Body fat vs. Scale success story

golfbrew_matt

Just wanted to share another reason why I love tracking more than just the scale. I track body composition as well, using a caliper and the 3-point Jackson-Pollock method. Ok, so there may be some measurement error, but I now feel way better about my 0.4 lbs loss this week. Last week my measurement were: 171.2 lbs (19.1% body fat, 138.6 lbs lean mass, 32.6 lbs fat). This week I'm at 170.8 lbs (17.5% body fat, 140.9 lbs lean mass, 29.9 lbs fat). I think I'm pretty accurate and repeatable on how I take the measurements (3 times for each location, then using the average). This is really a breakthrough for me, knowing that while I lost "only" 0.4 lbs that I really look like I lost 2.7 lbs of fat while gaining muscle!

GabrielMaestas

Rock and Roll...

szieres

That is just fantastic!! I've yet to measure myself (I think I'm just scared of what it will say) but I know I will.. I think on the first of March.. No, I WILL ON MARCH 1ST measure myself and start from there.. Again, congrats and keep it up!

Ewright1187

I'm so glad to see something like this on here, so many people get hung up on the scale, but even simply setting goals like a 5K and 10K says more than a scale ever could.
I used to work out with a bunch of men doing MMA training, and I had to completely get over the scale phobia because they were body fat obsessed. When I began with them I was 155lbs, about 36% body fat. When I left them I was about 152, 22% body fat. When I left their gym, I was in search of new fitness goals... so I started training for a half marathon. When I did my half marathon in January 2011, I had been training different methods for the better part of 6 months, and finished in 2 hours and 38minutes.
More importantly, I wasn't totally winded- I actually felt great. So here I am, training for my next half marathon (end of march) and then a full marathon (Nov/dec)... but am at 139lbs and 16%body fat... and still working.

I love your post because people have no concept of weight make up, and they need to take it into consideration! Plus, it reminds all of us food trackers that it is not simply about weight loss- it is about life changes.

Living an active and fit life.



You keep on going, keep up the good work, and keep up posted on your 5K and 10K!!!!

golfbrew_matt

I highly recommend measuring this weekly (or at least monthly). Only takes a couple minutes and really helps you understand what's going on a lot better. It also helps you ensure you're not losing the lean mass.

Ewright has a GREAT example. While losing "only" 3 lbs, body fat went down 14%! That's a 22.4 lb loss in fat (and a 19.4 lb gain in muscle!). In other words, while "only" losing 3 lbs, you look like a completely different person...