Should I even worry about the scale now?

DJ2120
DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
edited January 1 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been doing weight lifting to build muscle & I plan on continuing this as a part of my regular work out. I know that muscle weighs more than fat so I imagine I will start to gain weight or just stay around what I am now. I have seen some people go from 125 to 145 pounds just from lifting weights & because they have very little body fat & it's all muscle they look thinner at 145 than they did at 125. I know MFP is about tracking weight loss. Does this even apply to me anymore since I will still be losing fat, but gaining muscle therefor I probably won't be seeing the scale go down much anymore? Kind of not sure where to go from here.

Replies

  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    Bump
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member
    I was wondering the same thing. I was weighing myself every other day and the scale is not moving but clothes are loose. I think I am going to just track my measurements at this point because the scale is absolutely no help at all.
  • fueledbychange
    fueledbychange Posts: 132 Member
    You are correct. The scale is pointless now, but if you want to be able to still track your progress, you should start just tracking your measurements (: Good luck!
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    I would rely more on body fat calliper tests and (arms, neck, etc,) physical measurements. More than likely you'll either stay at the same weight or put a little extra on. When I started weight training I put on 10 pounds but my belt stayed the same and my body fat decreased from 16% to 10%. You can still weigh yourself but don't worry if you put on a few pounds.
  • phatnotfat81
    phatnotfat81 Posts: 171
    You are correct. The scale is pointless now, but if you want to be able to still track your progress, you should start just tracking your measurements (: Good luck!

    ^^this...and good luck!
  • ubermensch13
    ubermensch13 Posts: 824 Member
    According to your scale there, you only have 7lbs to lose. You wont' lose 7lbs fast the healthy way, however, if you are doing it right, you will notice a difference in your body! Throw the scale away. I personally almost never get on it.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I'm of the opinion that at least 50% of the people on here shouldn't worry about the scale. :laugh:

    But seriously, all that means is that the weight loss ticker is meaningless at this point. Everything else about the site is still useful. Track your calories and macros. Track your measurements. Track your weight, too, and you'll see just how silly the scale really is.
  • shannafanelli
    shannafanelli Posts: 1
    Nope - toss the scale. If you are going to be gaining muscle you will be gaining weight, but like you said, your body will lean out. Try adding Pilates or Yoga to the mix to keep the muscles stretched and you will have a beautiful physique. Be prepared for your body to change too - adding muscle to your legs, for instance, may increase the width of your upper thighs and lower calf region which will make jeans shopping fun (because you will have a very tiny waist and perky bum!) but don't let that discourage you because that's how the pros look!

    This should be about health - you look great in your picture so you probably know how to track your nutrition goals, not weight loss. Good luck and make sure you fuel your body with natural foods, protein, good amounts of healthy fats and of course, rest, water, and having fun being a girl (face masks, body scrubs and bubble baths!).
  • KittieLea
    KittieLea Posts: 1,156 Member
    I wouldn't worry about the scale. I personally haven't weighed myself in about 2 months, since I made my goal weight. I go by how my clothes fit and the definition in my stomach. If my clothes feel tight and I can't see much ab definition, I know I need to clean up my eating.
    COngrats on adding weights to your workout! They make a HUGE impact on transforming your body as opposed to cardio alone.
  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    Thank you, thank you so much everyone for all the great advice & encouragement :-)
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    You've got the right idea DJ. Start to ignore the scale at this point. Weigh yourself once a month but use a tape measure to measure and record various body part every two weeks to track progress. Waist, hip and thigh are some of the key points to track
  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    You've got the right idea DJ. Start to ignore the scale at this point. Weigh yourself once a month but use a tape measure to measure and record various body part every two weeks to track progress. Waist, hip and thigh are some of the key points to track

    I'll do this, thank you :-)
  • Italiano7
    Italiano7 Posts: 382 Member
    Measure yourself instead of weighing yourself. Drink protein shakes the protein helps with building muscle!!! I <3 the nectar vanilla bean torte mixed with coconut milk.
  • m_shuman
    m_shuman Posts: 179
    Nope - toss the scale. If you are going to be gaining muscle you will be gaining weight, but like you said, your body will lean out. Try adding Pilates or Yoga to the mix to keep the muscles stretched and you will have a beautiful physique. Be prepared for your body to change too - adding muscle to your legs, for instance, may increase the width of your upper thighs and lower calf region which will make jeans shopping fun (because you will have a very tiny waist and perky bum!) but don't let that discourage you because that's how the pros look!

    This should be about health - you look great in your picture so you probably know how to track your nutrition goals, not weight loss. Good luck and make sure you fuel your body with natural foods, protein, good amounts of healthy fats and of course, rest, water, and having fun being a girl (face masks, body scrubs and bubble baths!).

    It is funny you posted this. It is cooling off in the south and I got out my jeans last night and they were tight in the thighs and a little big in the waste and I thought well I guess that is a good thing all of the spinning is paying off.
  • DJ2120
    DJ2120 Posts: 407 Member
    Measure yourself instead of weighing yourself. Drink protein shakes the protein helps with building muscle!!! I <3 the nectar vanilla bean torte mixed with coconut milk.

    Thank you! I actually just stopped doing protein shakes after using thrm for several months because it was causing so much bloating & gas. I'm trying to gelt as much natural protein from foods into my diet now.
  • Esmeralda007
    Esmeralda007 Posts: 16
    I totally agree with you Lorina! :) The scale can often be deceiving! So watch out!
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