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  • 🏋️‍♂️ Why Lifting Heavier Doesn’t Always Mean Better Results

🏋️‍♂️ Why Lifting Heavier Doesn’t Always Mean Better Results

PLUS: The role of sleep in muscle recovery

Welcome to your modern fitness daily news report! Every weekday, we break down the trending fitness news, tips, and insider scoops to keep you informed. Each read will be under 3 minutes so that you can stay shredded and thumb through no-nonsense fit-quips. Thanks for reading!

TODAY’S LEVEL UP:

  • Coach’s Corner: Why lifting heavier doesn’t always mean better results

  • Did You Know?: The role of sleep in muscle recovery

  • Question from Our Readers: Should I work out if I’m feeling sore?

  • Fit Trivia: Which Rocky IV actor trained using old-school methods like chopping wood and running through snow to prepare for their role?

Why Lifting Heavier Doesn’t Always Mean Better Results

When it comes to strength training, more weight isn’t always the answer. Here’s why form and progression matter more than maxing out:

  • Prevents Injury: Poor form with heavy weights increases the risk of injury. Prioritize technique to protect your joints and muscles.

  • Activates the Right Muscles: Proper form ensures you’re engaging the intended muscles, making each rep more effective.

  • Allows Steady Progression: Starting lighter with good form builds a solid foundation, letting you gradually increase weight without hitting plateaus.

Focus on controlled movements and consistent progression. The results will come—safely and sustainably.

FROM RYAN’S DESK

How you start your day sets the tone for everything else. Skip the snooze button, attack the day with purpose, and win those first hours. You don’t need more hours in the day—you need to dominate the ones you’ve got.

Did You Know?:

The Role of Sleep in Muscle Recovery

Sleep is often overlooked but is critical for fitness progress. Here’s how it supports recovery:

  • Releases Growth Hormone: During deep sleep, your body produces growth hormone, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

  • Reduces Inflammation: Quality sleep helps reduce soreness and inflammation, speeding up recovery after workouts.

  • Restores Energy: Sleep replenishes energy stores, ensuring you’re ready to tackle your next workout.

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, and consider a consistent bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.

Question from Our Readers:

“I feel sore after workouts. Should I still train, or should I rest?”

  • Steve, 48, Engineer, from Dallas, TX

Great question, Steve! Here’s how to decide:

  • Light Soreness: If you’re mildly sore, you can train, but focus on a different muscle group or lower intensity. Active recovery, like walking or stretching, also helps.

  • Severe Soreness: If soreness limits your range of motion or feels painful, take a rest day or focus on gentle activities like yoga or foam rolling.

  • Listen to Your Body: Rest isn’t a setback—it’s part of the process. Training while overly sore can increase your risk of injury and delay progress.

Balancing effort and recovery is the key to long-term success.

Fit Trivia: Which Rocky IV actor trained using old-school methods like chopping wood and running through snow to prepare for their role?

Answer: Sylvester Stallone! To portray Rocky Balboa in Rocky IV, Stallone adopted a rugged training regimen that mirrored his character’s preparation for the fight against Ivan Drago. His dedication to authenticity inspired audiences and cemented the film as an 80s classic.

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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