Am I Getting Stronger?

Can you lift more weight?

Is your technique better?

Is exercising becoming easier?

Can you do more repetitions?

Is your recovery better?

Is your strength building training stressful enough for the muscles?

Have you stopped repeating the same old?

Have you set realistic goals?

Based on your answers, you are not getting stronger for many reasons. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are coming from; a fitness journey is never linear. You may have times in which you feel you are getting stronger, while other moments you may feel stuck, not quite where you want to be, even though you are still putting in the same amount of work. This can be a frustrating experience, and it may be time to change your fitness regimen. However, don’t get discouraged! Consider reaching out to a (qualified) personal trainer, as (s)he will be able to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

Based on your answers, you are displaying several signs of not getting stronger. Just know that simply putting more weight on the bar or using heavier dumbbells every week, is not going to lead you anywhere for the long-term. What is more important is trying to improve your technique, looking out for a faster recovery, and for simply feeling your work-out cost you less effort. These are things that are pointing you in the right direction. And then, your weights will follow suit!

Based on your answers, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who are getting stronger. That is great news! Feedback is important in understanding if your training is working. Therefore, you always need to pay attention to your body. If strength is the main goal, it is not just always about doing more reps and/or adding more weight to your barbells. Sometimes, it’s about doing more work in less time or making the same load feel easier. These are real signs of progress!