Everyone’s fitness journey is unique to them. Weight loss is one of the many common goals that a client may desire for themselves. There is nothing wrong with having this goal in mind and working towards achieving it. While seeing a downward trend in the number on the scale is exciting feedback, it is not the only feedback that shows we are making progress. Improving our health is the big picture, and there are so many other areas that we can see the progress that is worth noting. Here are 5 ways to measure progress, that doesn’t include a number on the scale.
1. Our mood and energy levels
Engaging in regular exercise can significantly increase our energy levels and improve our mood. Exercise releases the “feel good” hormones in the brain, known as endorphins.
Moving our bodies is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves to contribute to our overall health and wellbeing.
2. Your exercise technique and strength improve in the gym
Seeing an improvement in performance is such a rewarding and empowering feeling. Think of where you started when you first stepped into the gym and started your program. When you are devoting your time in the gym, week by week, month by month, year by year, you are noticing improvements in your strength. That is progress right there, and something to be very proud of. This simply means that your body is getting stronger with the demands that you are placing on it. When you increase your strength, that is a sign that you are maintaining and building lean muscle mass; which works in our favor for fat loss.
3. Developing new habits that fall in line with your fitness goals
When you make positive changes to your lifestyle, you are very likely to adopt new habits that will continue to work in your favor and contribute to your fitness journey.
Perhaps you are getting to bed earlier, drinking more water, carving out more time to read, making “to-do” lists that help you stay more productive throughout the day.
4. Improving your relationship with food and developing a lifestyle
When you are able to make a shift in how you once thought about food, then that is a game-changer. When we escape from the idea that foods are either “good or bad”, we develop more positive eating habits. It is important to understand that food is fuel, but it is also more than acceptable to eat foods that taste good. It is all about a balanced approach and eating in a way that you can continue for the long term. Losing weight and keeping it off works when you are eating in a way that is sustainable for you.
5. Overall Confidence
You feel better about how you look on the outside and how you feel on the inside. Developing a positive mindset and sense of self will carry over into your job, your social life, your family, and so many other areas in your life.