Intensity Destroys Consistency

Maybe you’ve heard the saying “Consistency beats Intensity”.

The truth that being consistent over a long period of time delivers better results than periods of high intensity followed by doing nothing.

But I would take this idea further, a far stronger reframe of it:

Intensity devours consistency. It mauls it. Cuts it down. And then stomps on it.

Intensity doesn’t just kill consistency - it destroys it.

Some years ago I was very into HIIT workouts. I used to do group classes with a great group of people and trainers. Really they were the people who got me into fitness and being more healthy in general.

More recently I have been primarily focussed on weight training, with little cardio and no HIIT workouts at all. As part of my winter arc at the end of last week I ramped up the intensity on the cardio.

I loved it. It was hard, and I love the dopamine rush that comes from finishing a tough, intense workout especially if I have done it in the dark and the cold.

But days later I'm still sore. And my motivation to do my daily steps is down, my motivation to do a weights workout is down, and the temptation to go off plan on my diet is very high.

So I think, whilst I love HIIT workouts, I am going to ease the intensity on my cardio all the way down. It's impacting my ability to actually hit my goal (fat loss) even though it feels great. I'm telling myself when I get down to my target body fat percentage I'll get back to working in some HIIT workouts - because I enjoy them.

I'm sharing this not to tell you to do what I'm doing - just to shed some light on my experience, and to remind you that its worth reflecting on the impact of some of the approaches you are taking. What feels good in the short term might be affecting your long term goals.

So reflect and work out on whats working for you.

And remember: intensity is great - but it takes its toll.