I wanted to chat about the different ways we can measure progress in fitness. A lot of people only focus on how much weight they’ve lost or how much they can lift. When they don’t see results in those areas, they often get frustrated and hard on themselves.

I believe that long-term health and wellness should include compassion, kindness, and empathy towards ourselves and others. Even if you’re not gaining strength or losing inches, if you’re sticking to a fitness routine or health program consistently, you’re making progress.

It’s important to note that being overly stressed about not seeing the progress you want can actually make it harder for your body to change. Stress can increase cortisol levels, which might make your body hold onto weight. Plus, stress can lead to poor form during workouts, increasing the risk of injury, and can affect your eating habits, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Instead of stressing about not reaching your goals quickly enough, set a goal and be patient. Slow and steady wins the race. If you find that something isn’t working, talk to a medical or fitness professional or do some research to adjust your plan.

Now, let’s talk about different types of progress worth celebrating:

If you’ve stuck to a fitness routine for at least a month, that’s progress! Consistency is a big deal, especially if you’ve struggled with it before. Just showing up is a win.

If your mood has improved because of exercise or a nutrition plan, that’s a big step in the right direction. We often focus too much on physical changes and forget about the mental and emotional benefits of fitness. Feeling better about yourself after a workout is real progress.

Physical changes like weight loss, body toning, and muscle building are important too and should be celebrated, but they shouldn’t be your only focus. Other indicators of progress include being able to perform movements faster and for longer periods, and experiencing less tightness in your muscles.

Improving your form is also a big win. Good form helps you avoid injury and ensures you’re engaging the right muscle groups. Before focusing on toning or losing weight, make sure your form is correct.

I hope this article encourages you and gives you a new perspective on your fitness journey. Celebrate the progress you’ve made so far and reach out if you have any questions or comments. Thanks for reading!