THE DEN • STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

HARD ≠ GOOD

This isn’t to say working hard is bad. It’s acknowledging that how hard a session feels is not a good indicator of whether it was a good workout. This matters even more in a sporting context, where athletes are juggling skills training and games. The last thing we want is our work in the weight room getting in the way of that. Unfortunately, I still see coaches smashing their athletes/clients and using it as a barometer of how good the session was.

Once again, this is nothing groundbreaking. It’s called the minimum effective dose: the smallest amount of training that still gets you the result you’re after. Anything beyond that point usually doesn’t make you better. It just costs more time, energy and recovery.

So work out what you’re trying to achieve from your session, make sure it ticks that box, and then move on. That way you’re ready to perform again sooner. #TheDen