Sam Reiss

Writer at GQ, birder and collector of Italian structuralist furniture

Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

How to start lifting at any age

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

Why is it nearly impossible to master the squat?

The exercise may take a lifetime to master.

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

Finding balance is key to following through on your goals.

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
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

Here are the exercises to try again.

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

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

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

Exercises for better posture: 2 hacks lifters should try now

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

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

Best stretching exercises: Why lifting is about more than strength

Here's how weight lifters can improve through mobility work and stretching.

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

Is grip strength important for weight lifting? 3 facts you need to know

Here's how to improve one of the most important elements of weight lifting.

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

Why gaining weight when lifting weights isn’t a problem

Here are three questions weight lifters need to ask.

BySam Reiss
Leg Day Observer

The one piece of equipment you need to achieve strength, cardio, and health

Kettlebells are a deceptively simple way to get fit.

BySam Reiss