Throw Away Your Scale

  It's always amazing to me how so many people get discouraged in their weightloss journey because of what the scale says.  Sure the scale is a good barometer of weight loss, and is a necessary evil, but not the only factor in judging your weightloss. 

  Don't be discouraged by slow weightloss in your exercise journey.  Many of my clients tell me after 3-4 weeks of working out they have seen little movement from the scale.  I tell them everytime, "forget the scale, how do your clothes fit"?  immediately they pause and ponder.  Without fail, they tell me "my clothes are getting looser".  BINGO!!! That's a winner.  Your clothing in my opinion is the best way (other than a scale) to judge if you are dropping those unwanted pounds. It is such a shame that so many people give up on their weightloss journey due to the numbers on the scale.  Throw your scale at out the window. 

  Here are some tips if you want to see your weightloss on a better level than using your scale.  Take a before picture. When you start any new workout program, take your picture, and not with a shirt on or jacket.  You don't need to be naked, but men you should be topless, and ladies, bikini or sports bra works best.  Post it where only you can see it.  Then take a new picture every 30 days.  If you stick with your program, there is no way you won't notice results. 

  When you do weigh yourself, make sure it's first thing in the morning, as soon as you wake up.  During rest your body has had time do break down the previous days food consumption, and recover from activity.  Do not weigh your self everyday, infact I tell my clients to hit the scale every 10 days.  In essence, the scale is only one tool in your arsenal to determine if you are on the right track.  Don't be discouraged by it, it is not the sole item to judge.  Remember fitness and weightloss is a journey, not a destination.

By Kirk Waidell, CPT

kwaidell@gmail.com