Fat weighs more than muscle
I bet you’ve heard that expression many times in your life. I have news for you, this is a myth!!
One pound of fat is the same as one pound of muscle. The difference is that muscle is much denser than body fat. So, when you release one body of fat for muscle, you will feel your clothes are looser, especially on your waistline. That’s the ‘dropping inches’ and getting thinner without losing weight.
But heck, you’ve been so conditioned to looking at the scale that when you step on one, the weight is the freaking same and you get frustrated again.
This is the time to celebrate. You are, my friend, going in the right direction!
You may also notice you feel healthier, more energized, motivated, leaner, less moody, etc. These are metrics to track.
Although it depends on the client’s personality, what drives their motivation, and what and who they use for accountability, I don’t recommend stepping on the scale daily. Once a week, once every two weeks, or even once a month will reflect progress more accurately.
However, if you do choose to weigh yourself daily, remember that your body fluctuates daily. This fluctuation is impacted by many actions including the time of your last meal, the time you went to bed, food choices, hydration, the time you went to bed, and sleep quality and quantity. And of course, menstruating women will experience hormonal changes that will cause weight fluctuations pre and during their cycle.
My other recommendation in that department is to weigh yourself first thing in the morning before you start with your routines (eating, drinking, exercising).
I do not wish anyone to become a slave to the numbers on the scale.
Shifting your focus to how you feel, documenting them, and sharing them with your coach, trainer, or accountability buddy may do wonders for your emotional and mental well-being.
