It's another Q&A edition of Optimal Health Daily, and I'm Dr. Neal, your host of the show.

As I always say, I want this to be a space where you can find relevant and good information.

Why might I be qualified to give this type of information?

In case you're wondering about my credentials and my education, when I'm not here recording these shows,

I spend a lot of my time as faculty within the California State University system.

I've published peer-reviewed studies and have been interviewed by over 70 different media outlets for my expertise on basically all the stuff I talk about on this podcast.

So all of this to say that when I provide my commentary after each episode and answer the questions you send

in, I hope you feel as though it's coming from a place of truth. My only intention is to help

you feel your best. So let's hear today's question as I help you optimize your life.

Hi, Dr. Neal. My name is Linda from Wisconsin, and I have a question in the fitness genre.

I recently started resistance training at the gym using the machines, and I noticed that on

the machines, there is a diagram as to how to do a rep from start to end.

And I'm wondering if that's considered a full rep.

I often see people doing quick bursts where they aren't doing a full rep.

For example, on a leg press, they will not fully extend their leg.

They'll maybe keep the legs bent halfway and do quick bursts of maybe 10 to 20,

and then they'll stop and rest and then repeat.

If you could clarify for me, what is the correct way to do a rep?

Thank you.

Thank you for your question, Linda. I hope you're enjoying resistance training so far. For me, it's one of my favorite parts of my workout.

Now, I'm willing to guess that your observation of others at the gym is shared by many. On any

given day, if you really take a moment to notice what everyone else is doing in the weight room,

...