The beginning of a fitness and health regimen isn’t easy. There’s likely to be plenty of new information to discover about exercise and nutrition, along with new terminology. The words like measuring macros, sustainable eating, and other non-scale achievements are now part of your everyday vocabulary.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
In terms of fitness, it’s crucial to keep an eye on small adjustments that we can make. It could be as simple as substituting one food item for another, adding an extra day of lifting to supplement cardio, or taking a better night’s sleep. It’s also crucial to step back and look at the bigger perspective, including victories not connected to the number of pounds lost or weight gain. It’s a way to recognize non-scale wins and focus on the progress made overall. Here are some strategies to acknowledge your successes in the process.
Examples of Non-Scale Victories
Although seeing a different number on the scale could be a component of your overall fitness and health goals, it’s not the only indicator of your progress. Many other victories don’t involve scales to show that you’re making the effort.
Clothing Fits Differently
When you’re working with a registered fitness trainer and nutritionist, You might begin to notice your clothes are fitting your body differently. Even if there’s no loss of weight, your measurements might change. Perhaps you’ve set out to build muscle and get bulked up. However, after a time, the result may not be on the scale. It could result in your exercise t-shirts appearing tighter around your arms and shoulders due to the increased muscle mass. Maybe you’re working to trim and improve your fitness, and you’re noticing your shorts becoming looser.
In terms of measurements, it might be helpful to keep track of the waist-to-hip ratio. A research study in 2021 indicates that the waist-to-hip ratio could determine the risk of someone becoming (or getting rid of) certain health issues.
You’re More Energetic
Many people resort to changing their diet and exercise routines to boost the amount of energy they have. If you find that you do not require an afternoon caffeine boost, this could be an indication your fitness regimen is effective. Not having to fuel your body with calories that aren’t needed means you are more energized to go through your working day, have fun with your children, or take part in your favorite activities.
Quality Sleep
There’s nothing better than a peaceful night’s rest after a long day. Research has shown that changes in a person’s weight could positively impact their sleep quality. You could sleep more deeply and longer, and perhaps you’ll quit sleeping through the night!
Hitting a Personal Record (PR)
The scale doesn’t have anything to do with being concerned with breaking records. If you’re dedicated to your nutrition and workout routine, you’ll see yourself increasing reps, completing a faster distance, and lifting greater weights. Make a note of how your body and performance are improving as time passes, regardless of whether the number on the scale remains the same.
Less Brain Fog
When we nourish our bodies by exercising regularly, this can help reduce the amount of brain fog. Have you noticed a greater concentration ability when you’ve added yoga to your workout routine? Are your memories a bit sharper after you began walking every day in the park? Positive improvements in our overall health, like exercise and diet, have been shown to boost brain function, which is something that the scale can’t quantify.
Better Coping Mechanisms
We all are drawn to food when dealing with difficult emotions. When we are able to look at food differently and as fuel instead of as a means of comforting ourselves, we can develop better ways of coping. Instead of binge eating, you can try journaling as a method of expressing your feelings. Instead of drowning your pain with food, set a time to get together with a friend or a counselor for an open discussion.
Fewer Aches and Pains
It’s a fact that losing weight can help ease some of the discomforts that you experience throughout your body. Joints and bones benefit from carrying less weight and being able to take advantage of the “good stress” they experience when they exercise. Motion is also a form of the best lotion, so keeping your body moving often assists in keeping joints lubricated and helps reduce inflammation.
Building Relationships
The final and most significant non-scale wins to be proud of are the relationships you establish on your fitness and health journey. From the nutritionist who is certified and personal trainer to people who you meet in the gym or during classes, you’re in a community of people who are eager to ensure that you are successful. They’re your cheerleaders, and they’ll help you stay on track with your goals.