Spoiler: Probably not.
Unless you’re actually an athlete, chances are you don’t need to train like one. I fell into the “athlete mindset” trap myself, and it left me feeling frustrated, hurt, and completely run down. It wasn’t until I got out of that mindset that I started to truly enjoy fitness and felt my best.
The whole “train like an athlete” trend has been blowing up for years, but in the last 12 months, I’ve noticed it more than ever. Here’s why most people don’t need to jump on the bandwagon — and what they should do instead.
#1 - How I Fell for the Athlete Trap
I’ll admit it, I got sucked in. When I was brand new to the fitness industry and fitness in general, I was just told that this was the way to go. And who told me? Lean, muscular people. So, embarrassingly enough, I just thought, “Yeah, well obviously I have to do that. I mean, just look at this guy!” Watching athletes crush insane workouts online, I thought, That’s what I need to do if I want to be in peak shape.
So, I jumped into intense programs designed for people with entirely different needs and goals. I’d be doing explosive box jumps, sprint intervals, and heavy compound lifts back-to-back, trying to keep up with routines that were way above my level.
The result? I felt frustrated, exhausted, and just plain sore all the time. Training became a chore, not something I enjoyed. Worse, I was constantly nursing small injuries and felt like I was never recovering. But when I finally let go of the “athlete mindset” and focused on what worked for me, everything changed. I started training smarter, not harder. My body felt better, my mindset improved, and fitness became fun again.
#2 - Why the Trend is So Big Right Now
Look, I’m just going to say it. I know a lot of pro athletes turn PT, and while I have massive respect for them, most make terrible PTs. Why? Because they don’t know how to train people. They didn’t even train themselves — they had a coach! Which is great, but just because you’re a fit, healthy, strong person, especially someone who did it as a career, doesn’t automatically mean you know how to do that for someone else.
Over the past few years — and especially in the last 12 months — the “train like an athlete” movement has gone off. Social media is full of influencers showing off their high-performance routines. While it’s impressive, it’s also kind of misleading for your average person just trying to stay in shape.
Let’s not forget the marketing machine. There’s a ton of money in selling programs that promise to make you run faster, jump higher, or lift heavier. But most of those plans aren’t designed with regular people in mind. They’re cookie-cutter routines that don’t consider your unique goals, fitness level, or lifestyle.
And here’s the kicker: a lot of the “train like an athlete” crowd fails to mention the years of conditioning, coaching, and recovery protocols that athletes have access to. Athletes aren’t just training harder; they’re recovering better, eating perfectly calibrated diets, and often working with a team of professionals to support them. Without those tools, trying to train like an athlete is a fast track to burnout.
#3 - How to Train for You
So, if training like an athlete isn’t the answer, what is? Here’s how to build a routine that works for your life, your body, and your goals:
1. Figure Out Your Why
What are you actually training for? To feel healthier? To look better? To keep up with your kids? Whatever it is, keep that front and centre when you’re planning your workouts. Knowing your “why” helps you stay focused and prevents you from chasing trends that don’t align with your goals.
2. Do Stuff You Enjoy
If you hate every second of your workout, you’re not going to stick with it. Whether it’s weightlifting, Pilates, running, or dancing around your living room, find something you love and make it yours. Fitness should feel like a privilege, not a punishment.
3. Listen to Your Body
Push yourself, sure, but don’t ignore the signs when your body’s begging for a break. Rest days aren’t just for athletes; they’re for everyone. Overtraining leads to fatigue, injuries, and a drop in motivation, so take the time to recover properly.
4. Think Long-Term
Fitness isn’t about smashing yourself for 12 weeks and then crashing. It’s about creating a routine you can stick with for years. Consistency beats intensity every time. Small, sustainable steps add up to big changes over time.
5. Get a Bit of Guidance
If you’re not sure where to start, a good trainer or coach can point you in the right direction. They’ll help you create a plan that fits your goals, not someone else’s. A knowledgeable trainer will also teach you proper form and how to progress safely.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to train like an athlete to be fit, strong, or healthy. For most of us, it’s about finding balance, having fun, and working towards realistic goals. When you ditch the “athlete mindset” and start training for you, fitness becomes something you look forward to, not something you dread.
So, stop chasing trends and start building a routine that fits your life. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it.
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