How Much My Approach to Training Has Changed to See the Bigger Picture

Caitlyn Davey • July 8, 2025

“If this all goes to plan you’ll be back in time for preseason” and I just said, “I wanna be able to run around with my nephews and walk up and downhill without grimacing in pain.'How much my approach to training has changed to see the bigger picture.I’ve been an athlete my whole life ever since I was young training for me has always been about getting better at my sport. Even through injuries which if you know me well you know I’ve had my fair share, I’m now 27 and I’ve had 3 knee ops, a shoulder reconstruction, and my hips operated on. As well as numerous breaks, fractures, torn ligaments and strained muscles thrown in for just for shits and giggles.Needless to say rugby has not been overly kind to me, but through all the disappointment, setbacks, pain and missed opportunities. I was able to learn a lot about my body and pass on many lessons to my members, to help guide their mentality around training for long term health.I used to fully believe I needed to push myself hard no matter what, always training to ignore the pain and push through it, needless to say, that didn’t end well but hindsight is a wonderful thing. My mindset first started shifting when I was 20 turning 21 about to have my 3rd round of surgery within 12 months, I had just recovered from a successful shoulder reconstruction and a not so successful knee operation and was currently consulting with a new knee surgeon. Having spent the previous year not being able to run, squat or even walk downstairs without great pain, my body was letting me down and it sucked. All the while still in my head I kept telling myself I needed to get back to rugby and this is just part of a ‘rugby players’ life, until one day I was at a park with my nephews and they were running around playing touch asking me to join in. I had to tell them I couldn’t and I just had to sit and watch, it was toughIt was tough, after that, it was the first time I realised that training for a sport isn’t the most important thing for me, I remember the surgeon saying “If this all goes to plan you’ll be back in time for preseason” and I just said, “I wanna be able to run around with my nephews and walk up and downhill without grimacing in pain.”It was the first time I had truly prioritised my overall health above all my sporting/training goals. Sure I’ve had a few setbacks since that moment when I’ve got a bit excited and tried to make a few too many comebacks and picked up a few niggles here and there.But now rather than using the gym and my training to enhance my athletic performance, I’m using it to help ensure I’m the fittest healthiest human I can be so I’m always able to run around with my nephews and hopefully soon take my son down to the footy field and have a kick around with him.I train now for the quality of movement rather than time, I prioritise technique rather than load and most importantly I now listen to my body and scale sessions back rather than push the pace when I’m battling little niggles or just feeling flat.This is a lesson I try to pass on to my members, whilst it’s great to have short term specific training goals around sports or competitions, we should never sacrifice/risk our long term health in pursuit of them. The majority of our clients are Mums and Dads just wanting to look, feel and move better.Having the best functioning body should always be at the forefront of all of our minds for life. Why would you ever want to risk that? Smart training methods and great coaching and guidance can help you achieve this, conversely, shit coaching and poor training methods can be detrimental.I believe it’s important to ask our selves the question: Is what I’m doing now going to negatively affect me down the track? and if the answer yes, why the fuck are you doing it?Happy training!Sean

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July 22, 2025
If you live in Wynnum or Capalaba , chances are you’ve seen a bootcamp in action — high-intensity sessions in parks, with lots of burpees, sprints, and shouting. While bootcamps can be a fun way to get sweaty, there’s a reason more people are choosing structured strength training instead. At Rebuild, we often meet people who’ve jumped from one bootcamp to another, chasing results they never quite achieve, or can’t maintain. Here’s why strength training, not bootcamp-style fitness, is the smarter long-term approach for your health and body. 1. Progress Over Punishment Bootcamps often focus on burning calories and pushing people to their limits every session. It feels intense — but it’s usually random. There’s no plan beyond “go hard”. Strength training is different. It’s measured, progressive, and adaptable . Whether you’re lifting a barbell or doing bodyweight movements, the goal is to build skill, strength, and confidence over time. You're not punished for where you're at — you're coached toward where you want to be. 2. Stronger Muscles = Better Results Cardio-heavy bootcamps might help you lose weight quickly, but they rarely help you build muscle, and muscle is the key to long-term fat loss, strength, and mobility . When you train with resistance (weights, bands, or bodyweight), your body becomes more efficient. You burn more calories at rest, move better, and feel more capable in everyday life. And unlike bootcamps, strength training actually preserves lean mass while you're in a calorie deficit — which matters if your goal is body composition, not just weight loss. 3. Individual Coaching Matters Most bootcamps have one instructor yelling instructions to a big group. There’s rarely time to check your technique, let alone adjust for injuries, experience, or confidence levels. At Rebuild, our group sessions are coach-led and purpose-built . We take time to teach proper form, scale movements to your ability, and track your progress. You're not just surviving a workout — you’re learning how to move better and train smarter. 4. It’s Not Just About Today’s Workout Bootcamps often lack structure. You show up, do something exhausting, and leave. There’s no continuity or long-term planning. Strength training follows a programmed approach , meaning each week builds on the last. You’ll have sessions designed to improve specific movements and outcomes — whether that’s lifting more weight, increasing core strength, or mastering your first pull-up. That structure keeps you consistent, motivated, and injury-free. 5. Sustainability Over Shock Tactics If you’re tired of the “go hard or go home” mentality, strength training is for you. It’s adaptable to all ages, bodies, and goals . You’ll get fitter, stronger, and more confident — without burning out or breaking down. Ready to train with purpose? If you're looking for something better than a bootcamp in Wynnum or Capalaba , join us at Rebuild. We coach real people — not fitness models — to get real results. 📍 Structured training 📍 Expert coaches 📍 Community that has your back You don’t need to be fit to start. You just need to start.
July 22, 2025
A lot of people have completed a marathon but how many people have collapsed at 40km?

Sometimes you do everything right, and shit still doesn’t go to plan.
 Last weekend I ran in the Gold Coast Marathon, my first ever marathon. I trained properly, my body felt relatively good (all things considered when preparing to run 42.2km), I carb-loaded, and my race day nutrition was dialled in.
 I was ready.
 We set off. Jess and the kids met me at different points on the course with signs, the atmosphere was great. I loved seeing the kids with their signs. Pacing felt on point. The first 21km? Easy. I felt great. Maybe I should’ve drunk more water, but I didn’t think too much of it at the time.
 At 25km, I felt slower, but pace wise I was still holding well. I’d kept telling myself throughout the day "The race starts at 30km." And let me tell you, it does.
 By 30km, the sun was out, and I was starting to struggle. My watch started glitching so I had no real idea of my splits. I thought I was slowing down a lot (turns out I wasn’t), but the effort to keep the same pace suddenly felt 10x harder.
 I hadn’t taken on enough water. Usually, I can get away with lower fluids. Not this time. Dehydration crept in. hard.
 At 35km I was in survival mode, one foot in front of the other, flicking between moments of pain and little short lived waves of “let’s go.” But by 39km I was delirious. I could see the finish line, I hit the 40km mark (where I thought enjoyment might return to finish), and I collapsed.
 I was gone. Scary stuff.
 The last few hundred metres were a complete blur. All I remember is the crowd, the medics, and about five paramedics suddenly around me. I was vomiting, shaking, confused, in and out of it. I had this overwhelming, indescribable feeling, and honestly, for a moment, I thought I could die.
 My memory went. I couldn’t recall the day, the year, where I lived, or how to spell. I only knew who Jess and the kids were, and that I didn’t want them to see me with wires in me. 
 My temperature had hit 40°C. Blood pressure crashed. Thankfully, the medics and paramedics were incredible, I had a drip running into me within 10 to 15 minutes.
 As I already knew, I’m stubborn. I wanted to run it all. Not walk. Not stop and breathe and In hindsight, I should have. 
 Seems like my mind was just a bit stronger than my body on the day. I never thought I could push myself there in all honesty. 

Am I gutted? Of course, I was only 2km away but I gave it everything I had on that day. Heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration got me. 

I am always reminded here of the quote ‘The man in the arena’ look it up if you need. 
 Will I run 42.2km again? Yes, I feel I need to. 

Would I do things differently, now I’ve run 40km under race conditions? You bet, lessons learnt. Always lessons. Never be scared to not succeed. Be scared to never try in the first place. 
 We go again.
By Caitlyn Davey July 8, 2025
You Need To Earn The Right To Be Good At Something
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