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Bob Gajda, a renowned figure in the world of bodybuilding, was the original creator of the Tib Bar, which was first introduced as the DARD (Dynamic Axial Resistance Device) in the 1960s. He was the last Mr. Universe before the introduction of anabolic substances, beating a 19 year old Arnold Schwarzenegger. Gajda prioritised building muscle naturally, an old-school body builder who focused on building strength and increasing performance without the use of anobolic substances.
Decades before tibialis training became widely accepted, Gajda pioneered the importance of the anterior tibialis muscle, developing the first tib bar to strengthen this overlooked muscle. The Tib Bar was originally created to combat issues such as injuries involving knees, shins, ankles and feet.
What is the Tibialis?
The Tibialis, “tib”, anterior (front) tibialis or tibia is the front shin bone muscle. It is the first line of defence for knees, shins, ankles and feet. The tibialis is the first muscle engaged when walking, running, decelerating and jumping. Shin splints often occur due to weak Soleus and Tibialis muscles on the human body. The Soleus muscle on the calf, is the muscle that can produce the most force within the human body. However, neglecting the tibialis, especially in favor of focusing on the soleus and gastrocnemius calf muscles, can often lead to muscular imbalances that increase the risk of these injuries.
Without these two muscles, walking, running, jumping or standing would not be possible. The Tib Bar was originally created to protect against shin splints by training the muscles that are located on the front part of the shin. Specifically the tib bar is used to train for eversion, inversion and dorsiflexion. Eversion of the ankle is turning the foot outward, inversion of the ankle is turning the foot inwards and dorsiflexion of the ankle is the foot moving upwards towards the shin. Therefore, it is crucial to include tibialis training to ensure all functions of the lower body work in unity.
The Importance of Tibialis Training
Training the tibialis is especially vital for athletes, runners, and anyone looking to prevent injuries or improve lower-body performance. Many individuals focus heavily on training their calf muscles to strengthen their running stride, which is undoubtedly effective. However, overemphasis on the calves without addressing the tibialis can result in muscle imbalances, contributing to issues like shin splints or chronic ankle instability. The Tib Bar was created to fill this gap, offering a targeted way to strengthen the tibialis and reduce the risk of these common injuries.
Exercises like tibialis raises, which can be performed with a Tib Bar or by doing tibialis wall raises, are highly effective at strengthening this underdeveloped muscle. The general strength standard for tibialis training is 20% of body weight for 20 full-range reps in men and 16% of body weight for women. Incorporating tibialis exercises into your workout can lead to significant improvements in lower-body stability, reduced injury risk, and even relief from chronic conditions like knee pain and ankle injuries.
Checkout out this original sketch of the first Tib Bar, designed by Bob Gajda.
Customer Testimonials: Real Results from Tib Bar Users
Many of our Tib Bar customers have shared remarkable success stories, from recovering from chronic knee pain to overcoming ankle injuries. Strengthening the tibialis and balancing lower-leg muscles can be life-changing, particularly for those who suffer from frequent lower-body injuries. Proper tibialis training, whether with a Tib Bar or through alternative exercises, helps improve overall lower-leg function, ensuring a healthier, more resilient foundation for movement. Check out some of our reviews here from real customers that have seen really astonishing results.
By addressing these often-overlooked muscles, you're setting yourself up for long-term success and injury prevention.