Weight Loss: How do you measure your progress?

     Is the SCALE Your Go-To Tool for Weight loss Progress?

I used to be a SLAVE to the scale. Now, I am completely against the idea of letting the scale decide your success. In some cases the scale can be your worst enemy.

 

 

The number on the scale is not the most important thing to keep an eye on. You must understand the difference between muscle and fat. Muscle is very GOOD for the body, and as most understand excessive FAT is NOT GOOD for the body.

When we exercise, we burn fat (which often results in losing weight); however, exercising also helps build muscle which means that we gain weight as well. If all we do to measure our progress is WEIGH ourselves, we will be missing out on all the IMPROVEMENTS being made to our physique!

If we could only shift our mindset to GETTING FIT and not merely LOSING WEIGHT. Yes, your weight can be an indication of how fit you are but it is not the only way to judge your fitness level OR your progress towards your fitness goals.

While 1lb of muscle is equal to 1lb of fat, muscle takes up MUCH less space. The result of a body with lean muscle is a smaller & tighter physique.

These changes can be measured in different ways:

1. You can take regular measurements to see improvements.
It is very important to keep an eye on the changes as these will tell you if your ‘workout plan’ is effective or if you are hitting a “plateau.”
2. It is also a good idea to take pictures of yourself intermittently – as this is where I have seen the MOST changes!
3. Many people measure progress by how their clothes fit them. Do you look better in it now? Does it fit better? Is the shirt tighter or lose?

 

So, hopefully you will use the scale as ONE progress tool, and not the ULTIMATE measurement of progress! Remember that a healthy lifestyle & a fitness transformation is a JOURNEY!

 

xoxo,
Brittany