7 signs you're working out enough — even if it doesn't feel like it

• Sometimes we don't see the results we'd like to from our workouts.
• But that doesn't mean your exercise routine isn't enough.
• If you are hitting your workout goals, maintaining a healthy lifestyle outside of the gym, and your metabolism is working well, your workouts are probably enough.

Few things are as discouraging as heading to the gym regularly and not seeing results. Unfortunately though, at some point if you've started working out, it feels as if everything you're doing is in vain.

Although amping up your workouts may be your first response — just like it was for me — sometimes it's better to look for the subtle signs that are you in fact getting enough exercise. Andrea Fornarola, founder of Elements Fitness Studio, told INSIDER that there are plenty of other ways to determine if your current workout routine is enough.

"There is a super fine line between hitting it hard, and then working out too much. Usually people think that the more you workout the better it is, but that's not always the case," she said. "If you are exercising three to four times a week, and hitting your target heart rate for at least 30 minutes, you are most likely working out enough — even if it doesn't feel like it. It's better to work smarter not harder."

Need more proof that you're workouts are doing their job even if it feels like you're not doing enough? Here are seven signs that your workouts are going better than you think.

You walk a lot on a daily basis.

Over the last few years, counting steps has become all the rage in monitoring cardio intake, and according to Jeana Anderson Cohen, founder of the wellness company A Sweat Life, you should still consider your steps part of your workout routine.

"Counting your steps is a great way to attune yourself to the amount of daily activity you're actually getting," she told INSIDER. "Even if you didn't fit a gym-session in, those 15,000 steps you enjoyed walking your dog, catching a bus, and taking your conference call as you walked your office count against your activity needs."

Cardio doesn't always need to be on a treadmill. You can sometimes get the proper amount needed by just doing your day-to-day activities.

You're reaching your goals.

Working out can seem pointless if you haven't put your eye on a prize. That's why Dr. Kevin Kinney, a chiropractic doctor and wellness expert, told INSIDER that you should be keeping track of your goals.

"The simplest way to know that you are working out enough is to set and keep track of your progress through measurable goals," he said. "Whether the goal is increasing in weight, repetitions, strength, flexibility, speed, or distance. If you are consistently hitting and exceeding that thing, then you are on a healthy regimen. Goals should challenge you but also be achievable and practical."

Set a workout routine each week that will increase from your previous week's goals.

You're hitting your target time.

According to Cohen, if you're starting to feel as if your workout isn't getting the job done, consider the amount of time you've been working out.

"Steady state cardio — or LISS (low intensity steady state) workouts — can be judged on time," she said. "From power walking to jogging, settle into a pace that's a 5 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 for you and hang out there for 45 to 60 minutes. Even if it feels like you're not working hard enough, LISS is an important part of your fitness mix."

You never want to overdo it just to make yourself feel like you've worked out. Pay attention to how your body reacts to your workout.