Every so often a post comes up where someone has stopped seeing change on the scale or daily fluctuations that have them thinking they've gained weight. And the same replies get repeated and repeated.

One of those replies, is the reminder to watch our measurements and body fat percentages.

Now, I time and time try to remind myself of this as I stand faithfully on the scale at the same time and watch the needle remain frozen at the same location.

So here's my motivation and reminder for people:

I had my body comp. done at the gym again today (they offer it freely every six or so weeks). I had been getting quite upset with the scale not budging, even though I could do up my belt one more notch (on most days ;)) and knew I had been eating healthier than normal and getting lots of exercise.

Well my results came in and I learned that I've lowered my body fat% by 2, lost just over 3 lbs of fat, but gained 2.5 lbs of muscle. I also had my measurements done and have decreased in pretty much every area but my calf (which has always had huge muscles for some reason).

So, that's my reminder that it's important to force yourself to set aside your scale obsession and take some other measurements. More forms of measurements means more accurate understanding of the changes you are creating in your body.

Good Luck everyone!

Neesha,

Thanks for sharing that reminder and keep up the positive change.

V

Neesha that's great, congrats on the muscle gain and fat loss, and thanks for the reminder!

Amen sister.

Whenever the scale fails me, the measuring tape or the calipers usually have good news for me anyways.

True. If I just looked at scales, the last 7 years have been a miserable failure (156lbs at the start, now 180lbs with a mid-peak of 190lbs).

If I check the tape measure however, I went from a 37" waist to 34" (with a dip to 33" at my best).

If I look at body fat, I went from 29% body fat down to 14% (with a best of 12%).

Tape measuring is best, but a quick camera shot is even easier as long as you do it the same every time (and ideally with the same clothing).

Good job!