Weightlifting technique is built off of cause and effect principles. Very simply put, when you push down, things move up. You push forwards, things move backwards. Unfortunately, we lose sight of basic ... Continue Reading
Are the Somatotypes Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph Relevant In Training?
Most athletes have heard about the three different somatotypes used to classify different body types. These include the terms ectomorph, mesomorph, and endormorph. Each somatotype ropes everyone into these ... Continue Reading
How 7 Elite Powerlifters and Weightlifters Warm Up for Squats
Every body is different, and the warmup that's perfect for one athlete can = be subpar for others. As one of the most challenging movements the body can perform, there are a lot of ways people approach ... Continue Reading
Is Being Strong Low Class?
What does a big, muscular body mean? Show a photo of a broad shouldered powerlifting type to ten people, and you’re likely to get ten different answers. Note that we said “big, muscular body,” which is ... Continue Reading
Should You Spend More Time Warming Up During Fall and Winter?
What's your warm-up look like? Any weathered strength athlete, or coach will push the importance of a quality warm-up. This is the strategic bout of time that a lifter takes prior to their programmed ... Continue Reading
Using Strongman to Build Mass: A 4-Week Hypertrophy Program
A love of the iron is often accompanied by a desire to increase the muscle mass on one’s frame. Ask most new trainees and eye popping muscles are one of the things that attracts them to the weight room. ... Continue Reading
7 Ways to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve (And Why You Should)
When talking about strength and wellness, you don’t hear a lot about nerves. You might be told that heavy lifting “jacks up” your central nervous system, but you don’t hear much about how you can ... Continue Reading
How to Make Strongman Your Day Job
Nearly everyone who has been bitten by the weightlifting bug has had the dream of making a living from it. Strongman athletes are no different. The desire to wake up and train, eat right and train some ... Continue Reading
Working Out vs. Training vs. Movement: What’s the Difference?
“How often do you work out?” is easily one of the most common questions I get from people, both on the internet and in person. My response to this question is, “I never work out; I train and I move.” In my ... Continue Reading
Marijuana and Lifting Weights: What the Science Suggests
As of June 30, 2021, there are 19 states in the US where recreational marijuana, aka cannabis, is legal. Medicinal marijuana or CBD oil is legal in an additional 28 states. According to a 2019 National ... Continue Reading
Can Sex Impact Your Lifting, Sports Performance, and Gains?
"Women weaken legs." — Micky, from the original Rocky movie The above quote comes from the original Rocky movie. I was watching it last night, and it got me thinking: Is Micky right? Could sex ... Continue Reading
The “Do”s and “Don’t”s of Critiquing a Stranger’s Lifting Form In the Gym
Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein and in the video are the authors and don’t necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been ... Continue Reading
Kinesiology Taping the Rotator Cuff
Kinesiology tape is used by many athletes to provide themselves with the perception of extra support and to assist with acute pain in various areas on the body. Tape's main purpose is to provide the body ... Continue Reading
Banded Face Pull Alternatives
Banded face pulls are a great exercise to increase posterior shoulder strength, scapular stability, and enhance external rotation, all of which are necessary for proper shoulder performance for strength, ... Continue Reading
Did You Know Some People Are Allergic to Exercise?
Yeah, you read that title correctly. Some gym-goers (both male & female) at a rate of about 50 out of 100,000, actually have a legitimate excuse to be conscious of their exercise rates and abilities. ... Continue Reading
Kinesiology Taping for IT Band
Kinesiology tape can be a useful tool to support prolonged performance. Tape's main function to guide the body's perception of support and pain through proprioceptive feedback we gain from its touch on the ... Continue Reading
Renegade Row Alternatives
In an earlier article we discussed the renegade row and all that it has to offer. Increased core stability, strength, back isolation, and scapular mobilization were just a few. In this article we will ... Continue Reading
6 Benefits of Renegade Rows
In previous articles we discussed the power of unilateral training, the importance of a strong core, and the role of the lats and spinal erectors lifting posture and performance. When looking for a ... Continue Reading
This Is Why You Should Only Do Bar Muscle-Ups On Straight Bars
Editor's Note: Before proceeding into this article, we want to give full disclosure that the video below isn't for the faint of heart. If injuries upset you, then we suggest not watching the video, or ... Continue Reading
Hylete Releases Workout Shoe With 3 “Interchangeable” Soles
It’s not quite as recognizable a name as Reebok or Nike, but Hylete have been making a name for themselves for functional workout gear since they were founded around five years ago. Perhaps best known for ... Continue Reading
17 Ways to Break Through a Stubborn Squat Plateau
The king of all lifts: the squat. A strong squat in strength sports is like owning a sports car in the real world. It's sought after by most, envied by many, and acts as somewhat of a social status ... Continue Reading
Inverted Row Alternatives
In an earlier article we discuss the inverted row and everything it has to offer. While the inverted row is a valuable training exercise for nearly every goal and athlete, varying one’s training could be a ... Continue Reading
8 Tips For Improving Your Rope Climb
What used to be a staple of 1970s gym classes has become a common test of gymnastic skill, coordination, upper body endurance, and grip strength for CrossFit Regionals and Games athletes. The rope climb ... Continue Reading
Kinesiology Taping for Hip Pain
Hip pain, whether chronic or acute, can be a troublesome problem for strength athletes. Lower body power and strength based movements are often heavily influenced by the hips, and their abilities to ... Continue Reading