Always the same workout? Always the same exercises? If so, you’re probably not achieving much in improving your physical fitness and are also slowing down your progress towards the zone experience.

The second phase of soul sport preparation involves training variety. For more information, read “Becoming a SoulAthlete, Part 2.”

Ideally, sticking to that kind of routine is excellent, but tracking your activities can be tricky sometimes. Imagine if the apps accompanying smartwatches, like Garmin Connect with Garmin watches, could let you set weekly goals based on customizable preferences. That would be fantastic! Although this feature isn’t available yet, the standard parameters align somewhat with our aspirations in soul sports.

If you have a Garmin watch and utilize the Connect app, you can easily monitor your “training status.” The watch or app will automatically assess your current level and identify areas where your training might be deficient or excessive. Garmin categorizes training into anaerobic, high aerobic, and low aerobic segments. The app provides an overview of how “loaded” you are in these three areas. Ideally, you should be balanced, with neither too much nor too little in any category.

Based on the “load,” the application will calculate your status, which can be: recovery, maintenance, a productive state, or over-reaching.

If your current exercise load is significantly less than usual, you will be in “recovery.” If the load is at the same level, you maintain your condition. If the workload is higher than average, you are “productive.” However, if you overdo it (if your current workload is twice as high as average), you will enter a state of “over-reaching,” meaning you must stop.

Ideally, you should harmoniously alternate between recovery, maintenance, and productivity.

A good training plan should allow for this, whether from a live coach or personalized apps.

This approach occasionally leads to a state called “peak” by Garmin. Such states are optimal for peak performance, and athletes often time them precisely with races, competitions, or other important events.

For us, “Peak” isn’t about competition; it’s about embracing the experience of the zone. It’s when your training aligns perfectly, you’re not burdened by fatigue, and you’ve given yourself ample time to recover from more intense sessions. That’s when you’re most poised to enter the zone during your workout, where everything clicks and you’re at your best.

Overall, a well-rounded exercise plan is crucial for maintaining health and well-being. It’s equally vital not to shy away from embracing modern technology, which can offer valuable insights into understanding your body’s natural rhythms. These technological tools can assist in tailoring your fitness regimen, ensuring your body is optimally prepared for the diverse experiences and goals you aspire to achieve.