To weigh or not to weigh?
To weigh or not to weigh?
The scale can be a valuable tool for reaching or sustaining weight loss; however, stepping onto the scale for many can be a negative experience and can even stand in the way of success.
It’s a story as old as time – you’re on a weight loss mission and have been sticking to a good exercise regime, eating well, feeling good… and then, you step onto the dreaded scale and, to your horror, the number has not budged – you’re disappointed, deterred, and you give up because it feels like mission impossible when the scale shows ‘no progress’ despite some serious hard graft.
Measuring weight alone can be deceptive; for example - in the two photos above, you will see that my body shape has changed, yet I am EXACTLY the same weight in both photos. Your average scale does not differentiate fat and muscle, so measuring weight alone does not give a true reflection of your body composition nor all of the other wonderful benefits that exercise brings.
During your Wellness Starter and Reviews at Avenue Tennis, our health assessment includes tape measurements and a body composition reading on our Tanita scale. The Tanita machine provides a detailed full body composition analysis including body fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and body water. These figures will provide a much more accurate and realistic view of what’s really going on inside your body, whatever your goal may be.
Numbers aside, there are so many benefitting factors and progress measures to keep in mind on your fitness/wellness journey:
- How you feel! - Have you got more energy? Are you feeling happier and less stressed? Exercise can have such a positive impact on our mental health and energy levels.
- Better health – Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension and Type 2 diabetes or help manage existing health problems.
- Building strength – Maybe the numbers on a scale aren’t changing, but are the numbers you’re lifting going up? Are you feeling stronger and noticing the difference in day-to-day tasks?
- Improved sleep – Exercise can help improve sleep quality and relieve sleep disorder symptoms.
- Enjoyment – Yes, contrary to some beliefs, exercise can be very fun, enjoyable, and social – it’s finding what works for you. Don’t like working out alone? Try one of our group exercise classes!
Ultimately, it’s a completely personal choice whether to weigh or not to weigh, but this is a little reminder not to let a number on a set of scales warp your perception of progress, demotivate you, or dictate your happiness… you are WAY more than just a number.
If you would like to book in for a Wellness Review, please email fitness@avenuetennis.co.uk or call 01634 386188.
