Non Scale Victories

Forget the scales…. or not?

Now that gyms have reopened, it’s time to set those goals and get back into a routine, but could your own goals be hindering your progress and motivation? 

Setting goals is a great way to keep yourselves motivated and to have something to work towards.

To lose weight you need to be in a caloric deficit. This is when you consume fewer calories than your body requires to stay at its current weight. So having a weight goal in mind can be beneficial, if you’re consistent with your variables - training, cardio, steps & calories. And if you are consistent with these things then keeping an eye on the scale can be really beneficial.

However, if you maybe aren’t the most consistent individual with food and training then the scales can become a negative! Firstly, weight loss is never linear anyway, meaning they will always fluctuate a little due to the time of day your weigh yourself, how much water you have drunk that day, how much food you have consumed, the timing of the last meal before weighing yourself, and so on.

 So, if you are not the most consistent, which is pretty much a large percentage of us, then having other goals in mind that will keep you motivated is a great idea. 

Let’s say the scale weight hasn’t moved, however you’re physically fitter in the gym, you’re stronger, your clothes fit better, you’re sleeping better, you’re eating a more balanced diet, everything is going well, and you feel better in yourself, then the number is irrelevant and in fact it may hinder your progress if you base your entire goal on a scale number.

This also applies when it comes to bodyfat measurements on scales. As they rely upon a small electrical signal being passed through the body, the levels of water in the body can massively affect the results. The reading can be different within minutes of drinking a large glass of water. A better way to monitor your fat loss would be to take pictures along the way, you will be able to see the progress you are making much easier, and it will be much more motivating. 

Finally, to conclude, when you step on the scale you are weighing every tissue, cell, the water you just drank and the food you just ate. So, make sure you realise the scale does not account for everything and the numbers do not show the bigger picture.

 Focus on your non-scale victories, your energy levels and happiness and simply just enjoy the process! Don’t forget to get enough sleep and reduce your stress levels as they can massively affect both your health and weight too.

If you follow this approach, the weight will come off in no time. If you need any help or advice, please contact any of the team here at Fitness Republic.

Stay positive everyone & see you soon.

Marcus