Wouldn’t it be nice if progress worked like climbing a ladder? One step at a time, always moving up, predictable and measurable.
But real progress? It’s more like a winding mountain trail—sometimes steep, sometimes meandering across a long plateau, sometimes looping back on itself before revealing that sought after peak and incredible view.
It’s easy to track progress when there are numbers involved. If you’re lifting weights, you can count how much more you’re lifting. If you’re training for a race, you can measure things like speed and endurance.
But what about the kind of progress you feel rather than count? The kind that doesn’t show up on a chart but still makes a huge difference in how you move and live?
As a Feldenkrais practitioner, I often remind my students that change happens in the nervous system, not just the muscles. That means progress isn’t always obvious at first. It can be subtle (even sneaky!) and sometimes only noticeable when you stop and reflect.
So, how do you know you’re improving—especially when it doesn’t feel linear?
1. Everyday Movement Feels Easier
One of the best ways to notice progress is in the things you do all the time:
✅ Suddenly, you’re standing up from a chair without having to push off with your hands or wincing from that sharp pain in your lower back.
✅ You reach for something on a high shelf without wobbling or feeling stiff.
✅ Walking up the stairs doesn’t leave you out of breath and you’re not hauling yourself up by the handrail.
✅ Rolling over in bed is smooth instead of a multi-step production involving a leg kick, an elbow prop and a wince of pain.
These aren’t dramatic transformations, but they’re meaningful. They show that your body is reorganizing, moving more efficiently, and learning new patterns. 2. You Can Do More with Less Effort
Ever watched a cat leap onto a high surface? They don’t strain—they gather themselves (often with that cute bum wiggle), launch and land effortlessly. That’s efficiency in action, and it’s something humans can cultivate too (without having to jump on countertops or do silly bum wiggles).
Signs of this kind of progress might include:
✅ You lift and carry groceries without your shoulders aching or your arms feeling like they’re about to fall off.
✅ Bending down to tie your shoes without an audible ugh.
✅ Your favorite exercise class feels smoother and more enjoyable—like your joints have more space and movement feels easier.
✅ Walking further without feeling like it’s a trudge or your feet aching.
These improvements mean your nervous system has found an easier way to coordinate your movements. You’re no longer working against yourself.
3. You Feel Better While Doing It
Progress isn’t always about what you can do—it’s also about how you feel while doing it.
✅ You can sit longer without stiffness creeping in.
✅ Your shoulders don’t migrate up to your ears when concentrating.
✅ You end the day with more energy instead of feeling wrung out.
✅ You wake up without feeling like you wrestled your pillow overnight.
Comfort isn’t just about being pain-free. It’s about ease, fluidity, and feeling at home in your own body.
4. You Naturally Start Doing More Challenging Things
One of my favorite signs of progress? When you start doing things that used to feel intimidating—without even thinking about it.
✅ Sitting cross-legged on the floor, just because it feels good.
✅ You balance on one leg to put on a sock without thinking twice.
✅ Experimenting with different ways to get up from the floor, just to see how it feels.
✅ Dancing in the kitchen while waiting for the kettle to boil—because your body wants to move.
When your baseline improves, so does your curiosity and confidence. You don’t have to push yourself to do harder things—you just start doing them.
5. You Forget That This Used to Be Hard
One of the sneakiest (and most satisfying) signs of progress is when you completely forget how difficult something used to be.
I often hear students say, “I don’t know if I’ve made progress…” Then I ask:
"Remember how turning your head while driving was a struggle?"
"Remember how getting up from a chair felt like a big production?"
"Remember how your knee always ached when you walked around the block?"
"Remember how you couldn't comfortably lie on your back with your legs straight?"
And suddenly, the realization hits: “Oh! I don’t struggle with that anymore!”
That’s why tracking progress matters—because once something becomes pain-free and easy, you usually stop noticing it. Instead, you focus on what you still find tricky, forgetting how much you’ve already improved. How to Track Your Progress (Without Overthinking It)
If you ever feel like you’re not getting anywhere, try one of these simple ways to check in:
✅ Write It Down – Keep a journal of what feels easier (and what still feels challenging). You’ll be surprised in a month or two when you look back and see how far you’ve come.
✅ Take a Video – If you’re working on a specific movement (like rolling, squatting or balancing), record yourself now and check again in a few weeks. You’ll spot changes that aren’t obvious in the moment.
✅ Notice Daily Life – Pay attention to how easily you get dressed, turn your head while driving or move at the end of the day. Small shifts here are big signs of progress.
✅ Use a Sensory Check-in – Before and after a movement session, notice how you feel. Is your breathing easier? Do your shoulders rest lower? These subtle shifts show your nervous system is adapting.
✅ Ask Someone Else – Sometimes, others notice changes before we do. A friend, trainer or movement teacher might point out how much more easily you’re moving.
Trust the Process (Even When It Feels Like Nothing’s Happening)
Progress isn’t always obvious. Some days, you’ll feel amazing. You’ll experience a big breakthrough ‘aha moment’. Other days, you’ll feel like the progress is glacial. . Or you’ll feel like you’re right back where you started—especially if you’ve had a setback like becoming unwell or dealing with an injury.
Remember: even if you do have a setback or feel like progress has stalled, you’re not starting over. Your nervous system remembers. You already have tools and experience to help you get back on track. But if your progress really is going backwards—if things are getting harder instead of easier, if pain or discomfort is increasing or if you just feel stuck—that’s a good time to get some extra help! A fresh perspective, a skilled coach or even just a different approach can make all the difference in getting you moving forward again.
The key is to keep moving, keep noticing and keep trusting that change is happening—even if it’s not in a straight line.
Because one day, without even realizing it, you’ll do something you once thought was impossible… and it’ll feel like no big deal.
That’s the magic of progress. 😊
What changes have you noticed lately—big or small?
If you're feeling stuck, curious or just want to fast-track your progress, I’d love to help! (And call me biased, but Feldenkrais is very good at this—just saying!) Get in touch, and let’s explore how you can move with more ease, comfort, and confidence.
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