Scales suck.  They all lie.  We all know it.  Don’t believe me?  Weigh yourself, chug a glass of water, and weigh yourself again.  See?  Now go to the bathroom and weigh yourself again.  See?

Yet people use the scale as their number one gauge of fitness progress.  It makes no sense- and only ends in disappointment.

Now, you could get your body fat percentage measured, or take your circumference measurements to see how you have physically progressed, but even those aren’t don’t give you the full picture.  A lot more positive things happen through a healthy diet and exercise, than simply shrinking.

Next time the numbers don’t match your effort, look to the other signs you are progressing.

• Climbing the stairs is easier
• Your knee/back/neck pain has decreased
• You don’t need that 3:00pm coffee anymore
• You can touch your toes
• You spend less time watching TV and more time playing with your kids
• Work seems less stressful
• You are sleeping more soundly and waking more rested
• Carrying those loads of groceries is easier than before
• You can’t remember what feeling stuffed or starving is like
• Your skin is clearer and brighter
• Your doctor told you ‘congrats’ instead of ‘here’s what you need to do…’
• Your mood is even, and those little things that used to drive you crazy don’t seem to bother you
• Your balance has improved
• The aches and pains you have learned to live with have vanished

Losing weight may be your goal, but that’s not the only thing that happens when you start making healthy decisions.  Focus on ALL of the good, and appreciate how your entire body, and life, are changing for the better.

In Good Health,

Kelly Turner

Kelly Turner is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and health and fitness writer from Seattle, WA.  Her writing has appeared in numerous magazines, and she currently blogs for Breathe Magazine, is the Health and Fitness Expert for Twirlit.com and feature fitness writer for FitPeeps.com.  To contact Kelly with any questions, you email her at kellycturner@hotmail.com.