All training has one overall objective — improvement.
Every single training session, exercise, drill or warm up routine should make you better. If you’re spending time not improving, you’re wasting time.
The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80–20 rule, states that for many events, about 80% of the effects come from just 20% of the causes.
I’ve noticed this principle applies very aptly to physical training, and Muay Thai in particular.
The trick is finding that key 20% for you.
Assess your performance critically and decide where your effort is best applied for maximum effect?
By realising that not all areas of your development contribute equally to your performance, you can ‘cherry-pick the game-changers’ and focus your effort there.
However, this approach demands you face your ego head on.
Your ego will make excuses and attempt to hide your shortcomings. It will try to convince you to push the areas you’re either already good at or look flashy – the very areas that are only about 20% effective at improving your performance further.
This is true both of your strength and conditioning gym sessions and your technical/tactical Muay Thai sessions.
Find the critical 20% in both areas that will result in an 80% effect.
This is an ongoing review process, a continual train-and-test feedback loop.
Muay Thai demands a broad range of athletic and specific Muay Thai technical and tactical abilities. There’s a lot to keep on top of, and that’s what makes it fun.
I was asked by a Heavy Hitter subscriber to review their training regime. A cursory glance showed a disproportionate amount of high-volume Muay Thai and running.
Many of hours each week spent working the same qualities. This is a trap that’s easy to fall into – more is better.
But, using an analogy, when you’ve got one plate spinning well, it’s time to spin one of the wobbling ones about to fall.
Don’t squander your effort or precious training time.
Apply enough load to create an adaptation (an improvement) and then either rest or move onto something else that will positively impact your performance.
Pick something that will give a good return on your invested time.
It’s hard enough score the 10,000 hours of purposeful practice required to obtain mastery, without wasting hours on unproductive ‘filler’ training.
As always, strive for quality over quantity.
Further Resources
Every so often, an opportunity emerges that can redefine how we train, fight, and thrive.
Today marks one such epic day. The coveted Heavy Hitters Barebones program is swinging its doors open – a golden chance that surfaces just twice a year.
Why does this matter for every western Muay Thai enthusiast, fighter, or coach?
Why Heavy Hitters is Different:
– Streamlined Efficiency: The life of a Muay Thai enthusiast, coach, or fighter, especially in the West, is brimming with demands. Heavy Hitters understands that. No need for endless hours. You need potent, impactful hours. This program is your answer.
– Real-world Results: From enthusiasts in Australia to champions in the USA, the feedback is unanimous – Heavy Hitters changes the game. Take it from Paul Banasiak:
“From broke and broken to moving and competing better than ever. Since working with Don 3 years ago, I haven’t had a single major issue. Don gave me the confidence that has translated itself into three straight knockout wins and a WBC title.”
– Holistic Training: It’s not merely about more power in your punches or lasting longer. It’s about cultivating a body that’s nimble, powerful, and resistant to injuries.
– Be Part of Something Greater: Beyond the program lies a fraternity, a global assembly of like-minded souls, all driven by the singular passion to redefine their Muay Thai boundaries.
If tales of triumph intrigue you, delve deeper into Jonathan Lane’s saga – from grappling with an ACL recovery amid fatherhood to clinching the MTA NSW State Title. His secret weapon? The Heavy Hitters program.
Seize your golden chance to embark on this Muay Thai odyssey. Remember, the doors to Heavy Hitters Barebones will shut on Dec 31st and won’t swing open again until April 2024. But here’s the silver lining – even if you’re not geared up to start immediately, you can reserve your spot in this cohort and initiate your journey whenever you’re primed.
Discover Everything About Heavy Hitters Here!
Loyalty Rewards: If you purchased either the S&C Accelerator or Minimum Equipment Program (or both) in the past, here’s the deal: Email me with your login username (email address), and I’ll send you a coupon code to take that amount off of your Heavy Hitters purchase. Commitment has its rewards!
Don Heatrick
Founder of Heatrick Strength and Conditioning
Don Heatrick is a family man from the UK, former mechanical design engineer, European Muay Thai silver medallist, former pro Thai boxer (ranked 4th in UK while aged 40-years), a Muay Thai coach, podcast host, and the go-to expert on Muay Thai performance training with over 25 years of coaching experience.
Don helps ambitious fighters and coaches take their game to the next level by bridging the gap between Strength & Conditioning, Performance Science, and Muay Thai.
Follow Don Heatrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donheatrick/
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