How to judge a retreat's training intensity

The short answer

Intensity is a number you can ask for: sessions per day, hours, rest days, contact rules, and how the load is adjusted. Marketing words do not count.

Ask for the schedule

Request a typical week showing start times, session type, duration and rest. Compare with your current routine. See the day-in-the-life guide for an example of the shape of a day.

Check the load factors

• Sessions per day and total hours.
• Rest days per week.
• Sparring or rolling frequency.
• Heat exposure and hydration breaks.
• Work blocks added on top.

Scaling and coaching

Ask about coach-to-participant ratio and how a coach changes a session for someone who is new or injured. Ask what happens if you need to skip a session.

Your own limit

Check your current fitness honestly and plan to ease in. Consult a clinician if you have any concerns.

This is general education, not medical or coaching advice. Consult a clinician before starting hard training.

Red flags

Be wary of programs that discourage rest, refuse to share schedules or push through pain.

Questions people ask

How many hours of training is typical?

It varies widely. Ask for a sample weekly schedule with session lengths and rest days.

Is harder always better?

No. Recovery and progression matter, and hard schedules raise injury risk for some people.

How can I tell if it is scaled?

Ask how coaches adjust loads and what happens if you are tired or sore.

Is this medical advice?

No. Ask a clinician about your fitness before a demanding program.

Sources and further reading

• Lions Gate Retreats

Lions Gate Retreats advertises on The Company Chronicle. This guide was written by our editorial team from public sources and general professional practice; it does not describe a guarantee, quote or offer from Lions Gate Retreats. Confirm current terms, prices and availability with the operator before you decide.