Recently we ran our "Nutrition Challenge" to kick off the year. In my eyes, it was one of the most successful to date:- The logs I was reviewing were incredible - people were truly embracing the modifications to their eating that allowed them to be healthier.
- Our Conditioning Circuit Class, which allowed people to gain extra points, doubled as people came in... and stayed that way even after the challenge was over.
- Most importantly, we could visibly see the changes in the participants that were the most focused - with one telling me her jeans were too loose, another saying that he had dropped two pants sizes and, most dramatically, a women who was already buying a new wardrobe.
The kicker? None of these people were overly happy - because the scale had only gone down 2-4 pounds, and they were disappointed with the results.
Really?
I'm sorry, but who gives a **** what the scale says? I mean, how are you picking the number that you want the scale to read in the first place?
Believe me, I'm not someone who doesn't think that weight loss is a valid goal for training, and in fact, believe that in many cases this is where it should start - since activities like running are actually detrimental if you're carrying too many excess pounds. But when you're seeing changes, when you're feeling the difference - why are you letting some randomly chosen numbers on a machine dictate your happiness?
I have a challenge for you. Consult a professional, and find a recommended training and nutritional program - but stay off the scale. Find ways to measure your progress (that are tailored for you) that DO NOT include your weight.
You know what I think? I think you're going to have a harder time not stepping on a scale than you will following your program... which, frankly, means you need to re-evaluate your reasons for training.
Are you doing it to improve your physical capabilities, health and general lifestyle? Or are you doing it for a random set of numbers put out by an (often inaccurate) inanimate object?
Something to think about.
~Guy
