Leg Day Observer

'Leg Day Observer' is a regular column from Inverse by Sam S. Reiss that offers a thoughtful approach to lifting, exercise, and eating.

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Leg Day Observer

Weight training: What is the ideal rep range for your goals?

BySam Reiss

Rep ranges, like most topics in lifting, can be explained by progressive overload.

Leg Day Observer

Why “micro workouts” can have significant mental and physical benefits

BySam Reiss

There are advantages to fitting short bursts of exercise into your day.

Leg Day Observer

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in lifting — here’s how to do it right

BySam Reiss

Research shows that mental training can increase gains at the gym.

Leg Day Observer

Is creatine necessary? A shortage of the cult-like supplement forces lifters to question its importance

BySam Reiss

While creatine has a long history as a strength and performance supplement, there’s still a bit of confusion around it.

Leg Day Observer

Do three-second lifts work? A sports science breaks down how much time you should actually spend lifting weights

BySam Reiss

A few seconds of lifting a day can lead to strength, but there’s a catch.

Leg Day Observer

How to start lifting at any age

BySam Reiss

Does strength fade as we age — or can we maintain it?

Leg Day Observer

Why is it nearly impossible to master the squat?

BySam Reiss

The exercise may take a lifetime to master.

Leg Day Observer

Is lifting weights good for runners? Yes, if you do it right

BySam Reiss

Strength training can help runners achieve faster times and prevent common injuries.

Leg Day Observer

How to set weight lifting goals and succeed: 3 expert tips to hit your benchmarks

BySam Reiss

Finding balance is key to following through on your goals.

Leg Day Observer

What are good weight lifting benchmarks? The science of milestones, explained

BySam Reiss

We all train to get somewhere, even if we don’t know where to.

Leg Day Observer

What time should you eat to gain muscle? The complex science, explained

BySam Reiss

Does meal timing affect muscle growth? Here’s what you need to know.

Leg Day Observer

Is coffee before workouts good or bad? The benefits of caffeine, explained

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

How to get good at exercise: The secret is right in front of you

BySam Reiss

Here are the exercises to try again.

Leg Day Observer

Upper body strength: The exercises and stretches you need to try

BySam Reiss

Too many “leg days”? Here’s how to catch up your upper body.

Leg Day Observer

Does sprint training increase strength? What weight lifters need to know

BySam Reiss

Sprint training should be viewed as a type of strength training.

Leg Day Observer

Exercises for better posture: 2 hacks lifters should try now

BySam Reiss

Here's how weight lifters can improve one critical feature, their posture, and why that's critical for strength.