Accurately Measuring Physical Progress
Too many people become obsessed with the scale and often equate their value as an individual to the number on the scale. Not only can the scale be incredibly toxic for one’s mental health, it does not paint the entire picture of one’s physical health either.
Weight Fluctuation
An individual’s weight can fluctuate up to 5-6 pounds a day. This can be from what you eat, drink, how much you slept, your stress levels, hormones, certain medications, exercise – essentially numerous factors.
Muscle vs Fat
Not only does weight fluctuate on a daily basis, but muscle weighs more than fat. Meaning that 1 cubic inch of muscle will weigh more than 1 cubic inch of fat. That is why people can weigh the same, but have vastly different body compositions.
Measuring Progress
If you are trying to find an accurate way to measure your physical progress you can use a combination of other strategies:
- Body calipers
- Body measurements
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis
- Body fat % test
No one way is completely accurate. Use the same method and variables over a sustained period of time to track any changes present.
You can also judge your progress based on how your clothes are fitting, through progress pictures, and how you are feeling mentally.
It's Just a Number
The scale can be used as a tool. But if it becomes more harmful to your mental health, and is not seen as simply just a number, then throw that bitch out!
The number on the scale is irrelevant as long as your mentally strong, happy, and physically healthy.
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