“Once you start tracking your goals, you’re able to see the small, day by day progress that you might not otherwise notice.”
-Besty Ramser Jaime
Hey there!
Have you ever felt stuck in a fitness plateau? You're not alone. We've all been there, and it sucks. Today we’re diving into tracking our fitness routines. Tracking will show us if we are progressing and show us when we need to make adjustments!
Leave plateaus in the past and start tracking!
🏋️♂️ It’s Not Only the Weight
According to Google, progress is the ‘forward or onward movement toward a destination’. It is up to us to determine how we measure progress. As strange as it may sound, there are countless ways to measure progress. If we want to improve at squatting, progress isn’t only adding weight to a barbell.
📊Diverse Metrics of Progress
Consider alternative measures of progress:
Technique
: Is your form improving?Endurance:
Can you do more reps or sets?Mobility:
Is your range of motion better?Mind-Muscle Connection:
Are you more connected to your muscles?Recovery:
Are you bouncing back faster?Awareness:
Can you notice the subtleties of movement?Balance:
Do you feel more steady as you move?Mentality:
Are you enjoying your training more?Life:
Is training making your life increasingly better?
🚶♀️Practical Steps to Break Plateaus
Keep a detailed log, going beyond sets, reps, and weights. Record how you felt during workouts and jot down the positive aspects. Positivity breeds consistency, your best friend in progressing.
Here’s the exciting part: I've created a handy template that helps you measure these metrics, making it easier for you to track progress. In addition, it asks you the intent of each exercise, ensuring you’re making the best use of your time!
To customize; Click file → make a copy
📷 The Power of Visual Feedback
Recording workouts provide invaluable feedback. A lot of the metrics I mentioned can be hard to objectify. That’s where the camera comes in! Oh, and it’s pretty cool to look back and SEE how far you’ve come!
🥞 My Pancake Story: A Journey of Flexibility
I'd like to share my personal journey. I'm currently pursuing the elusive pancake stretch, training it three times a week. I am tracking progress in a few ways. I ensure each drill will improve an aspect of the pancake and make note of how it is progressing. I make notes of everything that is going well in the observations section- After all, I need something to counteract all the negatives I tend to naturally notice! Lastly, I take weekly progress photos. It's remarkable how these pictures reveal tiny victories that keep me motivated, and it's these victories that keep me going.
🥪 Wrapping it up
In summary, breaking plateaus is about the journey and small victories. Track a diverse range of metrics, use visual feedback, and unveil a world of progress that used to be hidden.
✉️ Learn More
Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and practical advice to elevate your fitness game. Remember, your journey is uniquely yours, and progress goes beyond numbers. It's about breaking plateaus and pushing forward.
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Have a great week!
Sam
Are you Useful? - Chip Conrad
”We’re masters of creating so much unnecessary work that we’re under the false impression that we’re productive”
-Chip Conrad
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered health or medical advice. You should consult with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program. Your use of the newsletter is solely at your own risk.
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