There's no such thing as an NSV!

Rayman79

I'll preface this by saying I know it is a potentially pointless thread... but I like a good rant as much as the next person

Today I am just musing on the unhealthy relationship we have with the scales, and the fact that every 'lifestyle' program (commonly known as weightloss programs, which further emphasises my point) is geared towards weight and numbers on a scale... even a site as useful as MFP.

Thoughout the process of acheiving a better physical self, I think it is inportant to recognise that increased health, cardio-vascular fitness etc are far more important that weight. And even for vanity reasons (commonly known as 'looking better nekkid' :P) the change in composition (reduction in body fat/greater lean mass) as commonly evidenced through fitting into smaller clothes etc is a significantly superior measure of success than mass.

I can't help but feel that as long as we refer to our accomplishments as NSV's, we will never escape the mistaken perception that regardless of what other victories we have, that in our own minds they will still fall short of the magical number we see at our feet.

So my call to action, even if just for today, lets throw away the term NSV... and just shout VICTORY! :drinker:

papastu

:drinker:

Helloitsdan

LOL I told my group to put the scale away and break out the tape measurer!

amaodonnell

:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:
big bump!!
:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

JDNOX

:drinker: :drinker:
get off the numbers and be healthy and happy.

Rayman79

Oh and while I'm at it... VICTORY for me. I had to buy a new belt today... have run out of holes on mine.

bethvandenberg

VICTORY

EricMurano

Eh ...

Tracking numbers gives me positive reinforcement.

Body fat % is the ideal metric but it's hard to measure.

Weight is a good metric in the beginning however the more you slim down the less weight accurately represents your progress. I believe you get to a point where how you look and feel and how well clothes fit become a better indication of how well you're doing.

When I get to that point I'd think about doing fat % test every 6 months or so. I'd get them done every week but I'm not made of money! The only body fat % test I trust is one in a lab.

Rompa_87

Agreed!

Scales are not particularly useful in any regard at all. Except for making people feel terrible about themselves.

Case study of 1. If I were to judge my success based on weight then as someone who is 170cm (~5 feet 8 inch) tall and 75kg (~165lb) I'd be considered overweight by my scale.

However, if I went by other victories (2 half ironman triathlons and a full one in less than 2 weeks) then I would probably say I am doing well :P

KatieTee83

Great post! Excellent words of wisdom. I totally agree!

Nicolee_2014

I'm a bit dumb, what does NSV stand for? :embarassed:

russelljclarke

My scale loves me, and my tape measure, and my fitness coach etc etc etc

Why focus on ANY one thing that makes you feel good when you CAN have it all!

Rayman79

NSV = Non Scale Victory

It's a pretty commonly term used 'round these parts :P

Jade_Butterfly

LOL I told my group to put the scale away and break out the tape measurer!

Amen to that m'friend. . . After the birth of my daughter I lost 3 sizes in my clothes and the scale had not moved on iota. . . . .

Nicolee_2014

Thanks for that Rayman

persian_star

Oooh, I want to share a (quite amusing) VICTORY on behalf over my wonderful hubby - he recently cut out sugar (inc all drinks but water or tea/coffee) and alcohol due to tummy trouble, which I was ecstatic about because I worry about his weight, and on Sunday, HIS JEANS FELL DOWN *lol* Luckily only in front of me, and they were quite baggy jeans in the first place, but since he tells me he hasn't lost any weight (he won't tell me any numbers), I am trying to encourage him and this was a fabulous thing to happen :happy: :happy: :happy:

dad106

Oh and while I'm at it... VICTORY for me. I had to buy a new belt today... have run out of holes on mine.

Ok so your ranting about non-scale victory's, yet you've posted one.. makes a lot of sense.

Non-scale victorys have nothing to do with the number on the scale... most are about buying new belts or clothes or w/e, despite what the scale is saying.

persian_star

Ok so your ranting about non-scale victory's, yet you've posted one.. makes a lot of sense.

Non-scale victorys have nothing to do with the number on the scale... most are about buying new belts or clothes or w/e, despite what the scale is saying.

Hey honey, I think it's more about the fact that we relate our victories to the fact that they're not scale victories and call them as such, as though every victory we have is only important if it's in some way related to our weight, when really we should just be pleased with any victory and give less credence to what our scales tell us :flowerforyou:

Rayman79

Ok so your ranting about non-scale victory's, yet you've posted one.. makes a lot of sense.

Non-scale victorys have nothing to do with the number on the scale... most are about buying new belts or clothes or w/e, despite what the scale is saying.

This is a classic example of why it's a good idea to read the original post before commenting! :laugh: :laugh:

dad106

Ok so your ranting about non-scale victory's, yet you've posted one.. makes a lot of sense.

Non-scale victorys have nothing to do with the number on the scale... most are about buying new belts or clothes or w/e, despite what the scale is saying.

This is a classic example of why it's a good idea to read the original post before commenting! :laugh: :laugh:

Uh, I did.. and maybe I missed the point.. but your ranting about something, and then doing the thing your ranting about..
Makes no sense what so ever to me.. but to each their own.