At Boyneside gym, we believe that every rep, every step, and every effort you make is a step toward becoming the best version of yourself. But it’s easy to let emotions overshadow progress. Let’s talk about how shifting your perspective—asking “Compared to what?”—can help you reframe your journey and celebrate the wins that truly matter.
Fitness Progress: Absolute or Relative?
When it comes to fitness, emotions often tie themselves to specific events:
• “I couldn’t lift as heavy as I did last week.”
• “I’m not as fast as the person next to me.”
• “Why isn’t the scale moving?”
These events feel absolute, as if they define where you’re at in your journey. But are they really? Rarely. Most events—whether a tough workout, a missed PR, or a great day in the gym—are relative.
When you pause and ask “Compared to what?” it changes everything.
Reframing Fitness Through Relativity
1. Compared to Yesterday
Progress doesn’t have to be monumental to matter. Did you show up today when yesterday you almost didn’t? Did you move a little better or feel a bit stronger? Those small shifts compound over time.
2. Compared to Expectations
What were you expecting when you started? Often, people set unrealistic goals—like transforming their health in a few weeks—only to feel defeated. But take a moment to compare your progress to where you started. Maybe you’re lifting 5kg more than you could months ago. Maybe you’re less winded going up the stairs. Those shifts are what healthy aging and long-term fitness are about.
3. Compared to Others Like Me
It’s natural to compare yourself to others in class, but this can be a double-edged sword. Instead of measuring yourself against the fittest person in the room, think about others who share your experience:
• Are you improving compared to where many people your age start?
• Are you building habits that will help you stay active and strong as you age?
Fitness isn’t about winning a race; it’s about staying in the game for life.
Why Perspective Matters
When you change the comparison, the event itself changes. The frustration of not hitting a PR becomes pride in consistent training. The disappointment in a tough workout becomes gratitude for showing up.
It’s not always easy to find the relative, but it’s worth the effort. In fitness—and in life—progress is rarely a straight line. It’s a series of comparisons, reflections, and small wins that add up over time.
A Community That Helps You See Progress
At our gym, we celebrate every kind of progress—big or small, visible or not. We’re here to remind you to pause and ask “Compared to what?” when emotions run high or doubts creep in.
So, next time you’re frustrated or questioning your progress, take a moment. Look back. Compare yourself to where you started, to the effort you’re giving, or to the path you’re on. You’re doing more than you think—and we’re here to help you see it.
Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep asking the right questions.
Let’s keep redefining what success looks like—together.
