THROW YOUR SCALE AWAY ALREADY!

BeingAwesome247
BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
in Motivation and Support
I've struggled with this concept and I see all over the forums and my newsfeed.
Ladies and gentlemen, do not solely rely on the scale if you're lifting weights and strength training. Use it as a tool but not as your one and only source of validation. This especially applies to those who have less to lose.

Instead focus on how much stronger you are
How many more push ups / squats / bench presses / etc you can do compared to when you started
How much more can you lift?
How your clothes are fitting
Take pictures
TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS

Few examples below

130pounds.jpg?w=459&h=439

169377635955217943_GMXHZOGz_c.jpg

skinny-fat.jpg
^^^ SAME WEIGHT

1yr-progress-pic-280x300.jpg

AND for the MEN
Male-Body-Fat-10-vs-10.jpg

Replies

  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    And while searching images, I stumbled across our very own Lorina haha I think she is WONDERFUL

    1991-2011-copy.jpg
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    I think this is a lovely post. And deserves to be bumped. I do think for those of us who struggle with excessive food quantities the scale serves as a reminder to monitor because many of us can get in denial about what we are putting in our mouth. However, it can become obsessive so like food the scale in moderation, LOL?
  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    I think this is a lovely post. And deserves to be bumped. I do think for those of us who struggle with excessive food quantities the scale serves as a reminder to monitor because many of us can get in denial about what we are putting in our mouth. However, it can become obsessive so like food the scale in moderation, LOL?

    I like that.
    If it's being helpful - awesome! Use it. It's when it stops being helpful and starts hindering motivation and progress.
  • flutterbug123
    flutterbug123 Posts: 81 Member
    WOW!! Thanks for sharing. Really needed to see this :)
  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    WOW!! Thanks for sharing. Really needed to see this :)

    I was having a moment myself and needed pumped up so figured I'd share. I still use my scale but we're not exclusive haha
  • fitsonia24
    fitsonia24 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks for your post - that's exactly what I needed today. I measured myself this morning and lost half an inch at the waist and at the hips but the scale showed no weight loss. I was a bit down but not anymore. I'm just going to keep working hard!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,974 Member
    As much as I'd like to see "scale" weight dismissed as the gauge for progress, to the masses it's still going to be the standard. The majority of Earth's population don't know the difference between actual lean/fat mass weight and water weight when it comes to the scale which is why so many diet plans are touted a "working".
    If it were easier and more effective to just measure bodyfat or circumferences, then that's how I'd like to see it done.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    As much as I'd like to see "scale" weight dismissed as the gauge for progress, to the masses it's still going to be the standard. The majority of Earth's population don't know the difference between actual lean/fat mass weight and water weight when it comes to the scale which is why so many diet plans are touted a "working".
    If it were easier and more effective to just measure bodyfat or circumferences, then that's how I'd like to see it done.

    Very true.

    I obviously have a scale, I obviously weigh myself but even though I've set a "goal" weight - I care more about my measurements and how clothes are fitting. If I can wear American Eagle 2's at 140lbs with no muffin top or belly jiggle - AWESOME!

    Also for larger people with a lot more to lose, the scale is very beneficial.
  • tdani2005
    tdani2005 Posts: 4
    Thanks for sharing that, it is so true and it made me think about what I am doing, I have 4lbs to go but would like to be leaner, keep up the good work..
  • tammybmikesell
    tammybmikesell Posts: 1
    Thanks! I know this, but it is a GREAT reminder. BTW...you look awesome! Congrats!
  • steph4092
    steph4092 Posts: 1 Member
    love it!!!
  • WhoTheHellIsBen
    WhoTheHellIsBen Posts: 1,238 Member
    you are very wise grasshopper, and we need more people like you echoing this before big change can be made. I salute you
  • XxMarcella85xX
    XxMarcella85xX Posts: 30 Member
    This post makes alot of sense I got on the scale today and didn't loose any weight but I measured myself when I got to work and in 10 days I lost .25inches in my calf, 1inch in my hip and 1inch in my chest YAY
  • SRT4twg
    SRT4twg Posts: 35 Member
    Thank you for this post. I am trying to use measurements to track my progress instead of the scale and seeing these progress pictures makes me feel better about my progress.

    After years of being told I should weigh 120lbs and never even getting close to that its really hard for me to not get discouraged when I get on the scale.
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    THANK YOU!!!! I have been told by MANY Dr's I need to be under 130 for my height (5'2). I'm 137 and considered overweight. I can wear a size 0 and they are getting baggy. The scale has been stuck for a year and I have been a mess trying to get to 130. The pictures you posted are wonderful. I have tons of new muscle and look as small now as I did in high school and I weighed 115 then. I must remind myself everyday it's just a number on the scale and move on. Thank you so much...and you look awesome by the way!!!
  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    This post makes alot of sense I got on the scale today and didn't loose any weight but I measured myself when I got to work and in 10 days I lost .25inches in my calf, 1inch in my hip and 1inch in my chest YAY

    an INCH off your hips and chest in 10 days?! That's fantastic! Whatever you're doing, keep it up!
  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    Thank you for this post. I am trying to use measurements to track my progress instead of the scale and seeing these progress pictures makes me feel better about my progress.

    After years of being told I should weigh 120lbs and never even getting close to that its really hard for me to not get discouraged when I get on the scale.

    yep, I've heard that same weight and when I hit 140lbs (which I gained back weight after a car accident & some health crap) I was feeling pretty damn good and looking to see WHERE I should lose another 20lbs!

    Like I said, I still look at the scale but I don't let it destroy my mood if it isn't saying what I think it should say
  • BeingAwesome247
    BeingAwesome247 Posts: 1,171 Member
    THANK YOU!!!! I have been told by MANY Dr's I need to be under 130 for my height (5'2). I'm 137 and considered overweight. I can wear a size 0 and they are getting baggy. The scale has been stuck for a year and I have been a mess trying to get to 130. The pictures you posted are wonderful. I have tons of new muscle and look as small now as I did in high school and I weighed 115 then. I must remind myself everyday it's just a number on the scale and move on. Thank you so much...and you look awesome by the way!!!

    You don't look like you weigh 137lbs either. You look like you weigh much less so I'd say keep doin what you're doin b/c you look amazing Congratulations on the huge loss too! wow!
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    THANK YOU!!!! I have been told by MANY Dr's I need to be under 130 for my height (5'2). I'm 137 and considered overweight. I can wear a size 0 and they are getting baggy. The scale has been stuck for a year and I have been a mess trying to get to 130. The pictures you posted are wonderful. I have tons of new muscle and look as small now as I did in high school and I weighed 115 then. I must remind myself everyday it's just a number on the scale and move on. Thank you so much...and you look awesome by the way!!!

    You don't look like you weigh 137lbs either. You look like you weigh much less so I'd say keep doin what you're doin b/c you look amazing Congratulations on the huge loss too! wow!



    Thanks. Now if I can stop trying to see 130 on the scale!!! baby steps!
  • imtrinat
    imtrinat Posts: 153 Member
    Thanks for the reminder! I've lost 4 inches off my waist in the last few months but the scale hasn't budged. That's progress I wouldn't be so aware of if it weren't for my measuring tape. I have to constantly remind myself that I have made progress and I need to stop letting a number on the scale dictate my emotions. I let that contraption be my worst enemy sometimes.
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    Awesome! What an encouragement for those who are a slave to their scales! We should always be a lot more about losing body fat than some number on a scale. When I look back at when I weighed 128 pounds, it is now clear to me that the fat on my thighs would have yielded to heavy lifting and a reduction in body fat. But we didn't know much in those days, other than dieting. Then, my ribs stuck out like a concentration camp survivor and I STILL had marshmallow thighs. If I was below 40 today, I would totally forget the scale and concentrate solely on just avoiding junk and simple carbs while doing heavy lifting and getting healthier. Body composition is the way to go. Thanks for reminding us!

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