What is INTENSITY? Why does it matter?
- tourbeyond2017
- Feb 19
- 1 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Intensity is one of the core pillars of effective training. It’s the effort you apply to your exercise over time — the stimulus that encourages your muscles, lungs, heart, bones, nervous system, and even your mood to adapt. When you consistently expose your body to the right type of intensity, it responds by becoming stronger, more efficient, and more resilient.
Choose exercises that match your goals:
If you want to jump higher, practice explosive movements.
If you want to build muscle strength, lift heavier loads.
If you want to improve endurance, use higher volume or longer durations.
Ways to adjust intensity in a workout:
Increasing the force applied (heavier weight)
Changing the cadence or tempo of the movement
Increasing the volume (more reps or sets)
Lengthening the hold or stretch
Practicing explosive power
Beyond the physical variables, intensity also comes from intentional focus. Think about the exercise you’re performing and the specific muscle you’re targeting. Visualize the movement — the flexion, the extension, the contraction. Directing your attention to the working muscle often increases activation and makes the exercise more effective. Sometimes the difference between a “light” set and a challenging one is simply paying attention to the muscle you’re trying to train.
Working with a Personal Strength Coach can help you reach your goals by collaborating on a long-term plan that you can fit into your schedule with the resources you have. ID Fit Programs provides coaching, programming, and accountability.
Comments