Chase the Stimulus, Not the RX

Last week, we dove into the importance of strength training and how we structure it here at Proverb to help you make long-term progress. This week, I want to highlight a concept that can completely change the way you approach your workouts for the better: Chasing the Stimulus, Not the RX.

Let’s rewind for a second…

When CrossFit first hit the scene, the approach to programming was often, “Program for the best, scale for the rest.” At Proverb, we followed that model for years—writing workouts intended to challenge the fittest in the gym, then adjusting them on the fly for everyone else.

But over time, we saw the cracks in that system.

It left too many people guessing—guessing which weight to use, how many calories to row, or what run distance to choose. This often led to missed targets and people missing the actual intent of the workout. In 2020, we adopted the Level Method as a solution. It gave us a more precise way to tailor workouts so each person could hit the right intensity zone based on their current ability. It has helped a lot, but even that isn’t perfect.

Here’s why: it’s not really about the RX or even the color level—it’s about the stimulus.

What is "Stimulus"?

Every workout has a purpose. Some are designed to push your heart rate and build your engine. Others aim to build raw strength or test your ability to move heavy loads under fatigue. Some challenge your pacing and mental grit.

We might tell you:

• “We want you to work hard for :45, then recover for :15.”
• “This workout should take 15–17 minutes.”
• “You should be able to go unbroken on the barbell.”
• “You should feel smoked in your legs, but not crushed in your breathing.”

These cues are all describing the stimulus. And hitting that stimulus is where the magic of fitness happens.

Why Stimulus Matters

If you're doing a workout that’s meant to be short and fast, but you choose a weight or movement that turns it into a long, grindy slog—you’re not getting the intended training effect.

You’re not getting fitter as fast as you could be.

On the flip side, when you chase the stimulus (instead of the RX), you're:

• Building your engine when you're supposed to.
• Lifting at loads that challenge your strength, not your ego.
• Recovering properly between intervals.
• Getting the most benefit from each workout.

The goal isn’t to do RX. The goal is to get better.

How We Help

That’s where we, the coaches at Proverb, come in. Every day, we work to explain the why behind the workout and give you options to match the intended effort. Whether it’s through the Level Method map, suggested scaling, or direct conversation before class, we are here to help you train smarter.

The athletes who see the most progress over time are the ones who ask:

• “What should this feel like?”
• “What’s the goal today?”
• “Is this the right weight for me?”

They chase the stimulus, not the RX.

So next time you see the whiteboard, ask yourself:

“What’s this workout trying to get me to do?”

Then work with your coach to find the version of the workout that delivers that effect—for you.

Fitness isn’t about checking a box. It’s about showing up, working hard, and progressing with purpose.

Let’s keep training with intention,
Coach Beau

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