Measuring Progress

Sometimes, even when you've been diligent about adhering to a workout program and healthy diet, the number on the scale doesn't move. It's very frustrating, especially when you feel like you've lost weight.

Ever happen to you? You probably lost fat and gained muscle, which is exactly what you want to do! Don't be discouraged! 

Fat takes up more space than muscle, so while the scale may not reflect your progress, you will be slimmer if you replace fat with muscle.

Put your scale in a closet. Or, in your attic. Or, in the garbage! 

Use the following ways to measure your progress instead of your scale:

1.         Your clothes. How do your jeans fit? How about that snug sweater? If they're looser than they were when you started working out, you've made progress! Your clothes are a great way to measure your progress.

2.         Body measurements. Have someone measure around your shoulders, chest, waist, hips, thigh, calf, biceps when you start your exercise program. Have that same person take the measurements again in a month. 

3.         Energy levels. How do you feel? Hopefully, you have more energy than when you started working out. Daily activities will become easier and you should have energy to do new things. (*If you feel exhausted, you may be over-training—make sure you give yourself recovery time.)

4.          Emotions. Looking and feeling better should make you feel happier and more confident :)

Forget about the numbers. Stick with clean eating and your exercise program. Concentrate on how you 
feel. Celebrate and enjoy your progress!