Train Smarter, Not Just Harder
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- June 2, 2007
“Push harder” isn’t always the answer. In fact, it can often lead to burnout, injury, or plateaus. The secret to sustainable progress? Training smarter—not just harder.
Smart training means making intentional decisions around volume, intensity, recovery, and adaptation. It’s about using data, feedback, and planning to guide your effort and get the most from every session.
What Does It Mean to Train Smart?
Training smart involves:
- Planning and periodisation: Not every session should be maximal. Structure your weeks around recovery, deloads, and peak efforts.
- Tracking progress: Use journals, apps, or wearables to spot trends and plateaus.
- Listening to your body: Know when to push—and when to pull back.
Smarter Training Strategies
- Use heart rate zones or RPE (rate of perceived exertion) to guide intensity.
- Cycle your focus: Rotate through strength, conditioning, skill, and mobility phases.
- Incorporate deload weeks every 4–6 weeks to support recovery and avoid overtraining.
- Warm up with purpose: Prep the body and mind before going hard.
Data + discipline = progress.
Benefits of Smarter Training
- Fewer injuries and setbacks
- More consistent energy and motivation
- Better performance over time
- Greater enjoyment and sustainability
It’s not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most.
Smart Training Tools to Explore
- Wearables: WHOOP, Garmin, Apple Watch, Polar
- Apps: Strava, TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, MyFitnessPal
- Methods: HRV tracking, mobility screens, movement assessments
Train with intention. Perform with purpose.
- About the Author
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Richard Branson is a fitness and wellbeing enthusiast with a passion for HYROX, cycling, and technology. He shares insights at the intersection of performance, wellbeing, and innovation.
