Skip to content
Muay Ying มวยหญิง
Muay Ying มวยหญิง

Muay Thai For Everyone

  • Muay Thai
    • Fighting and Training
      • Personal Experiences
    • News
    • Spotlight
  • Thailand
    • Gym Reviews
    • Food
      • Chow Down
    • Lifestyle
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Episodes
  • Directory
    • Gyms with Clear Sexual Misconduct Policies
  • Shop
    • The Ultimate Guide to Training in Thailand
  • About
    • What is Muay Thai?
Muay Ying มวยหญิง
Muay Ying มวยหญิง

Muay Thai For Everyone

Home » Muay Thai » Fighting and Training » “Train Smarter, Not Harder” = a free pass to be lazy?

anonymous female showing light bulb

“Train Smarter, Not Harder” = a free pass to be lazy?

Posted on September 24, 2023September 23, 2024 By Angela Chang

“Train smarter, not harder” is a popular catchphrase among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It’s a great reminder to focus on the quality of your workouts rather than just the quantity. But sometimes, people take this phrase as a free pass to be lazy. They believe that working smarter means working less, which is not true. In this article, we’ll explore what “train smarter, not harder” means and why it’s not an excuse to be lazy.

anonymous female showing light bulb
Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

What Does “Train Smarter, Not Harder” Mean?

The phrase “train smarter, not harder” means that you should focus on the effectiveness of your workouts instead of how much time you spend training. It encourages you to use your time wisely and prioritize your goals. By training smarter, you can achieve better results in less time.

For example, if your goal is to improve your Muay Thai kicks, you don’t have to spend hours kicking the bag every day. Instead, you can focus on the technique and accuracy of your kicks. You can analyze your form, work on your balance, and use drills to improve your kicking speed and power. By training smarter, you can achieve more progress in less time.

Why “Train Smarter, Not Harder” Is Not a Free Pass to Be Lazy

Some people misinterpret “train smarter, not harder” as a free pass to be lazy. They believe that working smarter means working less, which is not true. Training smarter means using your time effectively and efficiently. It means focusing on the quality of your workouts rather than just the quantity.

If you want to improve your Muay Thai skills, you need to put in the work. You can’t just show up to class and expect to get better without putting in any effort. You need to be committed, dedicated, and disciplined. You need to train consistently, challenge yourself, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Training smarter means that you have a plan and a purpose. You don’t just show up to class and do whatever the coach tells you to do. You have a clear understanding of your goals and how you’re going to achieve them. You have a plan for each training session, and you know what you need to work on to improve.

Training smarter also means that you take care of your body. You don’t overtrain, and you don’t push yourself to the point of injury. You listen to your body, and you adjust your training accordingly. You prioritize rest and recovery, and you make sure that you’re fueling your body with the right nutrients.

Please support the continuation of content on Muay Ying via Patreon

Being lazy is not an option if you want to improve your Muay Thai skills. If you’re not willing to put in the work, you’re not going to see any progress. You can’t just rely on talent or natural ability to get you to the top. You need to work hard, train consistently, and be disciplined.

Tips for Training Smarter, Not Harder

Here are some tips for actually training smarter, not harder:

  1. Set clear goals: Have a clear understanding of your goals and what you need to do to achieve them.
  2. Plan your workouts: Plan each training session in advance, and focus on the areas that need improvement.
  3. Focus on technique: Instead of just going through the motions, focus on the technique and accuracy of your movements.
  4. Challenge yourself: Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things.
  5. Rest and recover: Make sure you’re getting enough rest and recovery time to avoid overtraining.
  6. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels, and adjust your training accordingly.
  7. Be consistent: Training consistently is the key to seeing progress.

Additionally, training smarter also means having a plan and setting goals. Rather than mindlessly going through the motions and doing the same exercises day after day, a smarter approach would be to have a structured program that focuses on your specific needs and weaknesses. This means setting achievable goals and working towards them progressively. It may also involve seeking guidance from a coach or experienced training partner.

Lastly, training smarter also means taking care of your body outside of training. This includes getting enough rest, eating a nutritious diet, and doing proper recovery work such as stretching, foam rolling, and massage. Neglecting these aspects of training can lead to burnout, injuries, and setbacks in progress.

The phrase “train smarter, not harder” is a reminder to approach training in a more intelligent and efficient way by focusing on quality over quantity, being intentional with your training, having a plan and setting goals, and taking care of your body both in and out of training – it’s NOT an excuse to cut corners in your training. By adopting a smarter approach to training, you can maximize your progress while minimizing the risk of injury and burnout.

Become a Patron!
Fighting and Training trainer smarter

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Related Posts

Fighting and Training

Navigating the Fight, Flight, Freeze Response in Muay Thai

Posted on July 16, 2023June 18, 2023

Discover how the fight, flight, or freeze response influences your performance in Muay Thai and learn practical strategies to overcome the psychological impact of getting hit hard. In this insightful article, we delve into the science behind the physiological and psychological reactions triggered by powerful blows. Explore techniques rooted in self-compassion, cognitive restructuring, and anxiety calming to restore your confidence and presence in the ring. Uncover the power of resilience and discover how to navigate past setbacks, embracing them as opportunities for growth. Gain valuable insights to optimize your training, enhance your mental fortitude, and unleash your inner strength in the world of Muay Thai.

Read More
Fighting and Training two women muay thai fighters, one throwing a knee

A Guide to Fighting Muay Khao: Practical Tips to Overcome Knee Specialists

Posted on February 3, 2025February 2, 2025

In the world of Muay Thai, each fighter brings their unique strengths and fighting style to the ring. One of the most challenging styles to face is that of the Muay Khao, or knee fighter. People with this fighting style are renowned for their dominance in the clinch, relentless forward pressure, and devastating knee strikes that can overwhelm even the most experienced opponents. Legends like Saenchai have lost to Muay Khao because they could not utilize their long-ranged weapons and gassed out from the pressure.

If you’re preparing for a match against a Muay Khao fighter, regularly sparring with one, or struggling to deal with the clinch in general, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to not only survive but thrive against this powerful fighting style.

Read More
Fighting and Training

How to Beat a Muay Maat: Strategies for Fighting a Punch-Heavy Opponent

Posted on April 6, 2025April 6, 2025

Different Muay Thai fighting styles require different strategies to counter them effectively. One of the most common aggressive styles, especially outside of Thailand, is the Muay Maat, a fighter who relies heavily on punches as the predominant part of their style. If you’re facing a muay maat in the ring, you need a game plan to neutralize their strengths while playing to your own.

Here are the best tactics to use when fighting a Muay Maat and how to maximize your chances of victory. While nothing will guarantee you to be knockout-proof, there are a few things you can work on in your training to better your chances against people who like to throw heavy punches and are good at it.

Read More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Support via Patreon

Become a member!

Follow & Support

  • patreon
  • instagram
  • youtube

WHAT IS MUAY THAI?

มวยไทย
Thai boxing
The art of eight limbs

No matter what you call it, this sport has changed lives.

Driven by economical means in Thailand, children from poorer regions of the country start training and fighting to help support their families.

This sport with humble beginnings has grown exponentially all over the world. Although most non-Thais do not fight as an economical means, their passion for the sport has helped pave the way for Muay Thai to become profitable on the international scene.

©2025 Muay Ying มวยหญิง | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes