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Hitting the gym isn’t just about sculpted muscles or lifting the heaviest weights—it’s about transforming every aspect of your life. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and I’ve seen it happen for hundreds of others at Axis Strength Training. It all starts with a simple thought: I need to get in shape.  So, you step into the gym. You start slow. Progress feels minimal. Soreness sets in, exhaustion follows, and doubt creeps in. You second-guess your decision. But you go anyway—maybe because a friend is waiting for you, or you push yourself just to see what another week brings. Then something shifts. You notice you’re sleeping better. Your energy levels rise. So, you keep going. Another week passes, and you realize your mood is improving—you’re more patient with your kids, more engaged with your spouse. You continue showing up, and soon, your jeans fit better. Three months in, you step on the scale—10 pounds down. Whoohoo!  But it’s not just about the number. You’ve built confidence. You’ve proven to yourself that you can set and achieve goals. And so, you keep pushing forward. With this newfound confidence, increased energy, and better mood, your job performance improves. Your focus sharpens. Your drive strengthens. Maybe you even earn that promotion. You’re making more money, strengthening relationships, and living a healthier, happier life. All because you committed to showing up. Now, going to the gym isn’t something you have  to do—it’s simply part of who you are. What started as a weight loss journey has become a complete life transformation. This is the power of strength training. It enhances every aspect of your life. It was the catalyst for mine, and I’ve witnessed it do the same for so many others. Try it for yourself. Commit to 90 days—no quitting, no excuses. See where it leads. One year from now, your life could be on an entirely different trajectory. So go. Get started. And if you need help taking that first step, reach out. At Axis Strength Training, we offer a free intro session—just a real conversation about where you are and how to get where you want to be. No pressure, no pushy sales. Just guidance and support. We’re here to help you transform your life. Now, go get after it!

The Snatch and the Clean & Jerk are two of the most challenging yet rewarding movements in weightlifting. At Axis Strength Training, we use these lifts to build strength, speed, explosive power and coordination. While they can be frustrating for both beginners and seasoned lifters, breaking them down into simple steps makes them more approachable. In this article, we’ll simplify the Snatch and Clean & Jerk technique to help athletes develop a solid foundation. We break down the Snatch and Clean into distinct phases: the start position, first pull, second pull, and third pull. Segmenting these movements into separate "pulls" simplifies the learning process, allowing athletes to grasp the overall technique more effectively. The Snatch Starting Position - Stand with feet hip-width apart. - Use a wide grip—the barbell should rest at the hip crease with a hook grip. - Set your position: butt down, chest up, hips in line with the knees. 1st Pull (From Mid-Shin to Knees) - Move the knees back and out of the way. - Hips and shoulders rise together until the bar reaches knee level. 2nd Pull (From Knees to Hip Crease) - Knees and hips shift forward (knees bend more here). - Keep your back upright as if it’s "against the wall." - Barbell reaches the hip crease (arms straight and long). 3rd Pull (From Hip Crease to Overhead Position) - Drive forcefully with your legs (full extension, arms straight and long). - Pull your body under the bar while keeping it close. - Catch the barbell in a full squat with arms fully extended overhead. - Maintain locked-out arms and return to a standing position. This simplified breakdown helps beginners grasp the Snatch. As athletes progress, they can refine their technique with additional cues and variations. The Clean & Jerk The Clean & Jerk follows similar principles to the Snatch but differs in grip width and receiving position. Starting Position - Feet hip-width apart. - Grip just outside the thighs with a hook grip. - Butt down, chest up, hips in line with the knees. 1st Pull (From Mid-Shin to Knees) - Knees move back and out of the way. - Hips and shoulders rise together until the bar reaches knee level. 2nd Pull (From Knees to Thighs) - Knees and hips shift forward (knees bend more here). - Keep an upright back position. - Barbell stays in contact with the thighs. 3rd Pull (From Thighs to Front Rack Position) - Drive forcefully with the legs (full extension, arms straight and long). - Pull yourself under the bar while keeping it close. - Receive the barbell in the front rack position, elbows high, at the bottom of the squat. - Stand up fully to complete the clean. Now, let’s cover the Jerk—specifically, the Split Jerk. The Split Jerk Starting Position - Begin standing with feet hip-width apart. - Barbell rests on the shoulders in the front rack position. Dip & Drive - Perform a small knee bend (“baby dip”) while keeping an upright posture. - Push forcefully into the floor using your legs, arms push the barbell up. Receiving Position - Catch the bar overhead with arms fully extended. - Front leg steps forward with a vertical shin. - Rear leg is slightly bent, with only the ball of the foot touching the platform. Recovery - Maintain locked-out arms overhead. - Move the front foot back, then bring the rear foot forward. - Once your feet are in line, the lift is complete. This step-by-step approach helps new athletes develop proper mechanics for the Snatch, Clean, and Jerk. These lifts require patience, dedication, and thousands of repetitions to master. However, the payoff is immense—enhanced speed, strength, explosive power and coordination. More coaches at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels should take the time to learn and teach these lifts correctly. Their athletes would reap significant benefits from proper weightlifting techniques. If you're interested in learning more, contact us at axisstrengthtraining@gmail.com . We’d love to work with your school and help athletes develop these exciting and highly beneficial lifts!

At Axis Strength Training, we believe in the transformative power of strength—both for the body and the mind. While many people hit the gym to improve their physique, the benefits of building muscle extend far beyond aesthetics. Science increasingly shows that maintaining muscle mass is a key factor in longevity and cognitive function. In this post, we’ll explore how strength training can help you live longer and think sharper. Muscle Mass and Longevity: The Fountain of Youth? A growing body of research confirms that muscle mass is closely linked to life expectancy. As we age, we naturally lose muscle in a process known as sarcopenia, which can lead to frailty, increased fall risk, and metabolic decline. However, studies suggest that maintaining or increasing muscle mass can significantly improve lifespan and overall health. Here’s why: - Metabolic Health:  Muscle tissue plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. More muscle means better blood sugar regulation, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. - Strength and Mobility:  Stronger muscles support bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. - Reduced Mortality Risk:  A 2018 study in JAMA Network Open  found that higher muscle mass is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, independent of body fat percentage. Building and maintaining muscle isn’t just about looking strong—it’s about staying active, resilient, and independent well into old age. Muscle Mass and Brain Health: The Mind-Muscle Connection Beyond physical longevity, muscle mass is increasingly being recognized for its role in cognitive health. Here’s how strength training supports the brain: - Neuroprotective Effects:  Resistance training stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes the growth of new neurons and enhances synaptic plasticity. Higher BDNF levels are associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. - Improved Blood Flow:  Strength training increases cerebral blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which enhances cognitive function and memory. - Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement:  Exercise, particularly resistance training, helps regulate stress hormones and boost endorphins, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. How to Preserve Muscle Mass for a Longer, Sharper Life To maximize the longevity and cognitive benefits of muscle mass, consistency in strength training is key. Here are some effective strategies: - Prioritize Resistance Training:  Incorporate strength workouts at least 3–4 times per week, focusing on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses. - Protein-Rich Nutrition:  Support muscle growth and maintenance with high-quality protein sources, ensuring you meet your daily intake needs. - Active Recovery and Sleep:  Muscle repair happens during rest, so prioritize sleep and recovery practices like mobility work and stretching. Strength is not just about aesthetics—it’s about health, longevity, and cognitive resilience. The research is clear: maintaining and building muscle through strength training can help you live longer and keep your brain sharp. At Axis Strength Training, we are committed to helping our clients build strength for life. Are you ready to invest in your future self? Let’s get stronger together. Ready to start your strength journey? Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier, longer, and stronger life! Jason Sweet axisstrengthtraining.com

At Axis Strength Training, we work with athletes of all abilities, ages, experience levels, and backgrounds. One common challenge many athletes face is knowing when and how hard to push themselves in training. When a new athlete joins us, they begin with our On-Ramp course, a series of one-on-one training sessions designed to provide focused coaching. This allows new athletes to learn proper technique, helps our coaches assess their current fitness level, and ensures they are prepared before transitioning into group classes. During this period, athletes familiarize themselves with key movements and explore modifications suited to their individual needs. Prioritizing Safety and Technique The first and most important aspect of training is safety. Proper technique is crucial to avoid injury and ensure you are getting the intended stimulus from each exercise. During On-Ramp, our coaches emphasize correct movement patterns, explain which muscle groups each exercise targets, and guide athletes toward safe execution. When starting a fitness routine, focus on learning proper technique first  rather than pushing yourself too hard. Mastering movement mechanics builds a strong foundation for long-term progress. Building Consistency Once technique is established, the next key factor is consistency , how often you show up for training. We recommend committing to at least three sessions per week over an extended period, ideally 3-6 months. This helps create sustainable habits and ensures steady improvement. Increasing Intensity After maintaining consistency for several months, it may be time to increase intensity  in your workouts. Here are a few ways to safely push yourself: 1. Increase Load  – Gradually add weight to your lifts. Even a small increment, such as 5 pounds, can lead to significant gains over time. 2. Reduce Rest Time  – Shortening rest periods increases workout density, keeping your heart rate elevated and improving endurance. 3. Increase Repetitions or Sets  – Performing more reps or sets with the same weight boosts overall volume and work capacity. For example, if you previously did 4 sets of 10 reps, try 4 sets of 12 reps or 5 sets of 10 reps. Tracking Your Progress To effectively push yourself, tracking your workouts is essential . Without documentation, it’s difficult to measure progress or build upon previous performances. At Axis Strength Training, we track progress for one-on-one clients. For group class participants, we offer a fitness app where you can log your workouts and monitor improvement over time. Final Thoughts To train effectively and safely, follow this formula: 1. Master Proper Technique  – Build a solid foundation. 2. Stay Consistent  – Train at least three times per week for long-term progress. 3. Increase Intensity Gradually  – Add weight, reduce rest, or increase reps strategically. 4. Track Your Workouts  – Keep records to ensure measurable improvement. By following these principles, you’ll set yourself up for steady progress and long-term success in the gym. See you at Axis Strength Training!

When it comes to building strength and improving overall fitness, mastering the fundamentals is key. In my opinion, the best way to achieve well-rounded strength and fitness is by prioritizing these six basic movement patterns: squat, hinge, push, pull, lunge, and carry. Let’s break each of them down with examples. 1. Squat Squatting involves bending the knee to at least a 90-degree angle and then straightening back up while maintaining an upright, standing position. This movement is essential for lower-body strength and mobility. Examples include: - Air squat - Goblet squat - Front squat - Back squat - Single-leg squat 2. Hinge Hinge movements emphasize hip flexion and engage the posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes, and lower back). These exercises help develop power and stability. Examples include: - Good mornings - Deadlifts - Romanian deadlifts - Kettlebell swings - Single-leg Romanian deadlifts (RDLs) 3. Push Push movements involve exerting force to move an object away from the body or pushing the body away from a surface. These movements primarily target the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Examples include: - Bench press - Overhead press - Push-ups - Dips - Sled pushes (Note: Some exercises, like squats, can also be classified as push movements due to their similar mechanics.) 4. Pull Pulling exercises strengthen the posterior chain, particularly the back and biceps. These movements counteract pushing exercises, promoting balance and posture. Examples include: - Bent-over rows - Pull-ups - Sled pulls - Gorilla rows (There is some overlap with hinge movements; for instance, deadlifts can be categorized as both a hinge and a pull movement.) 5. Lunge Lunges are a great way to develop unilateral leg strength, balance, and coordination. While they share similarities with squats, they deserve their own category due to their dynamic nature. Examples include: - Walking lunges - Reverse lunges - Seesaw lunges - Bulgarian split squats (which can also fit in the squat category) 6. Carry Loaded carries are one of the best ways to develop functional strength. They enhance overall strength, grip, core stability, shoulder endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Examples include: - Farmer’s carries - Suitcase carries - Overhead carries - Zercher carries These six fundamental movement patterns provide a solid foundation for a well-rounded fitness routine. By incorporating them into your training, you can build strength, enhance mobility, and improve overall athletic performance. If you need help designing a structured program, reach out to us at axisstrengthtraining@gmail.com . We look forward to helping you achieve your fitness goals!

One of the most common questions I get at Axis Strength Training is: As a new athlete, when should I start wearing a lifting belt?  This is a great question, and I recently covered it in a podcast as well. Let’s dive into the purpose of a lifting belt and when you should consider using one in your training. Why Wear a Lifting Belt? A lifting belt is designed to enhance a lifter’s ability to maintain a strong, stable core—what we often refer to as "bracing"—during near-maximal lifts. It is not  meant to act as a back brace. Instead, it serves as a tool to support an already strong core, helping to create greater stability during compound movements such as the back squat and deadlift. For example, a lifter may start using a belt when they’ve reached a high level of strength and their core stability becomes the limiting factor in their lifts. The belt helps reinforce their bracing technique, allowing them to generate more intra-abdominal pressure and lift heavier weights safely. When Should a New Lifter Use a Belt? If you're just starting out, it's best to focus on building a solid foundation of strength before introducing a belt. In my opinion, new lifters should train consistently for at least a year or two before considering one. A belt is meant to enhance  core stability, not compensate for a weak core. During your first year or two in the gym, prioritize learning how to breathe and brace properly while performing lifts. Focus on developing core strength through compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses. Once you’ve built a strong base and understand proper bracing mechanics, you can start incorporating a belt for heavy lifts. How to Properly Use a Lifting Belt Once you’ve reached the point where a belt is beneficial, it’s important to use it correctly: 1. Positioning  – The belt should sit around your belly, just above your hips—not too high or too low. 2. Breathing and Bracing  – Before lifting, take a deep breath in through your mouth, push air down into your belly, and press outward against the belt in a 360-degree fashion around your midsection. This creates intra-abdominal pressure, reinforcing trunk stability. 3. Breath Control During the Lift  – Hold your breath through the lift and exhale once the rep is complete. If performing multiple reps, reset your breath before each repetition to maintain stability. Building Strength Without Dependence on a Belt Even as you become a more advanced lifter, I recommend cycling in beltless training to maintain core strength and avoid over-reliance on the belt. Your core should remain strong on its own, with the belt serving as an enhancement rather than a crutch. Now, go train hard, build strength, and bring someone along for the ride!

The people you surround yourself with play a huge role in shaping your mindset, habits, and ultimately, your success. If you want to achieve a goal, whether it’s getting stronger, eating healthier, or simply improving your overall well-being, you need to align yourself with those who share the same ambitions or have already accomplished what you’re striving for. Take a moment to audit your circle. If you’re trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle but spend most of your time with people who eat junk food and complain about life’s challenges, chances are, you’ll follow suit. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with individuals who treat life as a gift, prioritize their workouts, and fuel their bodies with nutritious food, you’ll naturally be pulled in that direction. Even if you’re not where you want to be yet, immersing yourself in an environment where fitness and health are the norm makes you exponentially more likely to adopt those same habits. We are creatures of habit, and our surroundings shape our behaviors. Success isn’t an accident, it’s the result of consistent choices, and those choices are influenced by the people we interact with daily. At Axis Strength Training, I see it all the time. People walk in feeling unsure of themselves, intimidated by the weights and the experienced lifters around them. But as they continue showing up and engaging with a community of strong, dedicated individuals, something shifts. Over time, they transform, not just physically, but mentally. Eventually, they’re the ones inspiring and helping others. The truth is, successful people aren’t selfish. They know that success isn’t limited, it’s abundant and available to everyone. They love seeing others win, and they’re willing to help. But you have to put yourself in the right environment. So, find your people. Surround yourself with those who push you to be better. Learn from them, grow with them, and when the time comes, reach back and help the next person on their journey. That’s how real progress is made. See you in the gym.

Reaching your goals and living a healthy lifestyle isn’t as far out of reach as it may seem. The biggest reason people struggle isn’t lack of ability, it’s feeling overwhelmed by how far they have to go. When you focus too much on the end result, the journey ahead can feel paralyzing. The solution? Break it down. Instead of looking years into the future or miles down the road, shift your focus to what’s right in front of you. What can you do today, right now, that moves you 1% closer to your goal? Take that small step. Do it again tomorrow. Keep stacking those wins day after day, week after week, month after month. Before you know it, you’ll be so close you can taste it. But it all starts with that first step. Don’t overthink it, overthinking leads to hesitation, and hesitation kills momentum. Take action first. Learn as you go. Grow through the process. Every rep, every step, every choice builds on the last, bringing you closer to where you want to be. So here’s my challenge to you: start today. No matter how small, take that first step in the right direction. Small actions lead to big progress over time. Think less. Do more. Keep moving forward. I’m rooting for you. -Jason

A common question we receive at Axis Strength Training is about the methodology behind our strength cycles. The answer? Progressive overload. Simply put, progressive overload is the process of gradually increasing the workload on your body over time. By systematically adding weight, volume, or intensity, your body adapts and grows stronger in a safe and effective manner. Currently, we are nearing the end of one of our strength cycles, which focuses on three primary lifts: the back squat, bench press, and deadlift. At the beginning of the cycle, we started with 3 sets of 10 reps for each lift. As we progressed, we systematically increased the intensity, and now, near the end of the cycle, we are performing sets of 1 rep at much heavier weights. Soon, we will attempt new one-rep max lifts before taking a few weeks off from heavy lifting. This rest period allows for recovery before we begin another strength cycle. Year after year, this method has led to significant strength and performance gains for our athletes of all ages. Ways to Implement Progressive Overload If you're looking to build strength, here are three effective ways to progressively overload your muscles: 1. Increase the weight:  Keep the same number of sets and reps each week but gradually add more weight to your lifts. 2. Increase the volume:  Maintain the same weight but add more sets or reps each week. 3. Reduce rest periods:  Keep the same weight, sets, and reps but gradually decrease rest time between sets. Each of these methods increases the overall workload over time, leading to strength gains and improved work capacity. The key is consistency and proper form to minimize the risk of injury. The Structure of Our Strength Cycles Our strength cycles typically last between 6 to 12 weeks, followed by a short recovery period before starting again. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible progress from athletes ranging in age from 14 to 70+. Strength training is for everyone—if you're considering getting started, we say go for it! It’s never too late to become stronger and healthier.

Why We Disaffiliated from CrossFit This is a question we’ve received from a few of our gym members, so let’s take it back to the beginning—when this gym first started in 2015. When I began training people as a business in 2015, the original name was Freedom Fitness . I chose that name because it reflected why I believed training was so important. To me, physical fitness represents freedom —the freedom to do what you love for as long as possible. Whether it’s hiking a tall mountain, skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing with your children and grandchildren without feeling exhausted, fitness gives you the ability to live life to the fullest. However, before I purchased the building we’re currently in, I discovered that Freedom Fitness  was already taken by a large gym chain out west. Around that time, I earned my CrossFit Level 1 certification, and Martha and I decided on the name CrossFit Axis . When we moved into our current gym space, we officially opened under that name in 2018. Then came 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close due to New York State restrictions. While the shutdown was a difficult time, it also gave me a rare opportunity to step back and reflect on the direction I wanted to take the gym. The Shift in Focus During those years running the gym, I noticed two key things: Most people in our area had little to no understanding of what CrossFit actually was. Those who did know CrossFit had only seen the CrossFit Games on TV. This meant that many people associated CrossFit with elite athletes doing extremely challenging and intimidating movements. As a result, some were hesitant—even afraid—to walk into our gym. I realized that this perception was preventing people from pursuing fitness, simply because they believed CrossFit was beyond their abilities. At the same time, emerging research was confirming what I had already observed: strength training was becoming the key focus for long-term health and longevity . Studies were increasingly showing that building strength was the most effective way to maintain an active, capable life well into old age. With this in mind, when we reopened after the lockdowns, we rebranded as Axis Strength Training . It was one of the best decisions we could have made—business began to grow as more people felt comfortable walking through our doors, no longer intimidated by the CrossFit label. What Changed? In terms of how we train? Not much. We’ve always prioritized strength training and have continued to incorporate elements of CrossFit where they make sense. CrossFit has done incredible things for the fitness industry, and I respect the methodology. However, our focus has always been on safe, effective, and fun workouts that help people make fitness a lifelong habit . Our programming is built around systematic strength development , with supplemental workouts that improve muscle growth, cardiovascular endurance, and overall fitness. We take what works from different training styles and tailor it to our members' needs, ensuring an approach that is sustainable and adaptable. I’ve never been one to fully buy into just one training philosophy . I believe in keeping an open mind, learning from all styles, and applying what works best for each individual. There is no single "right way"—there are many paths to fitness, and different things resonate with different people. That’s why we remain open-minded and continuously evolve our approach. So, to answer the question: Yes, we were a CrossFit gym in the past, and yes, we made a change. But at the core, our mission has always remained the same—helping people get stronger, healthier, and more capable so they can enjoy life to the fullest. I hope this gives you some insight into why we transitioned from CrossFit Axis to Axis Strength Training. If you ever have more questions, just ask—I’m always happy to chat!

A gym member recently asked me, "What are the basics of counting macros, and is it necessary?" Let’s break it down. What Are Macros? "Macros" is short for macronutrients, the three main nutrients that provide energy and support bodily functions: - Carbohydrates  – The body’s primary energy source, found in foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Carbs are broken down into glucose, fueling bodily functions and physical activity. - Proteins  – Essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. Sources include meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts. - Fats  – Provide a concentrated energy source, support cell function, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Healthy fats come from avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish. How to Count Macros Counting macros involves tracking the percentage of your daily caloric intake that comes from each macronutrient. Here’s how: 1. Determine Your Caloric Needs First, calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) , which includes your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)  plus calories burned through activity. You can use an online TDEE calculator to estimate your daily calorie needs. This may seem overwhelming but working with a coach can help simplify this. 2. Set Your Macro Ratios Your macro breakdown depends on your fitness goals: - General Health:  40–50% carbs, 25–35% fats, 20–30% protein - Weight Loss (Fat Loss):  30–40% carbs, 30–40% protein, 20–30% fats - Muscle Gain:  40–50% carbs, 25–35% protein, 20–30% fats These are general guidelines and are tweaked for each individual's needs. 3. Convert Percentages to Grams Each macronutrient has a specific calorie value per gram: - Carbohydrates  = 4 calories per gram - Protein  = 4 calories per gram - Fats  = 9 calories per gram Example: If your goal is 2,000 calories/day  with a 40% carb, 30% protein, 30% fat  split: - Carbs:  40% of 2,000 = 800 calories → 200g  (800 ÷ 4) - Protein:  30% of 2,000 = 600 calories → 150g  (600 ÷ 4) - Fats:  30% of 2,000 = 600 calories → 67g  (600 ÷ 9) 4. Track Your Macros Use a food tracking app like MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, or MacroFactor  to log foods and monitor intake. Check food labels or look up nutrition facts for whole foods. 5. Adjust As Needed Monitor progress and tweak your macros based on your results. If you're not seeing expected changes in weight or muscle growth, adjust your calorie intake or macro distribution accordingly. Would you like help calculating your macros based on your goals? 😊 Is Counting Macros Necessary? The short answer: No. However, tracking macros for a period of time can be incredibly helpful  in learning about proper nutrition, portion sizes, and how different foods affect your body. It can enhance performance, improve body composition, and create better eating habits. That said, it’s not a necessity  for everyone. If you’re someone who simply wants to feel good, improve your physique, and boost overall health, you don’t need to meticulously track every gram. Instead, focus on: - Lifting weights 3–4 times a week - Doing cardio 2–3 times a week - Eating mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods  most of the time By following these simple habits, you’ll likely build strength, stay healthy, and feel great—without ever having to track a single macro. So, there you have it—what macros are, how to count them, and whether it’s necessary. I hope this helps clear things up! Let me know if you have any questions or need personalized guidance. Happy training! 💪

While it’s exciting to hit new PRs, lose body fat, and build strength and stamina, the reality is that progress doesn’t always follow a straight upward path. We all experience plateaus—and sometimes, we even take a step backward. Think of it like the stock market: there are periods of growth, occasional dips, moments of stability, and then another climb. The key is to stay consistent. You may not see progress every single day, but over time, the overall trend is upward. So, if you’re feeling stuck or discouraged, remember this: progress isn’t about constant, immediate improvement—it’s about persistence. Stay the course, and in the long run, you will  improve.