It’s Fine, You Can Lift in Running Shoes
Maybe this is just me being Extremely Online, but whenever I see someone squatting in running shoes, a comment section goes off in my head. “Ditch the shoes!” “You’ll hurt…
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…
When You Need to Do ‘Activation Exercises’ (and When You Don’t)
“Activation” exercises are often recommended at the beginning of workouts. You might get the idea—whether from random TikToks or from a trainer you pay for their expertise—that activations are necessary…
The Best Home Gym Equipment for Under $100
I recently shared the best cheap purchases for your gym bag. Now it’s time to cover the best home workout gear that costs under $100. These are things you can…
How Long You Should Rest Between Sets
A typical strength- or muscle-building workout happens in sets. You lift the weight a certain number of times (“reps”), then you put it down for a quick rest before going…
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…
No, Light Weights and Heavy Weights Can’t Give You the Same Workout
In the world of exercise, variety abounds. You can lift light weights, or heavy weights, or no weights at all. You can run fast, or run slow, or strap on…
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…
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…