Ever stepped on the scales after a week of intense workouts and healthy eating, only to find your weight hasn’t budged or worse – it has increased? We’ve all been there. It’s what some call the “Sad Step,” a disappointing encounter with the scales that can leave you feeling deflated. However, this post is here to remind you that there’s much more to fitness progress than just your weight.
To measure your progress, look for other changes such as increased energy levels, improved strength, better muscle tone, and better sleep. You should also track your progress in terms of inches lost or gained, and the amount of time you can hold a plank or run a mile. Focus on these successes and celebrate the small victories to stay motivated! What’s more, you can also measure your progress through non-scale victories like improved mood, better posture, or increased endurance. Taking note of these successes will not only help you stay motivated, but it will also help you better appreciate your hard work.
The Science Behind Weight
Before we delve deeper, let’s understand the science behind weight. Your body weight is a complex amalgamation of your bones, organs, muscles, fluids, and fat. Hence, when you step on the scale, it doesn’t differentiate between these components. It’s crucial to remember that gaining muscle, which weighs more than fat, is a positive step towards becoming fitter. Therefore, a stagnant or even increasing number on the scale isn’t necessarily a bad thing! For example, if you’re trying to gain muscle mass, you might see your weight increase as a result of your body composition changing even though fat loss occurs. This is because muscle is denser than fat and therefore heavier. So, even if you are losing fat, you may not see a decrease in the number on the scale. Instead, you may see a more toned and muscular figure. In this case, the number on the scale is not indicative of the progress you are making. However, if you are only seeing your weight increase and not seeing any changes in your body composition, then this could be a sign that you are not doing enough muscle-building activity or that you are eating too many calories.
Why Solely Relying on Weight is Counterproductive
When you rely solely on weight to measure your fitness progress, you’re disregarding other significant factors such as muscle gain, body composition, endurance, and overall health. Research shows that individuals who focus solely on weight loss tend to engage in unhealthy behaviours like extreme dieting or over-exercising. Furthermore, these behaviours often lead to cycles of weight loss and regain, adversely affecting both physical and mental health. Taking this approach to physical fitness is like judging a book by its cover; what appears on the surface does not always reveal the full story. It is important to go beyond the numbers and take a holistic approach to fitness, looking at lifestyle, nutrition, and physical and mental well-being. This holistic approach to fitness is more sustainable in the long run and will ensure that the individual is able to maintain healthier habits, which will, in turn, lead to better physical and mental health.
Let’s consider the case of Elijah – my client, a CEO who started strength training. After a month, he was disheartened to see his weight increase. However, he noticed his clothes fitting better, and he felt stronger and more energetic. This is a classic example of how the scale can be misleading.
Healthier Ways to Measure Fitness Progress
So, if not weight, then what? Here are some healthier ways to track your fitness journey:
- Body Composition: Body composition is the ratio of fat to lean mass in your body. A decrease in body fat percentage indicates improved fitness. It is a good indicator of your overall health and fitness level, as body fat contributes to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Keeping track of body composition can also provide motivation to stay on track with your fitness goals.
- Strength and Endurance: Are you lifting heavier weights? Can you run longer without getting winded? If yes, you’re definitely making progress! Tracking your progress in these areas can also help you identify where you need to focus your efforts to improve. Keeping track of your progress can help you stay motivated and on track towards achieving your goals.
- Energy Levels: Improved fitness often leads to increased energy levels throughout the day.
- Mood and Sleep: Regular exercise can enhance mood and sleep quality, clear indicators of improved health and well-being.
- How Your Clothes Fit: If your clothes are looser or fit better, it’s a sign you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, regardless of what the scale says.
Remember, these methods reflect your fitness progress more holistically and accurately than weight alone.
It’s time to redefine our relationship with the scale. While it can provide some insight, it shouldn’t be the sole measure of your fitness journey. Embrace a broader perspective of health and fitness that celebrates strength, energy, and well-being. So, step off that sad step and step into a happier, healthier lifestyle!
Shaun Tucker is the Founder of Healthy CEOs, a revolutionary health movement helping busy people improve their performance through the 5 foundations: Energy, Mindset, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Movement.