
Step away from the scale and take inventory of your body in other ways that may be more rewarding and productive.
- How do you feel? Frequently when you incorporate exercise into your life, you begin to feel refreshed, rejuvenated and energetic. These are much better indicators of health than the number on the scale.
- Put on your clothes. Many people choose to focus on how they feel in their clothes rather than the scale. If your favorite pair of jeans is starting to get loose, you're losing weight. If they tighten up, you could have put on a pound or two. Measure your weight by how your clothes fit and feel for a more precise look at your health and fitness – and a less stressful one than weighing yourself.
- Daily activities may feel different as you begin to lose weight and get in better shape. Did you used to run out of breath running up the stairs and now you don't? Maybe you needed help lifting heavy items and now you have the strength to lift them yourself, or parking far away from the supermarket doesn't seem as daunting as it used to be. Consider the small changes that fitness has made in your life as a barometer of success.
- Snap a selfie. Document your progress in pictures and you'll be able to see what the scale doesn't tell you about how your weight loss and exercise regimen is improving your body (and your self-esteem).
- Sleep it off. Frequently, we tend to sleep badly when we are out of shape. We may snore, toss and turn, or our bad habits (caffeine, alcohol, late night snacking) keep us awake at night. Good nights of sleep are a good way to measure health.
Need some help putting the perfect workout together so you can become a success story, too? Head over to the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo, which offers everything from personal training to group fitness classes.