How to Read a Research Paper
Explained like you're explaining it to a mate who's never seen one. No PhD required. By the end of this page you'll be able to look at any fitness study and know whether it's worth listening to.
Every week someone shares a headline like "Coffee causes cancer" or "This supplement triples muscle growth." Most of the time, the actual study says something far less dramatic. Learning to read research doesn't take years of study. It takes knowing what to look for and what to ignore. Here's the whole thing, no fluff.
The 5-Minute Cheat Sheet
Next time someone shares a study, here's your checklist:
Read the abstract first. Does it answer a question you actually care about?
Check the methods. Who were the participants? How many? How long did the study last?
Look at the results. How big was the actual difference? Not just 'significant' but meaningful?
Read the limitations. What can't this study prove?
Check who funded it. Conflicts of interest should be declared.
Is it a single study or a meta-analysis? Meta-analyses are more reliable.
Does the conclusion match the actual data, or is it overselling?
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Every article on Lift & Run is built on peer-reviewed research, explained in plain English. No bro-science, no supplement shilling.