Training Should Build You Up, Not Break You Down

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on some conversations I’ve had with a client about how training should add to our lives—not take away from them.

Yes, it’s important to challenge ourselves in the gym and occasionally step outside our comfort zones. But training shouldn’t add unnecessary stress, cause injury, or leave us drained for the rest of the day.

This particular client has been working hard to lose weight and improve his blood pressure and cholesterol so he can reduce or eliminate his medication. Over the past two years, he’s made an incredible transformation. Few people work as hard as he does in the gym.

But he also has four kids and a demanding, high-stress job. He loves pushing himself and leaving it all on the gym floor—but that intensity has led to a few nagging injuries. It’s also affected his sleep and left him with less energy for work and family.

I’ve reminded him that, given his goals, he doesn’t need to lift the heaviest weights or leave the gym completely exhausted every session. Our time together is about consistency and accountability. The bulk of his progress actually comes from what he does outside the gym—like tracking his food, getting quality sleep, and going for daily walks.

If training breaks him down more than it builds him up, it makes his goals harder to reach. Instead of being a source of strength, it becomes just another source of stress.

So how can you make sure your training is building you up—not breaking you down?

• Listen to your body – If you're feeling run down after workouts or nagging injuries keep showing up, it’s time to adjust your routine.

• Don’t be afraid to modify – On days when you’re feeling off—whether it’s from lack of sleep, work stress, or kids—let your trainer know so they can adjust your workout.

• Find a routine that fits your life – If aiming for five one-hour workouts a week is stressing you out or feels impossible, scale it back. Could you do two 45-minute sessions? Could you walk for 15 minutes each day?

• Choose what you enjoy – Hate running? Skip it. Don’t like group classes? No problem. Choose activities you enjoy. Love yoga or pilates? Do that. Prefer strength training? Great! Get strong.

• Surround yourself with support –Find a gym with a welcoming culture, invite your family

to exercise with you, or schedule walks with a friend. Support and accountability make training more enjoyable and sustainable.

Training should make your life better—not harder. Choose a routine that supports your health, fits your lifestyle, and leaves you feeling energized. Let your workouts serve you, not wear you down.

If you feel like our philosophy around training vibes with you, we'd love to have you try us out with a free strategy session. Fill out the form on our contact section on the website and let's chat!