A friend of mine griped the other day about not losing weight despite exercising 4-5 times a week and eating healthier. She acknowledged a loss of inches, but associates success with dropping numbers on the scale.
This is just one of the reasons why I dislike scales and don’t even own one. For those of you who are discouraged and ready to give up your exercising and eating clean efforts simply because you’re not getting lighter, pleeeease don’t!!!!
When someone says, “I’ve lost weight,” what does that mean, really? Is that weight water? Fat? Muscle?
We don’t want to lose muscle weight. Muscle is what burns most calories and boosts your metabolism. Muscle is what gives you that toned and cut look – Exhibit A: MizFit’s arms. Muscles like those don’t magically grow from Twinkie consumption.
Muscle is also heavier, yet denser, than fat. This means muscle takes up less space (yay) but weighs more (potentially discouraging).
A better determination of your progress would be a body fat composition analysis. Many gyms offer this test with skin calipers. Some medical centers or universities offer more accurate (and extensive and pricey) methods through dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or hydrostatic weighing.
More conveniently, get out the tape measure and measure yourself. Keep a record of your progress. Losing inches can mean a leaner body despite the scale refusing to budge.
Also, how are your clothes fitting? Are they feeling loose these days? That's a real easy way to gauge your fat blasting progress.
And speaking of feeling, how do you feel? Do you feel leaner, more energetic? Can you exercise longer, go faster, life heavier? If yes, you’re getting fitter, and that’s nothing to get discouraged about! So, even if those pesky numbers on the scale aren't dropping like you expect, keep exercising, keep working on your eating habits, and don't ever give up!
Photo credit: pontuse
Originally posted 2008-05-07 08:18:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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7 comments ↓
I couldn’t agree more!!
At the doctor the other day, I got weighed and I weigh less than I did when I was 12, eeek! I know it’s because I’ve been sick. But even though I weigh less, I don’t have any delusions that I am healthier or fitter than ever. I would so much rather take fitness and 10 extra pounds over just the lighter weight.
I can’t wait to get back on the exercise wagon next week when my recovery is over.
Ah, the highly coveted MizFit’s arms…
Thanks for writing about this; it’s so true. I’m so interested to get my body fat measured and really must find somewhere that’ll do it for me. Measuring inches and testing how clothes feel is a much better indicator of how fit you are.
I primarily measure myself by how my clothes fit. And it helps if I feel good.
Emily,
You just get some good rest and concentrate on getting well again. I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Sagan,
Thanks! You can purchase skin calipers or other devices that estimate body fat online or in some fitness stores. You can check to see if a gym in your area will measure body fat for free, or at least at a minimum cost. Sometimes fitness fairs will offer body fat testing too. Good luck in your search!
Mrs. Micah,
Yeah, it’s probably not best to whip out the measuring tape during certain times of the month…!
I haven’t stepped on a scale since December and feel so FREE. I was thinking the other day – what if I just never got on a scale every again? Can you imagine?!
That’s awesome! And yes, I CAN imagine!
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