I wanted to take a moment to discuss the different ways you can see progress in your fitness journey. Many people focus only on losing inches or lifting heavier weights. When these changes don’t happen, it’s easy to get frustrated or start being hard on yourself.

I believe that true long-term health and wellness come from showing compassion, kindness, and empathy to yourself and others. If you’re sticking to any fitness or health routine consistently, you’re likely making progress, even if it’s not in the form of weight loss or muscle gain.

Before diving into the types of progress, it’s important to understand that being overly stressed about not losing weight can actually make your body hold onto weight to maintain balance. Stress can also affect your form during exercise because it causes fatigue and distracts you from being present, increasing the risk of injury.

High stress levels can also lead to eating too much or too little, sleep issues, and a decrease in mental and emotional well-being, all of which can reduce your quality of life. Constant worrying about not hitting your goals fast enough can actually prevent you from making the progress you want.

Setting a goal without stressing about the speed of reaching it is key. Remember the saying “slow and steady wins the race.” Patience will help you see lasting changes. If something isn’t working, consult a medical or fitness professional or do some research to find a new approach. Focus on modifying your plan instead of stressing about it.

Let’s talk about types of progress worth celebrating. If you’re new to fitness or trying a new routine and have stuck with it for at least a month, that’s great progress! Consistency is a huge indicator of success, especially if sticking to routines has been hard for you in the past. Just showing up is a big win for many.

Improved mood and general demeanor because of exercise or a nutrition plan are also significant steps forward. Often in fitness, we focus so much on physical changes that we forget the mental and emotional ones. Don’t overlook these—feeling better emotionally and mentally is part of the journey too.

Even if there are no visible physical changes, feeling more positive about yourself is progress. After a tough workout, I often feel much better about myself than when I started. Physical progress, like weight loss, muscle toning, and building, should also be celebrated but shouldn’t be the only focus.

Improving your ability to complete movements faster and for longer periods is a sign your cardiovascular system is getting stronger. Being able to move more easily and with less tightness is also a win. If you can squat lower or have more open hips than before, that’s great for muscle engagement and long-term health.

Good form during movements is crucial, especially when you’re new to fitness or a specific exercise. Proper form helps you avoid injury and makes sure you engage the right muscle groups. Before focusing on toning or weight loss, make sure your form is correct.

I hope this article has helped you feel empowered and positive about your fitness progress. Celebrate something you’ve achieved in your fitness journey today! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!