Scale Reminder
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| Tue, 12-19-2006 - 6:53am |
Don't get obsessed about the number on the scale.
Just a reminder for myself and everyone else who's frustrated with the number on the scale. Remember that the number isn't the only measure for progress and just because that number hasn't gone down (or has stayed the same or even, *GULP* gone up) doesn't mean that you haven't made progress.
Muscle weighs more than fat does, so as we exercise and our bodies lose fat and gain muscle it's not only possible, but likely that the number on the scale will go up temporarily. More muscle means your body burns more calories per day which will then encourage weight (and fat) loss.
So if the number on the scale isn't moving in the right direction, use another method for checking your progress. Checking measurements or re-evaluating your muscle tone or your body fat percentage helps give you a more accurate picture of your progress.
If you stuck to your goals for the week, be proud of yourself, no matter what the scale says.
To avoid dizzy spells, I've been focusing on stregth trainging, stretching and just got a pilates video (haven't tried it yet). As a result, my weight has actually gone up (Although I admit some of that is due to Christmas cookies). Despite the number on the scale, I feel a definite difference already in the muscle tone in my arms and my stomach has gone down.
Dee
310/278/140

Very true and well said!
WORKING ON GOAL # 2
JOGGING MY WAY TO 175 BY
Right on, Dee! This is exactly why I don't want to weigh myself too often. I used to be a slave to the scale, sometimes even weighing several times a day. That's just a death sentence for staying on track, because I was always disappointed. This time, I've vowed to do it no more than every two weeks; even less if I can hold out longer. I went six weeks from initial weigh in to next, and I dropped 12 lbs. in that time. I feel so much more free not having that scale looming in my face!
Good luck to all~
Mary #3
247/226/135
Thanks Dee..
That's what was keeping me sane for the past year.. although I haven't lost much on the scale, I lost at least one dress size.
My final goal is to be a size 8/10.. no matter what the scale says.
Brava, well said!
And just curious, have you tried the Pilates video yet? I love this stuff, and see a real improvement when i do it on a regular basis. (Uh, note to self...)
There's also an instructor here locally who uses the most amazing imagery for her Pilates class (cement has been dumped over your upper body, or there is a skewer through your hip, etc.) If SHE ever makes a video, I will tout it to everyone I know, LOL!
I haven't tried it yet cause I have a lot going on right now. Holidays, work (my boss is getting ready to go to Florida for a week which leaves me in charge of the office), etc., but I'm planning on making my first attempt this weekend. I figure with my limitations (dizziness, etc) pilates is a good choice. I'll spend most of the workout on or near the floor, so at least if I get dizzy and pass out, I won't hurt myself falling. I've heard lots of good things about pilates and how effective it is. Here's hoping and willing to try.
Dee