Back 40 Fitness

Can we normalize resting between sets? When did "working hard" become "never stop moving?" Some people finish a heavy set of squats, take three deep breaths, check one text, and jump right back under the bar. We get it. It feels productive. But if your goal is actually getting stronger...you might want to hang out for another minute or two. Here's what's happening behind the scenes. Your body has a few different ways of producing energy depending on what you're asking it to do. Heavy lifts (think squats, deadlifts, heavy presses) mostly rely on your "quick burst" energy system. It's designed...

Can we make a case for the least exciting piece of equipment in the weight room? The 2.5 lb plate. Seriously. They're tiny. They're usually shoved in a random corner of the gym. And somehow, they're responsible for some big strength gains. One of the biggest principles in strength training is progressive overload. Fancy term. Simple idea. If you want to get stronger, your body needs a reason to adapt. That might mean doing another rep, adding another set, improving your technique, or lifting a little more weight than you did before. Notice we said a little. People act like...