How to Know You’re Getting Stronger

Strength training is more than just lifting heavier weights—it’s about seeing real progress in how your body moves, performs, and recovers. If you’ve been training consistently but aren’t sure if you’re making gains, there are clear signs that you’re getting stronger beyond just hitting new PRs. Here’s how to tell if your hard work is paying off!

1. You’re Lifting Heavier Weights

The most obvious sign of progress is increasing the weight you can lift in exercises like squats, deadlifts, presses, and pulls.

💡 Signs of Strength Gains:

• You can increase the weight on lifts while maintaining good form.
• Previous challenging weights now feel easier.
• You’ve hit a new personal record (PR) in any lift.

🔥 Torque Tip: Keep track of your lifts in SugarWOD so you can measure progress over time!

2. Your Endurance & Reps Are Improving

Strength isn’t just about lifting heavy once—it’s about sustaining strength over multiple reps and sets.

💡 How to Measure Endurance Gains:

• You can complete more reps at the same weight than you could before.
• Your recovery between sets is faster.
• Workouts feel less exhausting, even as intensity increases.

🔥 Torque Tip: If you’re moving the same weight for more reps than you did a month ago, you’re getting stronger! Check SugarWOD history to see!

3. Daily Activities Feel Easier

One of the biggest benefits of strength training is that it carries over into everyday life.

💡 Real-Life Strength Gains:

• Carrying groceries, kids, or luggage feels easier.
• You can take the stairs or go on hikes without feeling as fatigued.
• Your posture improves, and you stand taller with less discomfort.

4. Your Form & Technique Have Improved

Lifting isn’t just about how much weight you move—it’s about how well you move it.

💡 Signs Your Technique is Getting Better:

• You feel more stable and controlled in lifts.
• Movements that used to feel awkward now feel fluid and natural.
• You don’t rely on compensations like excessive momentum or poor posture.

5. Your Recovery Is Faster & Less Painful

When you start lifting, soreness is common. But as you get stronger, your body adapts and recovers faster.

💡 Recovery Improvements:

• You experience less soreness after training.
• You recover between workouts faster and feel ready to train again sooner.
• Mobility and flexibility improve, reducing stiffness and aches.

🔥 Strengthening muscles also protects joints—if you feel fewer aches and pains, that’s a sign of improved durability!

6. You Feel More Confident in Your Training

Strength isn’t just physical—it’s mental. If you feel more confident, capable, and excited to lift, that’s a major indicator of progress.

💡 Mindset Shifts That Show Strength Growth:

• You no longer feel intimidated by heavy weights.
• You’re more comfortable trying new exercises.
• Training is something you look forward to, not something you dread.

🔥 Strength training isn’t just about building muscle, it’s about building confidence in yourself! Check out our blog post from the other day: https://crossfittorque.com/torque-health-and-fitness-blog/how-strength-training-boosts-self-esteem/

Take the Next Step: Keep Building Strength!

If you’ve noticed these signs, congratulations—you’re getting stronger! But progress doesn’t stop here. The key to continued strength gains is consistent training, proper recovery, and smart programming.

💪 Want to take your strength to the next level? Schedule a session with a Torque coach to review your progress, fine-tune your training plan, and keep pushing toward new milestones!

#GettingStronger #StrengthTraining #CrossFitTorque #StrongerEveryDay

-Amanda