I wanted to take some time to speak about what has been a topic that I always find myself speaking about with not only my clients but also with people in every day conversation. Let me ask you this...what is the obsession with the scale and your weight? First off, you need to understand a few things about how to weigh in and be consistent. First and the obvious one is use the same scale. There are too many out there that can vary for many reasons. Secondly, take your clothes off and if you can't do that, at least your shoes. The main thing here to remember is if you weigh yourself one time with clothes on, do it again with the same clothes on. Lastly, weigh yourself in the morning BEFORE you eat but AFTER you have gone to the bathroom. Bottom line here...CONSISTENCY.
I realize that the scale is a huge part of measuring performance and results and I get that. What I don't get is why people do it every day. Weight fluctuates so don't think it is going to be right on every time you jump on the scale. Do it once a week or better yet once every 2-4 weeks. In my opinion the scale can play some pretty nasty tricks with your mind which you don't need if you are already struggling with trying to reach your goals and sticking with your workout routine. After all, it is a mental game and you need to have a strong mentality throughout. Did you know that muscle weighs more than fat? Yup, that's right. So, if you are working out hard strength training, you very well may be putting on pounds. This is okay. Lean muscle speeds up your metabolism and helps you burn more calories, even when you are not working out. In time, this will all even out and you will see the benefits. For every 1 lb. of lean muscle you put on your body you will burn an extra 50 calories each day. Imagine if you put on 10lbs of lean muscle. That would mean you are burning 500 extra calories each day. Multiply that by 7 days each week and that equals 1 lb. each week you will be losing(doing nothing). Now we are talking! This concept is the main reason why resistance training is so important. This and the fact that you look great! Furthermore, don't spend hours on the treadmill at a moderate speed. Keep the intensity up by doing some intervals or better yet find a resistance training routine that makes you sweat and work hard. Ok, back to my point... what I am trying to say here is that the scale is not the end all be all of measuring your progress. Yes, it is a great tool to see how things are progressing but not the only thing you should be looking for. How do your clothes fit? What do you look like in the mirror? Are you happy with the way you look and feel? Have your friends or family commented on any positive changes? Are you progressing in your workouts? These are all great signs that the scale does not give you. Did you take other measurements like BF% or circumference? All I am saying is take a second to step away from the scale and look at other indicators of success and don't dwell on the fact that you only lost 1 lb. this week. Move on, remain consistent with you nutrition and your workouts which will result in positive results. Go Get Um!