3 Ways to Measure Progress Without the Scale

Working out hard but the number is not reflecting on the scale? We tend to rely on our weighing scales to determine our progress. However, the scale may not always reflect the numbers we are hoping for. 

But why do we need something to show our progress? Well it is one of the main motivating forces in anyone’s fitness journey, but it can also be one of the trickiest. Many people workout for a specific result like losing fats, gaining muscles, toning up and getting stronger and healthier. Hence, when the scale is not reflecting the weight we want it to, we may feel like a failure and we start doubting ourselves. We will need to look beyond the scale to measure your fitness progress. Here are some ways to do so: 

1. You can lift heavier weights than before
   • Upon beginning your fitness journey you may find that you can do a 5kg dumbbell squat, but after a few weeks you begin doing a 7.5kg dumbbell squat. The increase of 2.5kg in weight shows that you have increased your muscular endurance. You can also use this method to measure other workouts. For instance, you find yourself struggling to do a full body pushup when starting your fitness journey, but you find yourself being able to do a full body pushup after a month. This little step shows progress in your fitness journey.  
2. You have more energy to do more things
   • If you workout in the mornings, it will set the tone and pace for the rest of the day. You will no longer feel tired in the afternoon, which makes you long for a nap. You will find yourself having more energy to do things like playing with your kids, housework, cleaning and gardening. 
3. You are able to fit into your old clothes
   • Try on clothes that were too tight for you. If you can fit into them now, it shows that you have lost body fat. With my Achievers, I will never measure their body weight. Instead I measure their waist, and any reduction in waist shows fat loss. Hence, you may find yourself fitting into those tight clothes and it shows great signs of progress.

Remember, the numbers on the scale does not reflect the amount of work and effort you have put into your fitness progress. The little progress that goes unnoticed makes the difference in it all.

Want to learn more about measuring your progress? 

Enroll into Achieve Habits today on Achieve Fitness Academy! The 12-week plan will help you incorporate the 6 key Achieve Habits to boost your long-term lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more.

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