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How to Tell If Your Training Is Working

November 2, 2026 · 56 min

Show notes

Are you actually getting stronger and building muscle, or are you just going through the motions? In today's episode, we discuss how to tell whether your training is producing results, and what to do when progress stalls.

We look at why your strength can fluctuate from workout to workout, how to track muscle growth using more than just the weights you're lifting, and why you shouldn't draw conclusions from a few disappointing training sessions. Plus, how to troubleshoot a plateau, when to change your training approach, and why progress isn't always as straightforward as you'd like.

We also answer listener questions about when to switch programs, how to deal with life's interruptions, and if smaller weight increments could keep beginner gains going indefinitely.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - How to tell if your training is working
  • 32:15 - Program of the week: Deadlift Builder
  • 37:30 - Listener question 1: How long should you follow a program before switching?
  • 41:00 - Listener question 2: Life keeps interrupting my training. Is it OK not to make progress all the time?
  • 45:30 - Listener question 3: Could smaller than normal weight increments keep beginner progression going indefinitely?

***

Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

Become a part of our Reddit community here.

***

This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

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