How to Get Stronger in Less Time

 The Smarter Way to Train

Matt Appleby, Master Trainer at fit20 UK, leading a fit20 strength training session

Why traditional workouts fail and what actually works. By Matt Appleby, Master Trainer at fit20 UK

Getting stronger doesn't require more time, it requires better training

We've all seen it, people who have been going to the gym for years, yet their strength, fitness or body shape hasn't really changed. They train two or more times a week, put in the hours and stay consistent. But for many, the results just never seem to arrive. In my experience, one of the biggest reasons is this: most people training on their own don't truly challenge themselves and they don't have a clear plan. No plan usually means no real progress.


What a typical gym workout looks like

A traditional gym session often includes:

  • 3 sets of 12 reps across 12 exercises
  • Some cardio
  • At least 60 minutes in the gym
  • Up to 90 minutes when you include changing and showering

On the surface, that looks like a solid workout. But when you look closer, it becomes clear why it's so inefficient.

Where the time really goes
An average set of 12 reps takes around 12-15 seconds to complete.
That means:
  • About 45 seconds of actual workout per exercise
  • Long rest periods
  • Time spent moving between machines
  • 45 seconds x 12 exercises = 540 seconds = 9 minutes of real muscle work in a 6-90 minute session

So in a one-hour workout, over 50 minutes are effectively filler.

Why this doesn't build strength effectively
Traditional training often lacks:
  • Sustained muscle tension
  • Sufficient intensity
  • Clear progression
  • Proper control of movement

Without those elements, muscles simply aren't challenged enough to adapt and grow stronger, no matter how often you go.

How fit20 works differently
At fit20, we focus on doing less but doing it properly.
A fit20 session includes:
  • A 20-minute, highly focused , Personal Trainer led session
  • Slow, controlled movements to maintain constant muscle tension
  • Minimal rest and no wasted time
  • Full-body training
  • No need for cardio
  • No need to change or shower
  • Clear goals and measurable milestones

One fit20 set delivers the same training stimulus as up to eight traditional sets. That's why one 20-minute session per week is enough to build strength safely and consistently.

The smarter way to train
Getting stronger doesn't require more time, it requires better training. When every second of effort counts, there's no need for long workouts, endless cardio or guesswork. Just efficient, controlled strength training, designed to fit into real life, for the long term.

We'd love to invite you for a FREE introductory training session. Book today at one of our studios.

January 28, 2026