Quantifiable and Unquantifiable Progress in the Gym
Most of us measure progress or success inside the gym using tools that help us quantify or calculate certain markers. All of these tools measure NUMBERS. These numbers can be the amount of weight we lift, our bodyweight, fat percentages, muscle mass, how fast we run, how many steps we take, heart rate, calorie monitors, etc. Quantifiable measures are the easiest and most reliable way to see if we are making progress inside the gym. For example, how do you know if you are fitter than you were a year ago? Look back at your training logs, videos, old clothes and compare that to where you currently are. Are you stronger? Weaker? Fatter? Slimmer? Slower? The same? Numbers can tell us where we stand and for that reason they are reliable and should continue to be used as the best parameter for measuring progress. Quantifiable factors are also the easiest to adjust and modify when change is desired because the numbers tell a pretty clear story of what is going on. But are numbers everything? Is there more to the story than quantifiable factors?
Is there such a thing as unquantifiable progress inside the gym? Some people might argue that if something cannot be quantified then it doesn’t have much real world use. Though I agree with some of that reasoning, I also want to share some ideas I have observed that show unquantifiable progress inside the gym is a real thing but often times unnoticed.
What’s an example of unquantifiable progress? Waking up and hitting the gym before work instead of sleeping in and scrolling down on your IG feed like you used to. Getting out of your comfort zone and doing things inside the gym that you hate but know you need. No longer viewing your fitness as a chore but as a necessity. Feeling comfortable being uncomfortable. Choosing to train instead of catching a break after a long day of work. Choosing the healthier option on the menu instead of ”rewarding” yourself. All these things are unquantifiable or at the very least extremely difficult to calculate. Nonetheless, these are very real situations that definitely reflect progress. As a matter of fact, without these unquantifiable factors it would be really difficult to make quantifiable progress. In other words, if you still view fitness as a chore, still choose to sleep in or opt for a break instead of training, always give in to your cravings, and avoid discomfort, you will most certainly fail at getting stronger, leaner, healthier, and overall more fit. Strength isn’t only physical. Strength is mental and spiritual. How do you measure that? In order to deadlift 500 pounds you need to be physically strong. You also need to be strong to get your ass to the gym when the day has given you all the reasons not to go.
Next time you beat yourself up for not making any quantifiable progress inside the gym ask yourself if the unquantifiable factors are playing a role. And next time you shame yourself for your shortcomings inside the gym, remember all the progress you’ve achieved that cannot be measured or calculated.
