, are women in fitness in fact bursting into weight rooms, packing on plates, cranking out sets, feeling ... Continue Reading
4 Tips for When You Love Lifting But You Live With Depression
(Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of advice and/or supervision from a medical professional. The opinions and articles on this site ... Continue Reading
8 Ways to Bust Through a Stubborn Bench Press Plateau
The bench press, one of the most beloved and frustrating lifts that can be performed in the gym. Barbell training journeys often start on the bench, and ironically, they often get stuck on the bench as ... Continue Reading