Adarsh

March 30, 2025

Feelings are the enemy of sustained progress


I feel like my squat is getting better 

I feel like i am getting thinner 

I feel like I am eating less

I feel like I am bulking up when I lift weights

I feel like my pull up range is better 

Why do you want to have feelings about something you can objectively measure and know as true or untrue. 

You know if your squat is better
1. If you are lifitng more and/or
2. If the squat is moving faster and/or
3. You are squatting with greater depth and/or
4. You are squatting with greater control

I am feeling thinner can easily be verified by;
1. Measurements using an inch tape periodically.
2. DEXA Scans from a well calibrated machine
3. Calliper tests by someone with trained hands
4. The trajectory of the weighing scale over the course of months

I am eating less can easily be verified with 
1. A food log
2. How your body composition has changed 
3. How your weight has changed



I feel like I am bulking up when I lift weights can be debunked
1. With a food log
2. With body composition and measurements


I feel like my pull up range is better can be easily verified 

1. Using a video of your pull up compared against earlier reps. 
2. How close is your chest to the bar?
3. How rolled back are your shoulders? 
4. Are you pulling from a dead hang position? 
5. Are you originating your pull with your upper back?
6. Are you just shrugging up your neck and relying too much on your arms?


Almost everything in the gym, kitchen or home can be observed, captured and quantified, without obsession or fixation, to show you how much you have progressed. Stop relying on feelings for things that can easily be objectively proven as true or false.

About Adarsh


- I run a strength and conditioning facility in Chennai, India
- I work with my clients to make training and eating for better body composition a part of everyday life
- I coach online and in-person
- I design and manufacture strength training equipment for use in our strength training facility