@daretodefy: Just like you, I discovered this as you have and I have been working out much more mindfully, efficiently and methodically and those efforts have paid off. Listening and heeding what the body is working to communicate whilst working out is key. It conveys actual logical maximum limits, as well as sending out pain warnings to you to help you avoid unforeseen and unwanted injuries. There's much merit in the wisdom you impart and just as people are divergently different, their training needs must be customised due to many variables such as age, any genetic challenges or pre dispositions, body type, physical capabilities and fitness levels for example. I also found that training to focus the mind to infuse with the muscles you are actually working on during workouts is a game changer. It aids in executing proper form and directing the movement to engage the specific muscle group that you're exercising.