The most common training mistake

The Most Common Training Mistake (And How To Avoid It)

ByDave

The most common mistake I see from hard-working athletes is doing too much.

What makes this tough is that more volume (work) is usually better.

So, when you add more volume and see better results, your first thought at a plateau is to just do more.

Until it doesn’t work…

The Root of The Problem

At its root, the problem is that more training does not always yield better results. In fact, at some point, your results get worse.

This is because training volume and gains follow an inverted U-curve – it’s not linear.

How to Avoid This Mistake

First, you have to be aware that there is such a thing as too much volume.

But at the same time, this is not an excuse to cut workouts short, give low effort, or take extra rest days. Training should still be very hard.

Practical Application

I recommend you regularly audit your training.

If you’re running 6 days, lifting 4 days, and doing calisthenics 3 days per week, try dropping some of the fluff – maybe 1 run and some calisthenics or exercises.

You may find the extra energy results in better recovery, higher quality workouts, and better results.

Volume and Training for Selection

Keep in mind that this is in the context of being a few months or more out from selection.

In the final 6 – 8 weeks, your volume should be high – at that point, you are not training to improve fitness; you are training to condition your body and peak your performance.

Keep training hard

I'm a coach with a passion for helping athletes dominate the toughest selection courses in the world. Over the years, I've trained well over 100 athletes for Special Operations selection courses, including SFAS, RASP, Air Force A&S, BORTAC, SWAT, and MARSOC A&S. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional performance training and the unique demands of tactical and military athletes.

I got my start coaching hybrid athletes, blending strength, endurance, and hypertrophy training to achieve peak performance. As I worked with more tactical and military athletes, I realized there was a need for a specialized approach tailored to the grueling physical and mental challenges of SOF selections. This realization drove me to focus on prepping SOF candidates for success, combining cutting-edge research, proven training methodologies, and real-world experience.

Whether you're preparing for selection, seeking to level up your fitness, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in these elite environments, I hope you'll find the information I share helpful.