It’s Day 7 of my 5-7-10 StairMaster Challenge, and I’m feeling proud to have completed my first full week! While I’m still far from the finish line, I’ve learned that one of the keys to staying motivated is focusing on small wins along the way. Big changes don’t happen overnight, but celebrating the little victories can make the journey feel more rewarding and sustainable.
How I’m Measuring Progress
So far, my progress isn't just about what the scale says. Here’s how I’m keeping track of my improvements:
Endurance Levels
- When I started, those 10 minutes at Level 7 felt like an eternity! By Day 3, I noticed that I wasn’t gasping for air as much, and by Day 7, I’m still tired after the workout, but my recovery is faster. This tells me that my endurance is building—definitely a win!
Mood and Energy
- The boost in my energy levels is one of the most immediate changes I’ve noticed. Before the challenge, I was feeling sluggish throughout the day, but since I’ve been consistent with the workouts, I feel more alert and energized, even hours after my StairMaster session.
Body Measurements
- While I haven’t lost significant weight yet (it’s only been a week, after all), I’m starting to notice slight changes in how my clothes fit, especially around my waist and thighs. I took body measurements on Day 1, and I plan to track them weekly to see how my body is responding.
Mental Strength
- Showing up for the workout every day—even when I didn’t feel like it—has been a win in itself. Pushing through the mental resistance and staying consistent is helping me strengthen my mindset, and that’s just as important as any physical gain.
Celebrating Small Victories
Rather than waiting until Day 30 to celebrate, I’m making it a point to recognize my small wins now. Here’s how I’m doing it:
Acknowledging Consistency
Completing 5 days of workouts in a week is no small feat! Just sticking to the plan, especially on those days when I’m tired or busy, is something I’m really proud of. I’m treating myself to a relaxing night with my favorite movie and a hot bath—no guilt, just a little reward for my effort.Non-Scale Wins
Even though I haven’t seen dramatic weight loss yet, I’m focusing on the non-scale wins, like better endurance, improved mood, and feeling stronger. These are huge motivators that keep me going.Sharing Progress
I’ve been journaling about my daily workouts and sharing my progress with friends and family. Talking about my small wins makes them feel more significant, and their encouragement helps me stay motivated.
What’s Next?
As I move into Week 2, I’m excited to keep tracking these small milestones. They’re proof that my hard work is paying off, even if the changes are gradual. I’m confident that these little victories will add up to big results by the end of the challenge.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next! Week 1 is done, and I’m ready to keep pushing forward.
Do you track small wins during your fitness journey? How do you celebrate them? Let me know in the comments!
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