Measure Progress Without The Scale
There are alternative ways to measure progress beyond the scale that give you a more accurate view of how well you’re doing. As Moncourtois points out, “It doesn’t show how strong you’ve become or how much fat loss you'[ve] had, [so] it’s a lot better to get your body fat tested or go by how your clothes fit.”
Test your body fat.
There are ways to have your body fat tested, such as a body scan, so that you can get your body fat percentage. You can even do this manually, by using fat calipers. Collect your measurements using the “pinch and pull” method. This will give you at least a close estimate of where your body is at currently.
Use a tape measure.
If you want to track your numbers, do it the old-fashioned way and get out a tape measure. A tape measure is a more accurate way to see which individual parts of your body have slimmed down or bulked up, depending on your goal. Measure the places that you want to see change. Some common areas are the biceps, chest, thighs, and waist.
Take progress photos.
While taking progress photos won’t give you exact measurements, sometimes it’s easier to visually observe changes. Photos also help keep us motivated when the number on the scale isn’t budging. To get the best progress photos, make sure that your photos are as consistent as possible. Take each progressive photo at the same time and day of the week, in similar lighting conditions and clothes.
Evaluate how your clothes feel.
Your clothes can tell you a lot about how your body is changing. Focus on how they feel on your body, depending on your fitness goals. Your pants may feel looser in the waist and tighter in the thighs as you lose fat and build muscle, for example. Pay attention to how your old favorite pieces fit and fall around your body. Feeling confident in your body and your wardrobe are important pieces in the progress puzzle.
Test your fitness levels.
Improving your fitness and health isn’t just about the number on the scale. “Measure your progress by the amount of weight you can lift [and] how much faster you can run,” explains Moncourtois. “Can you do more push-ups”?
By evaluating your workouts, you can see how your fitness is improving. When you’re becoming faster and stronger, or are able to do exercises that you couldn’t before, who really cares what the number on the scale says?
“This is a much better indication of how you’re improving,” says Moncourtois. “Don’t stress about the scale; it doesn’t define you.”
Thank you and many blessings,
Moshe
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Moshe Moskowitz
Jump Into Shape
CEO, Founder and Head Trainer
www.jumpintoshape.fun
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