Ways To Measure Your Progress Without Scales!
The scales have been such a common way to determine weight loss or the effectiveness of fitness progress, but are they really that reliable? I always talk about this topic with girls because I think it is so important. Only focusing on the number on the scales can be super de-motivating at times. I personally do not believe that it is healthy to put all your focus on a number as there are so many factors that affect your weight and the way you look. For example, your weight can fluctuate depending on the time of day, how much water you have had to drink or if it’s that time of month. Here are ways to measure your progress without the scales.
1. Look at photos. I think progress photos can be a much more accurate representation of how you are tracking instead of the scales. We know that muscle weighs more than fat, so I sometimes haClotve clients who get worried because their weight is actually going up on the scale, but they look the better than they ever have! Remember that it can be hard to see the changes in our body on a week-to-week basis when we constantly see ourselves in the mirror, but comparing photos every month, you may be surprised at how much your body has changed!
2. Clothes fitting better. Are you clothes feeling and fitter better? That can be an accurate indictation that you are making serious progress. Your clothes can tell you a lot about how your body is changing. Focus on how they feel on your body, depending on your fitness goals. Your pants may feel looser in the waist and tighter in the thighs as you lose fat and build muscle, for example. Pay attention to how your old favorite pieces fit and fall around your body. Feeling confident in your body and your wardrobe are important pieces in the progress puzzle.
3.Create challenges for yourself. Use your efforts to focus on your personal bests. Challenging yourself in all aspects of health and fitness may help your mindset and will also tell you a lot about your strength and fitness. For example, use a heavier weigh, do a few more reps or try an exercise you have never been able to complete. By accomplishing these challenges you can see how you are progressively getting healthier and fitter.
4. Being in tune with your body. I am sure many of you can agree with this, but when you are eating healthy and exercising regularly, your body just feels better. This may mean that you have more energy, your skin is clearer and your digestion is working well. Getting to know your body may seem a little strange at first and can take time, but being able to recognize when your body feels good and when it doesn’t can really help you work out if you’re on the right track. In turn, you can recognize when you are at your healthiest, and times when you may need to make a few improvements.
The number on the scale is not always an accurate indicator of where you are at on your health and fitness journey. Take progress photos, challenge yourself and listen to your body, as they can also be great indicators of whether you are making progress or not.
Xoxo, MK
