More Than A Number

I thought this was a great illustration to show why you should not be so caught up in the number on the scale! What matters is how you look and feel, not what you weigh. Two people could weigh the same and look completely different, as you can see when you compare the woman on the far right to the woman second from the left who is close to her in height. Completely different body composition!

I think it's also important to point out that the same can be said of body fat percentage. Body fat percentages can also look very different from person to person. 15% on one person may not look the same on someone else depending on how the fat is distributed on the body. It comes down to genetics and how your body is shaped, as well as the amount of muscle mass you have.

For example, some women can have visible abs with a higher amount of body fat because they hold most of their fat in their hips and legs. So they may have a lean stomach but not defined legs or glutes. Others, like myself, may have lean and defined legs but would have to be at a very low body fat percentage to see abs. The point is, don't put so much empasis on the numbers!

 The scale can't tell you whether you are healthy, fit, or attractive. It is a periodic snapshot of your weight at a specific moment in time. Do not let it rule your life! - Coach Mark(LBC)

There is nothing wrong with weighing yourself regularly or getting your body fat checked periodically, especially when you are just starting out and have a lot of weight to lose. But there are better ways to track your progress besides the scale. That's why taking progress pictures is so important. They really are the best way to see how your body is changing. Even if the scale shows minimal change, a picture can tell a whole different story! My weight has pretty much been the same for the last few years, but by looking at photos, I can defnitely tell that my body composition has changed.

There also comes a point in your fitness journey when you should try take the focus off of being obsessed with how your body looks(yes, I'm talking to myself!). Of course, there will always be things to work on physically, especially if you're into bodybuilding. I don't think there's anything wrong with that-it can keep you motivated, keep you going. But don't get caught up in the numbers. Don't be so critical of yourself. Don't compare yourself to others. Strive to be the best version of yourself you can be. Take progress pictures and measurements to track your progress, but don't forget to also focus on how you feel and what you can do! You're more than a number.

"If you can force yourself to focus on your fitness capacity and health instead of the size of your thighs or belly, you will find that it is much easier to stay motivated and confident. Then one day you will wake up to a body you love, and the change will have happened while you weren’t paying attention." -Jason Seib