Let’s start with a little memory test.

Back in school, do you remember learning some algebra equation that looked like it had been cooked up by a sleep-deprived cryptographer? Or trying to memorise the exact date the Treaty of Versailles was signed (Year 11 History for anyone who cares) — not because it interested you, but because it was going to be on the test?

Now – I kind of love history stuff so, I mean, Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28th 1919…I’m all over that.  But I’m also like everyone else in so many ways and had my fair share of “do the bare minimum, cram the night before, wrote it down under pressure”…and then — as soon as the test was over — let it fall straight out of my brain into whichever abyss is used to store the answers to forgotten test answers.

The point is: when we’re forced to learn something we don’t care about, we do just enough to get by. We do it to be done. Tick the box. Move on.

But think back to something that mattered to you — maybe a sport you were obsessed with, a project you were genuinely excited about, a skill you were desperate to master. You didn’t aim for just “enough.” You went further. You watched extra videos. You practised outside of class. You paid attention to the little details. You cared.

That’s the difference between doing something… and doing something intentionally.

Intentional Training Is a Game-Changer

In the gym, the same rule applies.

You can show up, move through the workout, go home. Technically, you’ve “trained.” But did you actually get better? Did you walk in with a purpose? Did you care about how you moved, how you lifted, how you boxed, how you breathed?

That’s what being intentional is about. It’s not just showing up. It’s showing up on purpose.

What Intentional Training Looks Like

Let’s be clear: intentional doesn’t mean intense. It doesn’t mean you’re red-lining on the Assault Bike or trying to punch holes through the heavy bag every session. What it does mean is being switched on and engaged.

Some ways that shows up:

• ✅ You set a focus for the day: “Today I’m going to nail my deadlift setup” or “I’m going to stay calm on the rower instead of panicking and pulling like I’m being chased.”

• ✅ You warm up with a reason: Not just going through the motions but actually moving your body the way it’s about to be used.

• ✅ You notice your own patterns: Are you consistent? Are you rushing through reps? Are you holding back a little bit on that final round because it’s easier?

• ✅ You ask questions: Of yourself, your coach, your training partners. “What could I do better?” is a powerful question.

Why It Matters (and How to Use It)

We’ve all got goals. Some of us want to get stronger. Some of us want to lean up. Some of us just want to feel a bit more like our old selves again.

But here’s the thing: those goals aren’t achieved by just clocking in and clocking out. They’re built one rep, one round, one decision at a time. When you train with intention, you take the workout in front of you and make it mean something.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to lift the heaviest weight or be the fittest person in the room. But you do have to care about how you show up.

Final Thought: More Than a Ticked Box

If you’re already making the effort to get here — to the gym, to class, to your sessions — don’t just tick the box.

Bring focus. Bring purpose. Be curious. Be switched on.

Be intentional — and watch what happens.

Want Help Getting Started?

If you’re ready to train with more purpose but not quite sure where to begin — or how to structure your training to match your goals — we’re here to help.

Book a free consultation with one of our coaches at Round 1 Fitness:
👉 https://round1fitness.com.au/free-consultation/

No pressure. No charge. Just a conversation about where you’re at, where you want to go, and how we can help you get there.