Avoid Junk Fitness Training at all costs!
.webp)
Junk fitness training refers to extra work or sessions that don't significantly contribute to your fitness goals. Often unnecessary or inefficient, this type of training can actually hinder your progress.
As someone who's been in competitive fitness for a long time, I was once guilty of junk fitness training too! But experience has taught me that many people are doing too much 'junk volume' in their training programs, getting them nowhere.
Don’t compare yourself to others
You might see your favourite athlete or competitor training for many hours per week and think you need to do the same to match their level. However, you should never compare yourself to someone else's projection on social media. Everyone is different and responds to training differently.
Junk volume can lead to:
- Overtraining
- Increased injury risk
- Slower progress
- Wasted time that could be spent on more effective training methods, recovery, or living your life
Take it from me: it doesn't work, and less is often more!
The ideal amount of training for any athlete
In my experience, the optimal training schedule includes:
- 3-4 key sessions per week where you put in all your effort
- Complementary sessions that support your key workouts but aren't essential for progress
There's no need to pad your program with extra work just to say, "I trained 10+ hours this week." If you've completed what your coach assigned, what benefit will you get from adding more runs or an extra squat session? None, if you've done the key sessions correctly.

In fact, excessive training likely leads to:
- Increased fatigue
- Overtraining
- Higher stress levels
- Risk of injury or burnout
These factors can prevent you from executing your KEY sessions effectively, resulting in a lack of progress.
Closing thoughts
As a coach, I always emphasise quality over quantity. The work I assign my clients has intent and purpose. Remember: don't be afraid to cut out the fluff in your fitness routine!
Still not convinced? Consider my credentials:
- 30 years of experience in competitive fitness
- Ex-Elite Triathlete
- Crossfit World Record Holder
- Currently one of the top Hyrox Athletes globally
If you want to optimise your training and avoid junk fitness practices, I'd be happy to help. Get in touch with us and let's discuss how to make your workouts more effective!
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work

ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.

Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.

Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.

Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
.webp)
Junk fitness training refers to extra work or sessions that don't significantly contribute to your fitness goals. Often unnecessary or inefficient, this type of training can actually hinder your progress.
As someone who's been in competitive fitness for a long time, I was once guilty of junk fitness training too! But experience has taught me that many people are doing too much 'junk volume' in their training programs, getting them nowhere.
Don’t compare yourself to others
You might see your favourite athlete or competitor training for many hours per week and think you need to do the same to match their level. However, you should never compare yourself to someone else's projection on social media. Everyone is different and responds to training differently.
Junk volume can lead to:
- Overtraining
- Increased injury risk
- Slower progress
- Wasted time that could be spent on more effective training methods, recovery, or living your life
Take it from me: it doesn't work, and less is often more!
The ideal amount of training for any athlete
In my experience, the optimal training schedule includes:
- 3-4 key sessions per week where you put in all your effort
- Complementary sessions that support your key workouts but aren't essential for progress
There's no need to pad your program with extra work just to say, "I trained 10+ hours this week." If you've completed what your coach assigned, what benefit will you get from adding more runs or an extra squat session? None, if you've done the key sessions correctly.

In fact, excessive training likely leads to:
- Increased fatigue
- Overtraining
- Higher stress levels
- Risk of injury or burnout
These factors can prevent you from executing your KEY sessions effectively, resulting in a lack of progress.
Closing thoughts
As a coach, I always emphasise quality over quantity. The work I assign my clients has intent and purpose. Remember: don't be afraid to cut out the fluff in your fitness routine!
Still not convinced? Consider my credentials:
- 30 years of experience in competitive fitness
- Ex-Elite Triathlete
- Crossfit World Record Holder
- Currently one of the top Hyrox Athletes globally
If you want to optimise your training and avoid junk fitness practices, I'd be happy to help. Get in touch with us and let's discuss how to make your workouts more effective!
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work

Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.

Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.

Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing

ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
.webp)
Junk fitness training refers to extra work or sessions that don't significantly contribute to your fitness goals. Often unnecessary or inefficient, this type of training can actually hinder your progress.
As someone who's been in competitive fitness for a long time, I was once guilty of junk fitness training too! But experience has taught me that many people are doing too much 'junk volume' in their training programs, getting them nowhere.
Don’t compare yourself to others
You might see your favourite athlete or competitor training for many hours per week and think you need to do the same to match their level. However, you should never compare yourself to someone else's projection on social media. Everyone is different and responds to training differently.
Junk volume can lead to:
- Overtraining
- Increased injury risk
- Slower progress
- Wasted time that could be spent on more effective training methods, recovery, or living your life
Take it from me: it doesn't work, and less is often more!
The ideal amount of training for any athlete
In my experience, the optimal training schedule includes:
- 3-4 key sessions per week where you put in all your effort
- Complementary sessions that support your key workouts but aren't essential for progress
There's no need to pad your program with extra work just to say, "I trained 10+ hours this week." If you've completed what your coach assigned, what benefit will you get from adding more runs or an extra squat session? None, if you've done the key sessions correctly.

In fact, excessive training likely leads to:
- Increased fatigue
- Overtraining
- Higher stress levels
- Risk of injury or burnout
These factors can prevent you from executing your KEY sessions effectively, resulting in a lack of progress.
Closing thoughts
As a coach, I always emphasise quality over quantity. The work I assign my clients has intent and purpose. Remember: don't be afraid to cut out the fluff in your fitness routine!
Still not convinced? Consider my credentials:
- 30 years of experience in competitive fitness
- Ex-Elite Triathlete
- Crossfit World Record Holder
- Currently one of the top Hyrox Athletes globally
If you want to optimise your training and avoid junk fitness practices, I'd be happy to help. Get in touch with us and let's discuss how to make your workouts more effective!
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work

Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.

Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing

ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.

Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
.webp)
Junk fitness training refers to extra work or sessions that don't significantly contribute to your fitness goals. Often unnecessary or inefficient, this type of training can actually hinder your progress.
As someone who's been in competitive fitness for a long time, I was once guilty of junk fitness training too! But experience has taught me that many people are doing too much 'junk volume' in their training programs, getting them nowhere.
Don’t compare yourself to others
You might see your favourite athlete or competitor training for many hours per week and think you need to do the same to match their level. However, you should never compare yourself to someone else's projection on social media. Everyone is different and responds to training differently.
Junk volume can lead to:
- Overtraining
- Increased injury risk
- Slower progress
- Wasted time that could be spent on more effective training methods, recovery, or living your life
Take it from me: it doesn't work, and less is often more!
The ideal amount of training for any athlete
In my experience, the optimal training schedule includes:
- 3-4 key sessions per week where you put in all your effort
- Complementary sessions that support your key workouts but aren't essential for progress
There's no need to pad your program with extra work just to say, "I trained 10+ hours this week." If you've completed what your coach assigned, what benefit will you get from adding more runs or an extra squat session? None, if you've done the key sessions correctly.

In fact, excessive training likely leads to:
- Increased fatigue
- Overtraining
- Higher stress levels
- Risk of injury or burnout
These factors can prevent you from executing your KEY sessions effectively, resulting in a lack of progress.
Closing thoughts
As a coach, I always emphasise quality over quantity. The work I assign my clients has intent and purpose. Remember: don't be afraid to cut out the fluff in your fitness routine!
Still not convinced? Consider my credentials:
- 30 years of experience in competitive fitness
- Ex-Elite Triathlete
- Crossfit World Record Holder
- Currently one of the top Hyrox Athletes globally
If you want to optimise your training and avoid junk fitness practices, I'd be happy to help. Get in touch with us and let's discuss how to make your workouts more effective!
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
.webp)
Junk fitness training refers to extra work or sessions that don't significantly contribute to your fitness goals. Often unnecessary or inefficient, this type of training can actually hinder your progress.
As someone who's been in competitive fitness for a long time, I was once guilty of junk fitness training too! But experience has taught me that many people are doing too much 'junk volume' in their training programs, getting them nowhere.
Don’t compare yourself to others
You might see your favourite athlete or competitor training for many hours per week and think you need to do the same to match their level. However, you should never compare yourself to someone else's projection on social media. Everyone is different and responds to training differently.
Junk volume can lead to:
- Overtraining
- Increased injury risk
- Slower progress
- Wasted time that could be spent on more effective training methods, recovery, or living your life
Take it from me: it doesn't work, and less is often more!
The ideal amount of training for any athlete
In my experience, the optimal training schedule includes:
- 3-4 key sessions per week where you put in all your effort
- Complementary sessions that support your key workouts but aren't essential for progress
There's no need to pad your program with extra work just to say, "I trained 10+ hours this week." If you've completed what your coach assigned, what benefit will you get from adding more runs or an extra squat session? None, if you've done the key sessions correctly.

In fact, excessive training likely leads to:
- Increased fatigue
- Overtraining
- Higher stress levels
- Risk of injury or burnout
These factors can prevent you from executing your KEY sessions effectively, resulting in a lack of progress.
Closing thoughts
As a coach, I always emphasise quality over quantity. The work I assign my clients has intent and purpose. Remember: don't be afraid to cut out the fluff in your fitness routine!
Still not convinced? Consider my credentials:
- 30 years of experience in competitive fitness
- Ex-Elite Triathlete
- Crossfit World Record Holder
- Currently one of the top Hyrox Athletes globally
If you want to optimise your training and avoid junk fitness practices, I'd be happy to help. Get in touch with us and let's discuss how to make your workouts more effective!
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work

One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
