Kinetix

Train Less Intense? Really?

We love the idea of being a gym rat. Showing up every day, grinding through tough sets, staying for two hours, dripping in sweat. Leaving the gym or your practice with your clothes drenched and barely being able to walk to your car is the quintessential image we put in our heads of a successful workout.

For 99% of people, it's a silly pipe dream and we really shouldn't be striving for this. We should be setting realistic goals and striving for consistency. Training to failure is cool and all, but there's a litany of research telling us that you can get the same results leaving a little bit in the tank. Having a few reps in reserve is smart training when science tells us that you can get the same effect.

Don't get me wrong, a high level athlete can absolutely be training multiple times per day, working their a** off every session, and leaving everything they have in the weight room or on the field. I still believe that training to failure is important for many of us. But most people haven't earned the ability to train this way, and quite frankly it's going to lead to burn out or require too much recovery and ultimately limit the success of your next workout.

Reach for smaller, more attainable intensities and time commitments with your workouts and grow it over time. You should feel good and enjoy the ride for many years. The more you beat yourself to a pulp, the less chance you have to reach your goals.