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
Olympic Weightlifting or Calisthenics? Why You Should Do BOTH!
Olympic weightlifting and calisthenics: at a glance, they may seem like disciplines on complete opposite sides of the strength training spectrum. One involves lifting an external object through space, and ... Continue Reading
How Finger Length and Hand Size Relate to Grip Strength & Athleticism
The body has some pretty unique ways of telling us things about ourselves. For example, there are various areas of research that have made suggestions about our motor abilities, cognitive function, and ... Continue Reading
Prowler Push Alternatives
The simple act of pushing loads across the floor using the legs, core, and upper body as one that demands the utmost strength, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular fitness, no matter who you are. In ... Continue Reading
Who Are the Strongest Women in Strongman?
The sport of strongwoman is one that is slowly garnering more attention. It isn’t on the same level of visibility as the men’s version, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t any less competitive. The athletes ... Continue Reading
Sled Push Alternatives
Let’s suppose you find yourself eager to get started with sled pushes, yet find yourself without a sled. While this can easily be avoided by investing in any of the sleds for a few bucks, sometimes you ... Continue Reading
How Muscular Athletes Can Still Find Great Fitting Clothes
Every lifter will encounter two certainties as they progress through their strength career. First, there's the certainty that one's muscles are growing, their health is improving, and a lifelong iron ... Continue Reading
How Using Atlas Stones Can Benefit Almost Every Type of Athlete
The Atlas Stones are often regarded as one of the signature events in the World's Strongest Man contest. They’re typically the final event of strongman competitions, and this event often determines the ... Continue Reading
Kinesiology Taping for Posture
Strength athletes generally understand that kinesiology tape serves its main purpose in the gym and for recovery, but where else can kinesiology tape help? What about at the office and throughout your day? ... Continue Reading
Chains & Bands Are the Secret to Stronger Front Squats
The front squat is a popular squat variation to develop leg and overall strength. For some athletes, the front squat is a slightly more challenging squat variation, and with the usage of band/chains, then ... Continue Reading
How to Stop Your Knees Caving In When You Squat
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, ... Continue Reading
Why Saunas Can Build Muscle, Boost Endurance, and Increase Strength
Why do so many people purposely seek out the discomfort of saunas? Think about it. The climate in a sauna is repulsively hot, often over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 percent humidity. Sweat immediately ... Continue Reading
The Jerk Dip – Exercise Guide and Benefits
When we think about the jerk, we envision driving the barbell overhead, but this is only half of the equation. A successful jerk is dependent upon a stable and efficient dip: one where the lifter maintains ... Continue Reading
Medicine Ball Slam Alternatives
Core strength is key to nearly everything we do as humans. Whether running, jumping, lifting, or twisting, a strong and stable core is key. For athletics (and those looking for a leaner midsection), ... Continue Reading
Glenn Pendlay Explains the History Behind the Pendlay Row
The Pendlay Row is one of the most popular barbell rowing variations for strength athletes. It's a variation of the bent over row, but with a double overhand grip, and a stricter alignment of the hips and ... Continue Reading
Wall Ball Exercise Alternatives
Wall balls are a popular movement seen in functional fitness competitions, WODs, and everyday fitness. Squat patterning and increased work capacity are two benefits of performing such an exercise (less ... Continue Reading
The Hyperextension: How To Target Your Glutes And Hamstrings
The hyperextension is an appropriate assistance movement to aid in building posterior chain strength for the squat and deadlift. The hyperextension can be used in virtually any program that has a focus on ... Continue Reading
Ring Dips Alternatives and Scaling Options
The ring dip requires joint stability, proprioception, and strength; all of which are not something many beginners walk into the gym possessing. While ring dips may be at the top of a beginning athlete’s ... Continue Reading