Progress is linear...or is it?

​When we think about physical activity and movement, we often expect some form of change—maybe in our pain levels, strength, or even, let’s be honest, in how our bodies look. We tend to imagine progress as a straight line, steadily climbing toward our goals.

But is that really how it works?

In reality, progress rarely follows a straight path.


If we take a closer look, we often see peaks and valleys.

One day, we might notice significant improvement, only to feel like we've taken a step backward the next.

A recent experience drove this point home for me.

Over the last few weeks, I've been pounding the pavement, delivering postcards for my fall yoga classes, Everyday Yoga. With all that walking, I began to notice how smooth my gait had become—particularly how well my left hip was moving. It was a big deal for me because, as I’ve shared in previous emails, I’ve had ongoing issues with my left hip for some time. After working on it for so long, feeling that ease in my step was an amazing revelation.

But just a couple of days later, the smoothness disappeared.

My body started sending signals that things weren’t quite right again.

For me, it shows up in my toes—when my left hip isn’t functioning well, I get fiery pain in my left toe.

But this time, that pain started to appear in my right toe. 🤯

It was a reminder that progress isn’t linear.

Some days, we move with ease, and other days, it feels like everything’s going wrong.

The key is in noticing these shifts, both the good and the not so good.

Those moments when you feel strong, like lifting a 10-kilogram bag of flour into your shopping cart and realizing your resistance training is paying off, are important.

So are the moments when even taking one more step feels like a challenge.

It’s in paying attention to the subtle changes in your body that you start to connect the dots of progress, however nuanced they may be.

Even on the tough days, you’re moving toward your goals.

Progress might not be a straight line, but it’s there—just waiting to be noticed.

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Insight to Action: Charting Your Progress

Can you graph your good days and not-so-good days?

Take a moment to jot down how you feel after each workout or activity—what feels strong, what feels off, and any signals your body is sending you. Then plot it on a graph like this sample below:

Over time, patterns may start to emerge.

Maybe you notice that after a few strong days, you tend to feel a dip, or that certain activities consistently lead to better outcomes.

By visually tracking these ups and downs, you can gain valuable insight into your body’s natural rhythms and make more informed decisions about your movement and recovery.

What patterns might unfold for you?

Ready to dive in? Grab the resource in The MedFit Movement Studio to get started!​

Oh, and if you are free TODAY at 3pm MST, you are invited to the Community Connections Launch Party in The Studio! Join us virtually for a sample Mindful Movement class, connecting with fellow community members and PRIZES!! ​

Stay well and happy moving,

Lisa