Workout Diary: 10 Signs Your Workout Is Working Even If You Can't See It Physically Yet

It’s possible to know if your new fitness routine is a success, even if the numbers on the scale haven’t changed as much as you expected.

Truth must be told: sweat, soreness, and the scale won’t gauge your progress as individual measures. Obviously, they might indicate you’re doing the right thing but don’t rely only on them to tell the whole story.

As you create new healthy habits, your body changes, and it starts from the inside out. Learn to read your body’s cues to see if you’re on the right track.

Your Clothes Fit Differently

This is probably one of the most evident signs that the workout is indeed working. However, this varies from the type of activity you’re doing.

For instance, if you’re building up muscles and your pants feel a bit tighter than usual, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve put up some weight but gained muscles.

Some Exercises Feel Easier Now

Suppose you’re starting a new workout routine that is weeks long. In the first week, they might feel impossible to even complete. But as long as you keep up with the hard work, the same pattern will eventually feel more manageable with time.

You Have Better Night’s Sleep

Several studies have shown that physical activity improves sleep -- in both quality and quantity. If you feel like you’ve been sleeping longer nights and waking up with more energy, this also might be a sign that your fitness routine is working.

You’re Searching For More Advanced Training

The improvement in strength can happen relatively fast for those lifting weight, sometimes within just a few weeks. Those on endurance training might feel like it’s time for the next challenge and search for the next level routine.

You’re Less Tired After Working Out

Once your body slowly adapts to a new routine, you will eventually feel less tired after working out. Some discomfort like legs shaking after HIIT or dancing class will disappear with time.

Your Appetite Has Changed

Whether you’re craving more for food or your appetite has dropped -- as you start a new exercise routine, you might need to adapt to how the body needs to fuel itself -- sometimes it is by intaking more or fewer calories.

Your Mood Is Better

Regular physical activity improves not only sleep and physical health but mental health too. It isn’t a standalone treatment for certain conditions like anxiety and depression, but it definitely brings positive impacts.

You’re Showing Up Consistently

You actually look forward to the next fitness class, dance class, training, or whichever activity you’re engaged with. You put yourself first and set aside some time in your busy schedule for your training, and you show up it doesn’t matter how’s the weather outside.

Your Form Has Changed

Regardless of the weights you’re using while strength training, you’ll know you’ve nailed it if you can execute each move with better form.

You Feel More Empowered

You know how good it feels like after you finish your workout, and you’re also reaping the overall benefits, such as better mood, better sleep, increased energy.

However, the empowerment feeling may transcend the fitness studio, and it shows up in your life. So you eventually find yourself taking time for self-care, eat healthier, and feel good about yourself.