I wanted to take a moment to talk about the different kinds of progress in fitness. Many people often focus only on how many inches they’ve lost or how much weight they’re lifting. When they don’t see progress in these areas, they can get frustrated, complacent, or really hard on themselves.
I believe that long-term health and wellness involve compassion, kindness, and empathy towards ourselves and others. If you’re on a consistent fitness or health program, you’re likely experiencing some form of growth, even if it’s not in strength-building or losing inches around your waist.
Before diving into the different types of progress, it’s important to note that being overly stressed can lead to higher cortisol levels, which can make your body hold onto weight to maintain balance. Stress can also affect your form during exercise, making you more prone to injury due to fatigue and lack of focus. High cortisol levels can lead to eating problems, sleep disturbances, and a decrease in overall quality of life. Constant worry about not reaching your goals can actually slow down your progress.
It’s better to set a goal and not stress if you aren’t hitting it quickly. As the saying goes, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Patience helps promote long-term changes. If something isn’t working, consult a medical or fitness professional or do your own research to develop a new plan. Research and adapt instead of worrying.
Now, let’s talk about the types of progress you should note and celebrate!
If you’re new to fitness or trying a new routine for the first time and have stuck with it for at least a month, that’s definitely progress! Consistency is a great sign of progress, especially if sticking to things has been tough for you in the past. Just showing up can be a huge win, as fitness is very personal.
If exercise or nutrition improves your mood and general demeanor, that’s also a big step in the right direction. We often focus so much on the physical aspects of fitness that we forget about the psychological ones. The mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical components all need attention.
Even if there hasn’t been any visible physical change, you can still feel better about yourself after an intense workout. Both emotional and psychological progress are crucial. Physical gains like weight loss, toning, shaping, and muscle building through exercise should be celebrated but shouldn’t be the only focus.
Being able to complete movements faster and for longer durations means your cardiovascular system is getting stronger, which is another win. Improved form and ease in performing movements are always positive signs too. For example, squatting lower or having more flexible hips is great for muscle engagement and long-term health, especially as you age.
Proper form is crucial, especially for those new to fitness or a particular exercise. Good form helps avoid injury and ensures you engage the correct muscle groups. Before focusing on toning, shaping, building, or weight loss, make proper form your priority.
I hope you found this article empowering and uplifting because you are making fitness progress! Celebrate something about your fitness journey today. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!