Progress......... and move forward!

There are two types of people who either feel like they are not making progress or are actually not making progress with their training programmes, fitness goals or weight loss/gain targets.

Progress can be measured in a number of ways and does not always happen in the way we expect or originally wanted. However, one thing is clear - if we do not set down a marker, take a measurement or assess the start point of the journey then no matter the final destination you will struggle to stay on the right path to complete the journey successfully.

So who are the two types of people I mentioned earlier? Suffice to say that I have come across both types on numerous occasions in the many gyms I have worked in over the years.

The first type I will talk about here trains hard, is dedicated to the gym (for a while), and will turn up at the same time every day, do the same workouts and the same classes but eventually feel they are not making progress. This balance point may last for a while, it will differ from individual to individual. Now don't get me wrong here, they will see change initially and will make improvements for a while, but this isn't ongoing.

Can you see the problem here, it's the same old same old week in week out. No change, no challenge, no progression.

Our bodies want to stay the same, to maintain a condition of balance or equilibrium, to remain in homeostasis. In order for any change to occur there has to be an intervention that causes an adaptation. The stress (it's a good stress) of training causes just such an adaptation. We will get stronger if we start to squat with a 50kg weight and gradually increase this to 100kg over time. However, if we stop increasing the load there and just continue to squat with this 100kg weight then our bodies will adapt to this load and no longer find it stressful. We will get no stronger, progress will grind to a halt.

Disillusionment ensues, motivation fails and the whole world comes to an end.

All because of a lack of progression in the programme, progression towards the end result slowed and may even have stopped. What they feel eventually becomes a reality, and this potentially means another person giving up training.

The second type has a plan, a programme and a distinct goal. However, what they don't have is the understanding that it requires hard work, commitment and a regular attendance to achieve their goals. It doesn't just happen because you have a programme, a plan etc. A little patience is also required as in general the best results don't happen overnight.

In each case the correct guidance, advice and support will ensure progress is made.

Do you recognise anything here, hopefully not in yourself but don't feel bad if you do, most people actually don't know the answer to their lack of progress or even that it is this lack of progress that is causing an issue.

The answer, however is simple. Have a plan and stick to it. That plan needs to have progress built in but must also be allowed to evolve and grow too, and yes this is a gym training programme we are talking about.

A good Personal Trainer will be able to provide an individualised training plan that has progression, clear goals and is enough of a challenge to stimulate adaptation and prevent boredom. The PT will guide, educate and motivate you to achieving your goals, realising your potential and steering you through any minefields. Nutritional advice, meal prep guidance and even calculating macros and calorific requirements are all part of a good PT’s toolbox and should be drawn upon as and when needed.

Get a plan, build in progression and periodisation and enjoy seeing your training efforts rewarded with ongoing progress.