We’ve all been there before: You’ve got a big workout coming up. Maybe you’re going to try to hit some big PRs, or maybe you’re starting a new training cycle, or maybe you’ve just been dealing with some ... Continue Reading
4 Benefits of Weighted Pull-Ups
In this article we will discuss the weighted pull-up and the specific benefits that it offers strength, power, and fitness athletes in regards to back development overall performance. In an earlier article ... Continue Reading
Weighted Pull-Ups Alternatives
In this article, four alternatives to the weighted pull-up will be discussed, each with video demonstrations. In an earlier article we discussed the benefits and purpose of the weighted pull-up, which are ... Continue Reading
Op-Ed: Why You (Yes, You) Should Be Doing Olympic Weightlifting
We think it’s pretty safe to say that by now, we all know strength training is good for you. Even mainstream gymgoers will typically agree that while, yes, cardio can be a great way to improve your health, ... Continue Reading
4 Benefits of L-Sit Pull-Ups
In an earlier article we discussed the l-sit pull-up in great detail, discussing the distinct challenges they pose to individuals adding them to their workouts. This advanced exercise is a combination of a ... Continue Reading
4 Benefits of Jumping Pull-Ups
In this article we will discuss the jumping pull-up, a bodyweight exercise we discussed in a previous article that went over everything you needed (and wanted) to learn about the the movement. In the below ... Continue Reading
8 Hanging Knee Raise Alternatives
In a previous article we discussed the hanging knee raise and why it is responsible for abdominal development, gymnastics and bodyweight skills and movement, and enhancing core strength and ... Continue Reading
5 Strength Athletes Who Hit 50+ Reps On the 225 lb Max Bench Test
Author's Note: This article is intended to be a fun and lighthearted celebration of strength. None of these strength athletes are in a formal testing environment, nor are their guidelines for their bench ... Continue Reading
The 5 Biggest Myths About Strongman
“It’s just fat guys lifting rocks. Right?” That’s the typical response I get when I speak with someone unfamiliar with the sport of strongman. After suppressing a small bit of rage, it becomes my duty ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of Hanging Knee Raises
In this article we will discuss the training benefits of the hanging knee raise, which can be done to increase muscular development of the abdominal muscles, strengthen the core, and help to increase ... Continue Reading
Under the Weather? Consider These Tips Before Hitting the Gym
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and when friends come calling… they’re probably sick. Seriously, it’s like an epidemic: April showers might bring May flowers, but you can count on cold November ... Continue Reading
5 Strength Training “Rules” You Can Completely Ignore
Health and fitness are fields that are meant to be firmly rooted in science, but that doesn’t prevent a lot of myths, misconceptions, and lies from circulating the industry — and interfering with your ... Continue Reading
A History of Stone Lifting and Strongman
Since the dawn of time, man has substituted athletic competition for fighting as a means to safely determine group structure and organization. Running, throwing, and lifting have been the basis for ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of Muscle Cleans
The muscle clean is an Olympic weightlifting clean variation that can help all level lifters develop greater upper body pulling strength, balance in the leg drive of the pull, and proper racking ... Continue Reading
Why Every CrossFit® Gym Needs a Cable Crossover Machine
A piece of equipment usually reserved for the $10/month gym, the cable crossover machine has a spot in any functional fitness setting. The ability to focus in on strengthening individual muscle groups and ... Continue Reading
Glute Ham Raises Alternatives
Glute ham raises are an exercise that can be used in most strength, power, and fitness programs to increase muscle hypertrophy and endurance of the glutes, hamstrings, and posterior chain muscles. ... Continue Reading
The Top 10 Most Searched Workouts of 2017 (Strength Sports Made It Twice)
There's no doubt that 2017 has been a big year for strength sports. The fitness industry as a whole seems to be at a transitional point where a majority of gym-goers are finally starting to recognize that, ... Continue Reading
4 Benefits of Z Press
In an earlier article we discussed the Z Press and the wide array of benefits that can come from performing such a functional and movement-challenging exercise. In that article, we also went over the ... Continue Reading
PR Like a Pro: The Best Way to Test Your 1-RM
I received a question from a reader earlier this week: what’s the best way to test a one-rep max? If you follow me on social media, you know I love good questions, and this is a great one, because ... Continue Reading
Landmine Press Alternatives
The landmine press is a unique exercise that can build strength, core stability, scapular control, and general body awareness necessary for strength, power, and fitness sports. Additionally, it can be used ... Continue Reading
BarBend’s 25 Days of Gifting Giveaways!
This year has been big one for us at BarBend, and we're incredibly grateful for our readers who make it all possible. In spirit of the holiday season and to give back to those who support us, we've put ... Continue Reading
5 Ways I Maintain Strength During a Weight Cut
There is a misconception that if you are dieting, you are bound to lose strength in your beloved lifting. This assumption is not necessarily valid. Here are a few things you can do while dieting down ... Continue Reading
5 Benefits of Tuck Jumps
In an earlier article we discussed the tuck jump, a plyometric bodyweight exercise that can be used to increase power output, increase caloric/energy expenditure in circuits, and increase athleticism. In ... Continue Reading
9 Steps For Improving Your Toes To Bar (Plus Why You’ll Want To)
From crunches and sit-ups, to planks and toe touches, there are endless ways to work the abs. But it’s the upper abs and obliques that tend to get all the love from the most popular ab exercises. While the ... Continue Reading