I felt the need to write this blog because I feel like my messaging in regards to the scale has gotten a little twisted. So I think it’s important to clarify a few things. Today we’re debating whether or not, the scale has become obsolete.
Is the Scale Obsolete?
I want to start by saying that I don’t hate the scale. In fact, I think that keeping an eye on big changes on the scale is extremely important because it holds you accountable and helps you troubleshoot any big and constant changes.
The scale is one of the very few objective and easily accessible tools to measure your body composition. Not everyone has enough access (or budget) to use a DEXA scan or hydrostatic underwater weighing unit as everyday measurement tools…so the next best thing is the scale.
I like to use the analogy that the scale is just part of the recipe, a bit like when you’re baking a cake (yum, cake!). If you have just the ingredients and not the instructions, it’s very unlikely that your baking will go well. In the same way, if you have just the instructions without the proper measurements, you will NOT end up with a very good cake. (Try adding one too many cups of flour to a cake to see what happens!)
My point is this: you shouldn’t obsess about the scale but you shouldn’t fully disregard it either. In other words, to answer the question posed in this post: No, the scale is not obsolete. But we should be rethinking the way that we are using it.
The scale is PART of the progress-tracking process, alongside some other less objective “measurements” like:
- Your clothes fit better
- You’ve become stronger
- You have much more muscle definition
- Your form has improved
- You feel more confident
- Your relationship with food has improved
- You feel A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
In the end, the point is that although I don’t absolutely love the scale, it doesn’t mean I hate it. If the goal is to objectively track physical progress, the scale is one of the tools you use…although you should always remember in the back of your mind that it does NOT tell the whole truth.
Are you interested in learning more about a fitness and nutrition program that can help kick your mindset to the curb? I’ve got a program that is perfect for you! I’ve created a brand new 4 Weeks program called the 4 Weeks to Fit Transformation. Why Transformation? Because it’s a truly transformative program that will change the way you treat your diet and fitness routine. Click here to learn more and join the next program.
Save this post on Pinterest and follow me for even more inspiration.
