Anyone go by measuring tape & not the scale for maintenance?

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Replies

  • kofiannans_hitman
    kofiannans_hitman Posts: 18
    Yes. I am a big guy muscular wise believe it or not under all this fat. The scale will never be my friend. The tape and calipers are what I go by.
  • Kitteneyes01
    Kitteneyes01 Posts: 125
    Makes no difference to me. If I gain a kilo I gain a centimetre around the waist as well. :)
  • marvelyf
    marvelyf Posts: 1
    I, too, weigh in everyday. I have 2 different scales and they are always off. I started the tape measure method a week ago. My waist went from 36 inches to 32 inches. That is keeping me more motivated and inside the gym more than on the couch.
  • broox80
    broox80 Posts: 1,195 Member
    The measuring tape keeps me sane. I just started lifting a month or so ago, so the scale fluctuates a lot!!! I measure once a month right before TOM ( a week or so before) and in the morning. I record this as well as my weight. It just makes me realize that I am still losing even if the scale is being a douche!!!
  • rrobsgirl
    rrobsgirl Posts: 19 Member
    I use a combination. The scale discourages me from losing weight. I weigh once a week on Friday and use a measuring tape to check results midweek. Works much better.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    I use both. Measurements take longer to change (and haven't changed much in maintenance anyway) so the scale is more useful to me on a day to day basis. I've been weighing daily (more or less) for a long time, so I understand water weight fluctuations and there's no reason for them to upset me or make me anxious.
  • shellyburger
    shellyburger Posts: 90 Member
    I have a disgusting attachment to the scale. I rely on it a bit too much.
    But now that I am pretty much at my goal weight, I've started using the measuring tape more.
    Seeing the numbers change there (and on the size of my clothes) makes me feel way better than the scale ever did.
  • waldo56
    waldo56 Posts: 1,861 Member
    I use a combination of them.

    The scale tells be the relationship between my intake, exercise, and metabolism.

    The tape tells me how much body fat I have. I've experienced going up and down enough now that I pretty much know exactly what measurements all the visual plateaus are at; at ~36" I can see my abs flexed, at about 33" I get hints of them unflexed, at 32" I can see them unflexed quite clearly.
  • Kimblesnbits
    Kimblesnbits Posts: 321 Member
    I use my Accu Measure calipers. One pinch in the same spot tells the tale! No need to weigh or measure.

    Is that the body fat % calipers? I thought you have to pinch at the arms, tummy and back? Where did you get yours?
  • JenniferIsLosingIt
    JenniferIsLosingIt Posts: 595 Member
    yes I was just thinking about this, thank you for reminding me!! I will pick up a measuring tape on the way home today. The scale is just too unforgiving sometimes whether you're holding water or it is just a different time of day it can be discouraging. I haven't measured in a while so it will be interesting to see.

    :)

    Agreed 100% I have battled weight my entire life and the scale is my mortal enemy! I weigh once a month and have started measurements, which will be updated weekly. I have a workout and accountability buddy who has been helping me stay in check. I feel it is working wonders! If it is causing stress ditch it, stress makes you fat! LOL! Good luck!
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    I weigh in weekly and measure monthly. I get way more excited about lost inches than lost pounds.
  • spirit095
    spirit095 Posts: 1,017 Member
    I should probably measure, but I still haven't gotten around to doing that. I try not to focus on what the scale says, since it varies daily. I go by how I look in the mirror, feel, and how my clothing fits :smile:
  • waldo56
    waldo56 Posts: 1,861 Member
    I should probably measure, but I still haven't gotten around to doing that. I try not to focus on what the scale says, since it varies daily. I go by how I look in the mirror, feel, and how my clothing fits :smile:

    Think of the tape measure as some really accurate clothing.
  • auntsammy88
    auntsammy88 Posts: 401 Member
    I still use my scale occasionally (like once a month or so), but I use my clothes mainly. As long as they continue to fit and don't start getting tight or baggy I know I'm doing pretty well.

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