Jiunta dives deep into one of the most overlooked aspects of performance training: modulating intensity. From injury recovery to high-level competitors in fat loss phases, Jiunta unpacks real conversations he's had this week about training smarter—not just harder. Learn how pushing for progress can actually set you back, why effort needs to be refined (not just ramped up), and how to communicate the nuance of RPE with clients and athletes alike. Whether you're chasing strength, hypertrophy, or longevity, this is a mindset shift you need to hear.

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Why Every Athlete Needs This Conversation (00:05:05) Effort vs. Effectiveness in Training (00:07:11) Case 1: Overachieving Client and Misapplied RPE (00:14:03) How Tempo Reveals True Effort (00:20:09) Training Without Increasing Load (00:25:23) Case 2: Pro Bodybuilder in a Cut (00:27:19) How Cardio Can Hurt Your Muscle Retention (00:34:00) Optimizing Heart Rate Zones for Fat Loss (00:38:11) Making Cardio Work With Your Lifting (00:41:05) Case 3: Olympic Lifters Addicted to Maxing Out (00:45:24) Why “Trying Hard” Can Hold You Back (00:53:13) Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect—It Makes Permanent (00:54:44) Train Smart, Not Just Hard (00:55:55)