The Right Ways to Load and Unload a Barbell
Loading a bar is easy, right? You just put the plates on; and at the end of the workout, you take the plates off. But if you’ve ever stood befuddled…
My Favorite Fitness Gear Under $100
Fitness gear can be expensive. Whether it’s running shoes, a smartwatch, or a couple of nice sports bras, it’s easy to spend a lot preparing for your workout. But not…
How to Choose the Best Weightlifting Straps
Lifting straps are an essential gym bag item if you do any serious amount of deadlifting or pulling exercises. (And no, straps aren’t cheating if you know when to use…
All the Different Bars at the Gym, Explained
The first step in lifting a barbell is loading weight plates onto the bar. At some gyms, there’s only one type of bar, and it weighs 45 pounds, and that’s…
Your Training ‘Week’ Doesn’t Have to Be Seven Days Long
How many days are in your training week? If you’re like most of us, seven. But this is because we are tools, creatures of habit, small-minded folks who cannot conceive…
What to Do With a Trap Bar in the Gym
Dumbbells and regular barbells are great, but if you’ve been ignoring that large hexagonal thing in the corner, it’s now time to make its acquaintance. The “hex bar” or “trap…
You Should Be Paying Attention to Those Smooth Rings on the Barbell
Look closely at your barbell the next time you’re in a gym. Much of the surface is roughed up with a diamond pattern. This is called the knurling, and it…
For Fuck’s Sake Please Stop Swinging Light Kettlebells
The kettlebell swing is a good exercise. It works your hamstrings and butt, it improves your grip, and it’s explosive—a quality that a lot of at-home exercises lack. But too…
You’re Probably Lifting Half As Much As You Should
It won’t be news to longtime Lifehacker readers, but a recent study confirms that a lot of us are likely training with weights that are too light. Coach and author…
Try These Exercises Instead of Hip Thrusts
Hip thrusts are a great exercise if you want to work on your glutes (aka butt muscles). We even recommended them in 2019 as the best butt exercise you’re not…