🏆 How To Train Smarter, Not Harder

PLUS: Rest Days Don’t Mean “Do Nothing”

Author

Ryan Engel
February 04, 2026

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TODAY’S LEVEL UP:

  • Coach’s Corner: How to train smarter, not harder

  • Pro Tip: Rest days don’t mean “do nothing.”

  • Question from Our Readers: “How can I get rid of stubborn belly fat?”

  • Fit Trivia: Which '80s TV character was famous for escaping danger using only a paperclip, duct tape, and a Swiss Army knife?

How To Train Smarter, Not Harder

You don’t need to destroy yourself to build muscle.

In fact, once you're over 40, the smartest guys train to stimulate, not annihilate.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Stop chasing soreness: Muscle soreness isn’t a sign of a good workout; progress is.

  • Lift with control: Focus on the tempo of each rep; this builds more muscle with less joint stress.

  • Track everything: If you’re not tracking your lifts, you’re guessing, not progressing.

Bottom line? Be the guy who trains with purpose, not just intensity.

FROM RYAN’S DESK

Confidence isn’t found, it’s earned. Waiting to feel ready only delays progress. Take action first and let confidence follow. Thinking prepares you; action proves you. Be the guy who moves forward despite doubt. That’s how belief is built.

Pro Tip: Rest Days Don’t Mean “Do Nothing”

Rest doesn’t mean the couch and chips.

A true rest day helps your body recover, but active rest does it better.

Think:

  • 20-minute walk

  • Easy bike ride

  • Light stretching or mobility work

This keeps your joints healthy, your body moving, and your recovery on point. Keep the blood flowing, and you’ll come back stronger.

Question from Our Readers:

“How can I finally lose the stubborn fat around my belly?”

— David, 52, from Milwaukee

Great question, David. That lower belly fat is usually the last to go, but

Here’s what works:

  • Dial in your macros. Fat loss starts in the kitchen, not the gym.

  • Train with intensity. Focus on strength training 3–5x/week.

  • Sleep and stress control. High cortisol (from poor sleep and stress) makes belly fat stick.

If you’ve been doing cardio and cutting carbs but still not seeing abs, it’s likely time to work smarter with a structured plan.

Fit Trivia: Which '80s TV character was famous for escaping danger using only a paperclip, duct tape, and a Swiss Army knife?

Answer: MacGyver! He wasn’t the strongest guy in the room, but he always outsmarted the bad guys with creative problem-solving. A perfect reminder: brains and resourcefulness go a long way.

Ryan Engel, Intl. Fat Loss Coach

Ryan is a leading fitness coach and one of the most known professionals in the space.

He specializes in Body Recomposition and visual body aesthetics and has reached millions worldwide with his powerful messaging. He brings a unique, non-nonsense, yet sophisticated approach to body change.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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