Constant self-weighing is among the most self-defeating behaviors one can engage in. People develop an obsession with the scale’s numbers. To reach a magic number they have created, they want to lose weight or gain weight. The scale, in actuality, is not the best indicator of your improvement.
Since muscle weighs more than fat, a simple scale cannot properly gauge your progress or provide a baseline for comparison. Results may vary significantly depending on the amount of water retained and the time of day. So what are you supposed to do? There are other personal statistics you can rely on if you are a person who likes to concentrate on numbers or facts to help motivate you.
If you like to run, step, spin, or row in an effort to lose weight, you can use the machine to your advantage. You could, for instance, program a treadmill to display distance versus time. If you run outside, time yourself over a specific distance, such as ten blocks or the length of the park path. You can track your progress over time by noting in your workout journal how long it takes you to complete a mile or other visual distance. To yourself and others, it sounds much more impressive to say that you run a certain minute mile than that you weigh a certain amount. Just keep in mind that your heart rate is another number you should keep an eye on when doing cardio. Although many machines come with built-in monitors, getting your own is a great investment. To record and monitor your heart rate progress, they can also be calibrated. If you have access to a heart rate monitor, you can set the objective of running that mile within your target zone. If you need to focus your energy and lower your heart rate while running, use deep breathing. If possible, run faster to beat the previous time. A great way to ensure that you are getting the cardio benefits of exercise and reducing some fat storage is to stay in your target zone.
A measuring tape is frequently a helpful tool when trying to reduce your waistline or add some muscle mass. Be careful when measuring, and use discretion. You frequently don’t measure exactly or breathe in or out differently when doing so. The best way to determine whether your waist has shrunk is to try on a fitted pair of pants (provided you don’t have a shrinking dryer). Utilizing your muscles is the best way to monitor their growth. However, if you’ve been consistently working out with the same set of dumbbells, it might be time to upgrade. It’s not a good idea to lift weights that are absurdly heavy compared to your usual.
Lastly, flexibility is a quality that you either possess or lack. However, if you do not, you may obtain it. Although stretching requires patience and regular practice, it is also good for the soul. Listen to your body primarily to gauge your progress in this area. Once you’ve warmed up, try your stretching poses and notice how tight they feel. Be cautious and open to some differences because flexibility will fluctuate just like your energy level.
A great way to keep motivated is to be constantly reminded that you are doing great things for yourself by observing all the changes in your body. When your body is healthy, do as people advise and pay attention to it. Your body is telling you that it can carry boxes with ease, bend to pick up objects without feeling a pull, and run up a flight of stairs more quickly than you can. The things you should be motivated by are the things your body notices.