Should I RX or Scale This Workout?
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We tend to see scaling as a “plan B,” or assume we’re not getting as good of a workout as everyone else doing it RX.
That mindset couldn’t be further from the truth.
Coaches, athletes, and affiliates across all levels emphasize one thing: understanding the stimulus of the workout.
Now, we know — you’re just showing up, trying to do your best, get a sweat in, and enjoy the class. That’s where we come in.
Every time you hear us say “stimulus” (yes, we know… big adult words), we’re talking about the intention behind the workout. Why is it written the way it is?
The reps, the weights, the order… None of it is random.
You walk into class, see the air bikes beautifully lined up to absolutely destroy your lungs, followed by a barbell or another movement that sends your heart rate through the roof — and yes, there’s a reason the bike is first.
If we were just trying to make you tired and burn calories, we’d throw every piece of equipment on the floor and call it a day, like a commercial gym. That’s not what we do.
That might mean picking up a barbell after 15 brutal calories on the bike, or knocking out pull-ups after your grip is already fried from farmer’s carries.
But here’s the catch: feeling wrecked every single workout is not the goal.
Yes, you’re here to sweat and improve, but there’s a right way to do that.
Let’s say the workout starts with a high number of calories on the rower (your worst enemy), followed by a movement that should take under 30 seconds. If you already know you won’t finish within the time cap, that’s your cue to adjust — lower the calories, lighten the load, or modify the movement.
That’s not quitting. That’s training smart.
Doing ring rows instead of pull-ups doesn’t make you “less than.” It just means you’re working on your current capacity — as everyone else should be.
Now let’s flip it.
You come in ready to send it, no matter what. You see deadlifts at 185 for moderate reps. You’ve hit that weight before, so in your head… It’s game time.
The coach explains: high volume, lots of fatigue, potential overload on the legs, core, and lower back if you’re not careful.
You nod… and still go for it.
Round 2 hits, and now you’re staring at the barbell for over a minute, emotionally attached to your chalk bucket and your lifting belt, questioning your life choices.
Meanwhile, the person next to you scaled to 155 and is moving nonstop — staying within the intended pace and time cap.
A little food for thought.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: help you reach your full potential and stay healthy doing it.
