Five Ways To Measure Success Without A Scale

Tracking your progress on a fitness plan is one major key to success. Here are five ways to find out if you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, without ever stepping onto a scale! Many dieters get discouraged by minor weight gains, but what they don’t realize is that they’re probably just gaining muscle. Plus, scales can fluctuate a couple of pounds per DAY. Here are five gauges of fitness that are more effective than scales.

1. The squeeze of your skinny jeans – Everyone has a pair – those killer jeans that look awesome on you when you’re in peak physical form. Maybe it’s been a few years since you’ve fit into them, but you keep them around because some day, you’ll wear them again. Skinny jeans can be a great motivator. One fun strategy is to take weight-loss-ad-style photos of yourself in your current jeans each week of your workout plan. In a few months, you, too, can have a cheesy shot of you in an oversized pair of pants – and then you can promptly change back into those sweet, skinny jeans.
2. Measuring tape can be your best friend. The scale can be sneaky, but the measuring tape never lies. When you first start a workout plan, you may be maintaining or gaining weight, but adding muscle and toning your body. Instead of pounds lost, try measuring inches lost – hips, waist, chest, arms, thighs, calves, hips.
3. The way your sleeves fall – If you are in a program that’s really pushing you, you should start to notice your sleeves fitting differently. Those trying to get bigger arms will notice some bulging action, while those looking to tone should see a decrease in circumference. Your sleeves will be looser and your arms will start to get that strong, fit look.
4. The notch of your belt – The scale can’t possibly tell the whole story. Keep track of what notch your belt is on. Record every time you go down a notch. Since it’s so tangible, tightening your belt is even more exciting than watching the scale creep down.
5. The fit of your shorts – Same as with the arms. Those trying to bulk up should notice that their shorts will strain a bit in the thigh region, while those who are losing inches should notice a looser, roomier fit.

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