3 Signs Your Workout Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)
If you're committed to living a healthier, stronger life, regular exercise is essential. But not all workouts are created equal—and not every training plan delivers the results you want. In fact, the wrong workout can lead to injury, fatigue, or even burnout.
At Functional Elements Training & Nutrition, we help people across Creve Coeur and St. Louis County build smarter, more effective fitness programs. If you’re unsure whether your current workout is helping or hurting, here are three signs it’s time to make a change—plus expert tips to get back on track.
1. YOU'RE IN CONSTANT PAIN OR DISCOMFORT
A little soreness after a good workout is normal. But persistent pain—especially in your joints—is not.
If you're dealing with chronic discomfort, sharp pain during exercise, or stiffness that doesn’t go away, your program might be causing more harm than good. Pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t working.
What to do:
Take a rest day and pay attention to how your body responds.
Identify what movement or exercise triggered the pain.
Modify your program to correct poor movement patterns, improve mobility, or address weak areas.
Pro Tip: “No pain, no gain” is outdated. A smart, personalized fitness program should challenge you—not injure you.
2. YOU'RE NOT SEEING ANY RESULTS
If you’re working out consistently but still not seeing changes in your strength, endurance, body composition, or energy levels—it’s time to reassess your approach.
Your body adapts to routine. Doing the same exercises for weeks or months without progression can lead to plateaus. Whether it’s cardio or weight training, if your workout isn’t evolving, your results probably won’t either.
What to do:
Track progress: monitor your reps, weights, energy levels, and measurements.
Apply progressive overload by increasing resistance, reps, or intensity.
Mix it up: try new movement patterns, equipment, or training styles to keep your body adapting.
At Functional Elements, we design custom training programs that are constantly evolving to match your goals—keep you progressing — and help you TRAIN FOR LIFE!
3. YOU FEEL EXHAUSTED AND UNMOTIVATED
Exercise should energize you—not leave you feeling drained for days. If you’re always tired, sore, or dreading your next workout, your body may be trying to tell you it’s overwhelmed.
Overtraining and lack of recovery are common causes of burnout, especially for people trying to push too hard without proper support.
What to do:
Add active recovery days: mobility work, walking, or light stretching.
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition to support your recovery.
If you’re bored or unmotivated, switch things up with new formats or shorter, more efficient workouts.
Remember: Mental burnout is just as real as physical fatigue. Find a routine you enjoy—and that fits your lifestyle.
START TRAINING SMARTER IN CREVE COEUR, MO
At Functional Elements Training & Nutrition, we help people just like you feel stronger, move better, and avoid injury with customized personal training and nutrition coaching. Whether you're starting from scratch or want to break through a plateau, we’re here to guide you with expert support and personalized programs.
LET'S BUILD A ROUTINE THAT WORKS FOR YOUR BODY — NOT AGAINST IT
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Located in Creve Coeur, MO – Serving St. Louis County and beyond.
As always, remember …
Give Your Body What It Needs, When It Needs It.
Tony Muyco III, CSCS, PPSC, PPSC*KB, CFSC
Functional Elements Training and Nutrition
TRAIN FOR LIFE
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If you need a kickstart to get your fitness, nutrition and recovery program properly synched, we can help. It's what we do. Check out our 14-day 360° to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to offer over a period of just 14 days.
