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Why You Shouldn’t Focus on the Scales When You're on a Fitness Journey
If you’re on a fitness journey, it’s common to fixate on one number—your weight. However, relying solely on the scales can be misleading. In this blog post, we’ll explore why you shouldn’t focus on the scales when pursuing better health and fitness, and what you should be paying attention to instead.
1. There's more to health and fitness than weight
While weight can be a useful indicator of progress for weight loss or maintenance goals, it doesn’t paint the complete picture of your overall health and fitness. The number on the scales doesn’t account for body composition, which refers to the ratio of fat to lean body mass.
If you’re working hard to lose body fat and gain muscle, the scales might not reflect your efforts accurately. Remember, muscle is denser than fat, so as you build muscle and lose fat, your weight might not change significantly. But don’t get disheartened; this means you are progressing and improving your body composition.
2. The scales can't measure your body composition
A kilogram of muscle and a kilogram of fat both weigh the same—a kilogram. However, their impact on your body is entirely different. Muscle is metabolically active and helps you burn more calories, while excess fat can be detrimental to your health.
The scales can’t differentiate between these two substances, leaving you unaware of how your body is changing internally. Instead of relying solely on weight, consider tracking your body measurements and using body composition analysis tools like the Bodymapp app. These methods provide a clearer picture of your progress and encourage a healthier approach to fitness.
3. The scales won't show your health improvements
When you embark on a fitness journey, positive changes are happening beyond the number on the scales. Your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient, your muscles adapt and become stronger, your skin improves, and your sleep quality enhances.
Unfortunately, these improvements don’t manifest as numbers on the scales. However, they significantly contribute to your overall well-being and are crucial markers of progress. Celebrate these non-scale victories and let them motivate you to keep going.
What should you focus on instead?
Instead of obsessing over the scales, shift your focus to other indicators of progress and overall well-being. Here are some essential aspects to pay attention to:
1. Improvements in mood and energy levels
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can boost your mood and energy levels. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day, and you’ll likely notice positive changes in your emotional well-being.
2. Clothes fitting differently
Notice how your clothes fit and how they make you feel. Looser-fitting clothes or the ability to fit into old outfits are signs of progress that are more valuable than the numbers on the scales.
3. Healthier sleeping patterns
Quality sleep is crucial for recovery and overall health. As you become more active and mindful of your diet, you may find yourself sleeping better and waking up refreshed.
4. Changes in body measurements
Track changes in your narrow waist, stomach, hips, arms, and legs to see how your body is reshaping itself. You can measure manually with a tape measure, or conveniently measure in minutes with the Bodymapp app. This can be a motivating way to see progress even if the scales seem uncooperative.
5. Changes in body composition
Utilize tools like the Bodymapp app to measure and track your body composition accurately. This information will provide a more detailed insight into how your body is transforming.
In Summary
Remember, a fitness journey is about more than just losing weight—it’s about improving your overall health and well-being. By shifting your focus away from the scales and embracing various indicators of progress, you’ll gain a healthier perspective on your fitness journey and find the motivation to keep pushing forward. So, celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and enjoy the holistic benefits of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Bodymapp is a convenient and affordable fitness tracking solution that allows you to complete unlimited 3D body scans using your iPhone! The app will conveniently track your progress for you, allowing you to see changes in your measurements, metrics, and your very own 3D avatar. Download the app here and start scanning with a free trial!
