Less is More

We often hear the phrase less is more in the context of minimalism - fewer possessions, fewer distractions, more intention. But what does it look like when we apply that concept to the body?

In physical therapy, less is more can mean choosing quality over quantity, effort over strain, and balance over extremes. It's the understanding that a muscle's ability to relax is just as important as its ability to contract - and that pushing harder isn't always the best path forward.

Quality Over Quantity: You Don’t Need 100 Exercises

It’s easy to assume that more exercises will get you better results. But in reality, one or two well-chosen movements, done consistently and with intention, can be far more impactful than ten exercises done without clarity or connection.

It’s not about how many things you do. It’s about how well you do the right things.

This is especially true when rehabbing pain, restoring function postpartum, or navigating a new diagnosis. Everyone's body has unique needs and responds differently. Often times, the smallest shift - the right cue, the right breath, the right variation - is what unlocks real change.

Effort Over Strain: When More Works Against You

Muscles that are always on might seem strong, but over time, that constant tension leads to fatigue, pain, and decreased performance. Muscles need to alternate between work and rest. When they don’t, even basic movements can feel like major effort.

Chronic over-recruitment - whether from stress, maladaptive bracing patterns, or poor habits - can actually slow recovery and limit mobility. That’s why “gentle” interventions aren’t weak or passive. They’re often smarter, more sustainable, and more effective.

Healthy muscles are adaptable. They turn on when needed and let go when they’re not.

In practice, this might look like:

• A stretch held until you feel sensation, not to the point of intense pulling or pain

• Massage that invites relaxation, not defensiveness

• A breath-based core exercise instead of another set of crunches

Balance Over Extremes: When Performance and Health Diverge

There’s a fine line between optimizing for performance and preserving long-term health. For a while, the same path can support both. But eventually, pushing the limits of performance begins to compromise sustainability.

That doesn’t mean you can’t train hard. It just means you need to balance that with recovery, nervous system regulation, and a clear sense of your priorities.

Final Thoughts

Meaningful change isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it comes from slowing down and making small, intentional shifts.

Real transformation lives in:

• Simple movements done well

• A well regulated nervous system

• A body that learns it doesn’t always have to push to the edge to grow

This is how we build resilience. This is how we invite change that actually lasts.

Not sure where to start? Contact Indepth Physical Therapy, where we prioritize quality over quantity. You'll receive one-on-one sessions tailored just for you. Each session is designed to help you choose the right exercises, perform them well, and get the most out of your time and effort.

Book online here.

References

1. Core Exercise Solutions. Pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist. July 2025.

2. Zac Cupples. Human matrix: The code for maximal health and performance. November 2023.