$ ./hack --fitness --evidence-based

Overlooked fitness hacks, backed by science.

One surprising tip at a time: what it is, why it seems to work, how to try it this week, and the tools that make it easier.

Browse the hacks →Get one hack a week

Featured hacks

Start here. Each one is small, testable, and grounded in research.

// TRAIN

Go slower to get fitter: zone 2 cardio

Most of your cardio should feel easy. How to find zone 2, why elite endurance athletes train this way, and how to fit it into your week.

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// RECOVER

Let your HRV pick your hard days

Heart rate variability can hint at how recovered you are. Learn how to read your trend—not one morning's number—and when it may make sense to push or back off.

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// TRAIN

NEAT: the calories you burn without working out

Walking, fidgeting and everyday movement can add up to more daily energy use than a single workout for many people. Easy ways to sneak more in.

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// TRACK

Progressive overload, tracked in your pocket

Getting stronger usually means doing a little more over time. Logging every set in an app makes it obvious when to add weight or reps—and when you've stalled.

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// RECOVER

Three sleep levers: cool room, morning light, caffeine cutoff

A cooler bedroom, daylight soon after waking, and stopping caffeine well before bed are simple habits sleep researchers often recommend. Here's how to set them up.

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// EAT

Protein & creatine: myths vs. the research

Is there really a tight "anabolic window"? Is creatine just for bodybuilders? What the evidence generally says, and what's still debated.

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// TRACK

Grip strength & VO2 max: the longevity markers

Studies have linked both to long-term health outcomes. Why they matter beyond the gym, and practical ways to measure and improve them.

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// GEAR

The cheap home gym that beats a membership

A few well-chosen pieces can cover most strength training. A starter list, what to skip, and how to compare the cost to a gym over time.

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Tools I actually use

Some links are affiliate links. I only list things I use—see the disclosure below.

workout log
Hevy

Logs sets and shows progress over time.

check it out →
nutrition
MacroFactor

Food logging with adaptive calorie targets.

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smart scale
Renpho

Budget-friendly weight and body-comp trends.

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sleep & HRV
Oura

Ring that tracks sleep and recovery trends.

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heart rate
Garmin

Watches for zone 2 and training load.

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supplements
ProSupps

Pre-workout I use on training days.

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home gym
Rogue

Durable racks, bars and plates.

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