Every other client shows me their watch these days before we've even warmed up.
"My HRV's low." "My readiness score says amber." "It says I should rest."
Right. Did you sleep okay? Feel alright? Then we're training.
The Data Isn't The Problem — Using It As An Excuse Is
I'm not against the tech. Sleep tracking, recovery scores, all of it, genuinely useful information if you use it properly. Knowing your body's under more stress than usual is good to know.
The problem is when a number on your wrist becomes the reason you didn't show up. That's not data-driven training. That's an excuse with a graph attached.
There's A New Trend Called "JOMO" — The Joy Of Missing Out
I saw this floating about, the idea that it's okay to skip leg day, skip the session, prioritise "rest" because you deserve it.
Sometimes, sure. Genuine rest is part of training, not separate from it.
But if "listening to your body" has quietly become "doing whatever's easiest," that's not recovery. That's just going soft with better marketing.
What I Actually Tell Clients
If your watch says amber and you're tired, don't smash a PB attempt. Fine. But turn up anyway. Do the session at 70%. Two exercises, done properly, still counts. Still beats nothing.
The trend for 2026 is smarter training, not less training. Use the data to adjust the session, not to cancel it.
The Bottom Line
Your smartwatch can tell you how you slept. It can't tell you whether you're the kind of person who shows up anyway.
That part's still on you.
If you're in Birmingham and want training that adapts to your actual life without becoming an excuse machine, get in touch.
