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Posted by u/mealprep_mike99··Hot Take

Am I just wasting my time? 14 months tracked every workout and meal, but where's the progress?

TL;DR: Tracked every workout and meal for 14 months, feel stuck with progress.

I've been on this journey for 14 months, tracking every workout and meal like clockwork. I lifted consistently, hit PRs, and focused on macros. But looking at my progress photos, I feel like I'm stuck. I weigh the same but see minor changes in body comp. Anyone else feel like they're putting in all this work and not seeing the results they expect? What gives?

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u/squat_mama_2024·

Progress isn't just physical. Sometimes, it's about mental gains too! I've been lifting for years and had moments where my mind was stronger than my body. Have you tried focusing on form and technique? That can elevate your lifts and progress.

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u/sweaty_sis·

I feel you! I thought I was making no progress for ages. But then I realized how much stronger I felt lifting. It's not just about looks! Have you thought about measuring other things like your strength or endurance?

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u/glutenfree_gains·

I totally get it! I was lifting the same for months and got stuck too. I switched to gluten-free options and was shocked by how much better I felt. Maybe experimenting with your diet could help reveal what's holding you back.

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u/sneaky_fiber·

It's crucial to consider how you're tracking your intake. Are you using something like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal? Precision in tracking can reveal discrepancies you might not notice otherwise. Small changes in portion sizes can make a huge difference.

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u/bodypositive_bro·

Ngl, I felt like this too after my first year. I was grinding but not seeing the change I wanted. Progress isn't always visible in photos, bro. Focus on how you feel and celebrate those non-scale victories. You're doing great!

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u/mom_of_muscle·

It's tough when you feel you're working hard with little to show for it. I remember tracking my calories like a hawk but ended up burning out. Have you thought about intuitive eating for a while? Sometimes letting go of the tracking can relieve pressure.

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u/mom_of_muscle·

^^^ This! Also, remember to take rest days seriously. Sometimes, recovery is where the real progress happens. If you're lifting hard all week without proper recovery, your body might just be holding on to that stress.

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u/gym_noob·

lmao I feel like I'm wasting my time too, sometimes. I just started, so I can't compare yet, but I'm already wondering if I'm doing it right! Anyone else feel like they're just lost?

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u/keto_kingpin·

Honestly, this sounds like a classic recomp issue. You're training hard but may need to adjust macros to see changes. Have you thought about tracking your intake more closely or switching to a strict keto approach for a few weeks? It might give your body a new stimulus.

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u/sugarfree_susie·

You are not alone! Many people feel like they're grinding without seeing results. Tracking fiber intake helped me feel fuller and less focused on the scale. If you're not getting enough fiber, that might also affect your results.

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u/the_caffeine_chaser·

I get that feeling. You might be hitting the gym hard but over-caffeinating too, haha. Just a thought! Sometimes dialing back on caffeine and focusing on hydration can help with performance and recovery.

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u/mealprep_mike99·

It's easy to feel stuck, but make sure you're analyzing all aspects of your diet and training. Even minor changes can be significant over time. Have you considered adjusting your calorie intake or trying a different program? Sometimes a change in routine can kickstart progress.

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u/deadlift_dreams·

You might be hitting PRs, but are you tracking your volume and intensity effectively? You might be in a maintenance phase without realizing it. Consider a deload week or a different program to shake things up. I switched to a more intense 5/3/1 cycle and saw changes.

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u/whole30_hustler·

Tracking every meal and workout is a great start, but maybe try focusing on whole foods for a bit. If you're not seeing physical changes, it might be about nutrient density, not just macros. I did a Whole30 last year and saw a huge difference in how I felt

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u/bodypositive_bro·

Facts. The scale can be deceptive! I dropped weight while actually gaining muscle, which messed with my head. Look at how your clothes fit or how your energy levels feel.

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u/fit_with_kids·

I know it can be frustrating! As a busy mom, I felt stuck too, but then I started incorporating family workouts. Sometimes progress is just about finding joy in what you're doing rather than hitting a specific goal.

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