Feeling smashed after exercise isn’t a sign of an effective workout—sometimes, it’s actually counterproductive.
I get it. That muscle burn the day after can feel like proof you’ve worked hard. But being wiped out every time isn’t the goal—it can actually get in the way of progress.
Here’s the reality: chasing that feeling of exhaustion often leads to burnout, injury, and inconsistency. When you’re constantly pushing yourself to the point of being completely wiped, it’s hard to stay consistent—and consistency is what really drives results.
Here’s why it’s better to focus on measurable progress:
🔹 Adaptation is progress: Just because you’re not sore doesn’t mean your muscles aren’t working. As you get stronger, your body adapts, and soreness becomes less frequent. That’s a good thing—it means you’re getting fitter and more efficient.
🔹 Sustainable progress: The key to real change is staying consistent. Instead of chasing the feeling of being smashed, focus on gradually increasing what your body can do—whether that’s lifting more, moving faster, or improving your form.
🔹 Recovery equals results: Pushing too hard without enough recovery not only slows progress but also makes it harder to stay on track long-term. The real gains happen when your body gets the chance to recover and adapt.
So, rather than chasing the post-workout wrecked feeling, focus on measurable results. Strength, endurance, energy levels, how your body feels—these are the things that show you’re making progress.