If you’ve been keeping consistent with your routine, it’s only fair to assume you’ll be rewarded with the fruits of your labour. Right? Of course, it can be motivating to see your body change throughout your health and fitness journey, but it’s also important to remember this isn’t the only telltale sign you’re making fitness progress.
Don’t stress if you’re not seeing any physical changes just yet, it takes time. Remember the saying “it’s a marathon, not a sprint?” Trust us when we say you ARE making progress, even if it isn’t instantly visible in the mirror or on the scales.
You feel more energetic and mentally alert
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there’s a reason you might feel an energy boost and become more alert after a tough workout. Exercise improves brain functions like memory and cognition both immediately after a workout and long after.
The Mayo Clinic also explains regular physical activity delivers blood supply and oxygen to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. This means you’ll also have more energy when you’re not working out.
Your sleep is improving
Sleep quality is another big clue! Signs you are getting a good night’s rest include sleeping more while you are in bed, falling asleep in 30 minutes or less and waking up no more than once per night.
A 2019 meta-analysis of 14 studies between 2010 and 2018 found a positive link between sleep quality and physical exercise. In fact, researchers found moderate activity had a better outcome on sleep quality than more intense exercise for both young and old people.
Results from another 2020 study confirmed exercise can be used as a preventative measure for sleep apnea.
Your clothes fit differently
After a few weeks of working out and eating healthier, you might begin to notice a change in the way your clothes fit. It could be the waist of your favourite pair of jeans feels a little looser, or you’re feeling more comfortable rocking the LBD that’s been tucked away in your closet. if you’ve been doing lots of strength training and are noticing your clothes are feeling tighter than usual (particularly around your biceps or thighs), it might actually be a sign you’re developing muscle – amazing!
Your friends and family have noticed changes
If friends, family members or colleagues have started asking about your secret to healthy, glowy skin (yes, exercise can do that!) or noticed an improvement in your energy levels or posture, it’s likely kudos to your workout plan. When you look at your life holistically and are more mindful about the daily habits you normally don’t think twice about, you’ll begin to see these wins too!
You want to nourish your body with healthier food
Finding it easier to say no to sugary snacks? Researchers have found short workouts may reduce sugar cravings. While other studies argue exercise may increase your appetite, this 2020 review concluded it actually helps to regulate it. The review also found that you are more likely to make better food choices when you are physically active.
This might be because you’ve learnt how the right foods can positively impact your workouts (and of course, your health!) or simply because you know that when you’re feeling good on the inside, your workout performance will benefit too. So next time you catch yourself reaching for an apple when you’re looking for an afternoon snack, take a moment to appreciate your progress… and remember, a celebratory slice of cake or pizza at a social event can be part of a healthy, happy life too! The secret to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is everything in moderation.
You’re performing daily activities easier and feeling stronger
If you breathe better on the commute to work or perhaps your tight hips are a thing of the past (bring on deeper squats!), this could be a sign you’re getting fitter! Plus, if you’re doing any type of resistance workout, it’s likely they include compound movement like push-ups, lunges or plyometric exercises which are a great way to improve functional strength and make it easier to perform everyday activities like lifting, running and climbing.
You now look forward to working out
When you skip a workout, do you miss it? Or maybe you don’t feel quite right? That’s because our bodies were made to move! Getting into a good workout rhythm can help you become your best self, inside and out — and you’ve probably already discovered this! Regular exercise can even improve your social life! Working out doesn’t have to be boring, and if you’ve started finding it’s become one of your favourite parts of the day, it’s a sign you’re making progress.
