When you’re trying to lose weight or you’re embarking on what a lot of people like to call a “fitness journey” you’re going to need a good way to track your progress. From the very beginning you have a goal in mind, mine has always been to just be in good health. I never set goals to lose a certain number of pounds or look a certain way, because I’ve found that those kind of goals aren’t guaranteed and can totally un-motivate me if I don’t reach them. So, over the years I’ve used just a few ways to track my fitness that motivate me, and help me get in tune with my body.
Three Different Ways to Track Your Weight Loss
Before and After Pictures
There is nothing more satisfying than that visual representation of a positive body change. Since we look at ourselves every day, it’s hard to notice those little changes over time. So, I’ve always been one to take photos. Of course, I don’t tend to share them with anyone, they’re just for me! I find the very best kind are taken in a bathing suit, or form fitted workout gear. I’m also sure to wear the very same outfit when I take the pictures so I can get the best representation of any changes. Another tip, don’t take the pictures during times of the month that you know you’re going to be bloated or after you’ve had a little weekend full of fun eating. Extra water weight from things like that aren’t going to be a true representation for you.
Measurements
Measurements are another good way to track changes if you’re not seeing any changes on the scale. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat – if you’re working out a lot, you may gain muscle, so the number on the scale may not change. However, you’re measurements will! I measure around the smallest part of my waist, under my belly button (that stubborn momma pooch area), hips, thighs and arms. If you want to manually calculate body fat percentage there are a whole number of measurements you can take, but I don’t typically do that. Years ago, after my first son was born I kept a running list on my phone notes, of my measurements. I would date it – add my weight and then all of my measurements. It always motivated me to look back at those numbers and see progress.
A Smart Scale
I used to totally loath scales. When I started dedicating myself to fitness, I didn’t lose weight – I actually gained weight. Ten pounds to be exact. My measurements changed, my pictures changed, but that number on the scale grew. So, I avoided scales, and just stuck to the first two methods above. Until I realized I could get a scale that would give me more insight into my body. The Nokia Body+ scale is new to me and has been really eye opening. The scale helps you get to know your body; there is more to your numbers than weight. The scale measures your total weight, body fat percentage, weight in muscle, weight of your bones and the percentage of water in your body, it will even tell you what the weather is for the day.
Finding out my numbers, really gave me confidence! After years of working out, I was excited to find that my body fat percentage is actually athletic range for women and that I have about 81 pounds of muscle in my body. On the other side of this, if I had found this scale earlier, I know seeing the body fat percentage and the muscle weight change would have been confidence boosting and the motivation I needed to keep going. Knowing your numbers helps you set out a plan for what you want to achieve – do you want to lose a few pounds of fat and gain muscle? Or, maybe you’re feeling a little too beefy and want to lean out some of the muscle. Whatever your goal, this scale gives you insight, and knowledge is power. It has the capabilities to track eight different people, and has special modes for babies, pregnancy and athletes. The battery will also last you up to 18 months!
Nokia Body+ Scale
The scale also works with the free Health Mate app. The app will chart your results, track goals and even syncs with other popular apps like MyFitnessPal and the Nike+ App I mentioned in my workout app post. If you’re tracking things like your blood pressure, you can add those reading into the app also! The thing I love most about the app, is it takes everything I used to do (manually writing out results and storing them) and keeps it all in one place for me.
Things to Remember
Women naturally fluctuate in weight throughout the month due to our cycles, and also carry more fat than men. So, there will be weeks you weigh more. I know personally I have about two lean weeks and two heavier weeks every month. I’ve become so in tune to my body, I know when those times will happen, so I don’t beat myself up when I weigh an extra five pounds or a pair of jeans is a little tight. Now, if my lean weeks roll around and that extraness isn’t going anywhere, I pay attention. The key point here is get to know your body #KnowYourself – gain that insight and love your shape!
-Brooke
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Great post! I dread getting on the scale too and had no idea there was such a thing as a smart scale! I love that it even measures your muscle weight. I definitely need to check this out. Thanks for sharing your experience!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde’s Moment
Great tips, Brooke! I laughed that you weren’t feeling a close up of your winter feet! I am totally the same way…my toes get all ghetto looking with chipped polish and such! And my feet are just too darn cold all the time to tolerate the time it takes for polish to dry!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Love! I have had a love/hate relationship with the scale for years. I’m in the market for a new one and this was helpful!
Yesss!! I took one with bare feet and they looked a mess, I was nah I’m not that brave haha!
This was the only scale I’ve ever used that made me feel good about myself! Just having the insight on muscle weight alone was nice!
I’m the same! There were times I wouldn’t set foot on one!
Those smart scales are awesome and so are YOU!!
I stopped using the scale years ago. I think for the same reason a lot of people don’t like them. Weight is just one of those topics that is either you love or you hate. I haven’t heard of a smart scale and this is worthy of a try!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
We have wanted a smart scale for such a long time!!I think they are so cool! xo, Biana-BlovedBoston
That scale sounds awesome! Something I hadn’t even really thought about but you are so right!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
That scale sounds really cool. I really need to invest in a new one, and this one sounds perfect!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
This was a great post- I’ve never been a fan of the traditional scale but the one you found sounds awesome! I also love before & after pictures too- so motivating!
Great post with useful information. I use apps to track my runs, and my diet. Fitness is something I have learned over the years that you have to pay attention to each day.
Cheryl
https://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Thank you sweet Andrea!
I had stopped using scales all together for years too. I was tired of the number not being what I wanted it to be – but this scale actually gave me a confidence boost!
It’s really cool seeing the break down of your weight – I was actually really surprised by mine!
Its nice to have the deeper insight into your what your body weight is made up of!
It’s totally worth it! I love knowing more about what my weight is made up of.
I’m not a traditional scale fan either, that basic number is depressing!
You’re so right! Staying vigilant is probably the most important thing!
You have such great wisdom Brooke!!
I think as we get older, we realize that our health is the most important thing. My stepmom always says it’s the best investment you can make!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
These are such great ways to track fitness. I avoid scales at all costs!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Oh how I loathe scales too! I typically go by measurements and how my clothes are fitting. Looking amazing as always girlie <3
Green Fashionista
Hmm, that scale sounds really interesting. Great tips on tracking weight loss!
Interesting!! I really need to update our scale and I didn’t even know there was a smart scale option out there. I need to look into this… my hubby would probably love it, too!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Every time I measure I question myself, I’m like is that really where I did it last time? Is the tape being held too tight? lol – but the scale blows my mind, I honestly don’t even know how it works, but it’s awesome!
Such a true statement Jodie!
I don’t blame you! I avoided traditional scales for years!
Those were always my tracking preferences too!
Thanks Jennie!
It’s way cooler than any other scale I’ve tried!
That scale and app sound like a great tool to utilize. It’s so true, we don’t always see the transformation on ourselves from the day to day. Sierra~Beautifully Candid
I always see little differences when I look at pictures months apart, I’m like oh I do look different!
We used to have a smart scale and I loved it! I think I need to get one again as I try and loose those last few pounds of baby weight!
Wow. That is great info. I have seen few smart scale but ended up buying a regular one. Was not sure about how reliable can smart ones be.
Vaishali
http://www.vivaciouswish.com/
I just have started hearing about the smart scales. I think they are such a great deal. I haven’t tried and I’m curious to see how accurate they are.
http://www.mylittlenest.org
It so cool what a smart scale can do! I need to get one! I always judge my weight on how well my jeans fit, ha!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
I prefer measurements to the scale – when I’m doing a lot of strength training, the scale goes up even though my clothes fit better. And health is more important than a number, for sure!
Hmmm, I wonder how that works and how accurate it is? Do you know?
xo Jules
I’ve wondered the same thing myself! It says that it works through your bare feet, you do input basic information like your age and height also.
The very same thing happens to me! This was the only scale that made me feel good about myself!
That’s the best marker for me too! I always gain weight in my bottom first lol!
I would love to compare it to like a professional analysis to see how they compare!
I have to admit I’m not 100% sure about the results since I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, it was nice to get a roundabout idea!
I wish I had one when I was losing my baby weight, I think it would have been motivating!
I also love taking before and after pictures to track my progress! Thanks for sharing your tips, Brooke!
Sending love from Napa!
Paulina | SHENSKA
This is a great post! I try not to diet, because they more I think about WHAT I’m eating, the more I actually want to eat! LOL! Thanks for hosting and have a great week!
As much as I hate taking “before” pictures, it sure does help me stay more motivated than just trying to watch a number on the scale. Thanks for sharing your tips! I bought a similar scale recently…and the batteries have already died which really ticked me off…hoping it was a one off.
The app and scale combo sounds like a really good idea. I should definitely try this, thanks for sharing dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com