30/03/2026
This can feel counterintuitive at first...
But sometimes, the best way to improve performance, is to slow things down (before speeding them back up).
Whether it’s the gym, running, or your sport, it’s natural to want to push the pace.
Progress often feels like it should come from doing more, going faster, or lifting heavier.
But in many cases, that approach can lead to setbacks rather than gains.
Slowing things down, temporarily, can actually be one of the most effective ways to make progress.
This is not a new thing.
Common practice before a big event like a marathon or strongman comp is to taper, whereby you do less in the 7-10 days prior to the event, to refresh yourself ready to compete.
Naturally an injury often forces you to slow down, but nobody wants to get injured, right?
When you slow down you give your body the chance to...
• Build better movement patterns
• Improve control and stability
• Strengthen the right muscles in the right way
• Reduce unnecessary strain on joints and tissues
Slowing down in the gym might mean using lighter weights, but a more challenging movement, with the aim to develop more control e.g. barbell reverse lunge instead of a back squat.
If you run, it could mean swapping a hard run for a run whereby you focus on your consistency and technique.
In sport, it might involve breaking skills down before building them back up at full speed. i.e. practicing more with your week foot or hand.
This “slow it down” idea isn’t about losing progress...
It’s about setting a stronger foundation so that when you do increase intensity again, your body is better prepared to handle it.
If you’ve recently had a setback, feel stuck, or notice recurring ni**les, it might be worth asking yourself...
“Do I need to slow things down for a bit?”
Maybe doing this for a week or two might be all you need.
Rest is never best...
But neither is just doing more!
Hope this helps.
The Perform Ready Team
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Perform Ready Physio
Physio | Injections | Sports Massage
Leeds | Manchester
