Quantifying results without the aid of a scale

Siekobilly

So I've been here for a little over four months now. Throughout that time I've had a couple lapses (drinking, overindulging in pizza, etc...), but for the most part I stuck to it. I haven't seen the scale move much, though I've lost quite a few inches in various places, including my gut and waist.

Here lately I've been in a bit of a slump; I've put on a few pounds, but still lost inches. While I'm happy I lost the inches I was hoping to be further along in the weight department that I am (scale dependent mindset). So to help move that needle some more I've refocused my efforts on healthier eating choices, removing the things I can't help but binge on, and adding elliptical cardio on my non-jogging days.

This is where I quantify four months worth of results without the aid of a scale (NSV). Just before I started my journey I got on the elliptical and went maybe 15 minutes at resistance level 3. I managed to get in just under a mile, at around a 19 to 21 min/mi. This morning I managed to do a 5k (3.1 mi) at a pace of about 10 to 11 min/mi on resistance level 5. Oh, and before I started my journey, when I went 15 minutes on the elliptical, I threw up afterwards. Now I'm like, "Was that it?".

So I beat around the bush quite a bit, but the ultimate lesson I learned this morning is that even if the scale doesn't move much, and even if the inches aren't moving a whole lot, it doesn't mean that significant progress isn't being made. Don't lose focus, stay motivated, and most importantly keep kicking life's *kitten*!

lilawolf

Pictures and clothing size are what I am going by! No one cares or even knows the number on the scale, they only know what you look like...

vtmoon

Glad you were able to break free from the mental slavery our mind falls into due to the number on the scale. I had a month and a half plateau with the scale but during it my lifting increased by 25% minimum and my biking distance and time increased by 12 miles and 30 minutes. So it's very healthy to use a couple of different methods to measure progress instead of focusing on one number.

tcalamity

Im so glad you posted this, knowing Im not the only one. I have for the past 3 weeks had no inch loss or weight loss and like you Ive lost 26inches since august but only 7lbs. I cycle (spin/mountain bike) and I lift weights and I started Tapout XT 3 weeks ago, so with no "progress" I felt stuck this week however, I am stronger have more stamina and Im fitter. Thanks for sharing this it has cleared the fog a bit

Siekobilly

Thanks. I figured I couldn't be the only one who wasn't seeing the scales/inches move even though I was making progress. That's ultimately what drove me to post the topic. Glad it helped someone

bluefox9er

the scales LIE! I believe you have made great progress..you have lost inches and your body is much more efficient and capable of doing the workouts which were once difficult.

I am a firm believer in inches rather than numbers on a scale. yesterday, I weighed 3.4 lbs MORE after running a half marathon run than i did when Iw eighed myself before I went for my run .go figure! LOL

78brownie_wechanged

Cosigningヾ( ´ー｀)

Pictures and clothing size are what I am going by! No one cares or even knows the number on the scale, they only know what you look like...

amann1976

get naked look in the mirror and look at the extra inches your gained on your love muscle...

kdeaux1959

Scale is far less important that body fat percentage... That is the number we all need to see drop. Best wishes on your journey.

bluebird321

Scale is far less important that body fat percentage... That is the number we all need to see drop. Best wishes on your journey.

This. I decided to get a hydrostatic body fat test done every 30 days a few months ago. At this point; I consider it a better indicator of my progress than a scale.