A common topic that comes up with clients time and time again is the focus directed towards daily bodyweight readings on the scales. In this article I hope to offer some alternative outcome measures for tracking progress. While using the scales to track changes in body weight can be a great outcome measure, it can have it’s limitations and can be misunderstood easily if not familiar with human physiology and external variables in our life that can induce fluctuations in our body weight. Having the ability to make use of other subjective and objective markers for progress can be very helpful when it comes to really finding differences when looking to track progress!
Body composition.
Naturally we will often hope to reduce any excess body fat we may be carrying when embarking on our health and fitness endeavours. It is possible that we may indeed reduce the amount of fat mass we are carrying while not seeing a huge shift in the weighing scales. We can in fact start to develop some lean muscle mass as we start training in the gym, as a result we might not see a huge change in scale weight but a completely different look where we look slightly leaner with a more “toned” look as many refer to it as! This can also be as simple as noticing clothes starting to fit better, old clothes getting too small, people in your life observing differences in both your energy and how you look!
Energy levels and well being.
A lot of the time I’ll ask clients if they notice any changes within their life since starting. While in many cases we can expect to see a reduction in energy when we are on a weight loss journey - many report increased energy levels as they develop a more consistent gym routine and make some health conscious tweaks to their diet to better fuel their day! Improvements in healthier, more nutrient dense foods combined with an increased activity level is a great way to start promoting a rise in energy levels and overall well-being.
Performance!
Another important marker when it comes to progress on a health and fitness jorney. Start setting some performance and strength oriented goals. A large part of health and fitness is to not only get healthier - but to get STRONGER! Ensuring we are goal orientated with the work we are doing both in the gym and outside! Set yourself a goal of weight to lift, a time you’d l;ke to beat for your 5k run! These goals will help to keep things fresh and are conducive to improving the quality and effort you put into your training!
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality” - Seneca
I am also delighted to announce that I am now offering an in person Personal Training service at kingfisher fitness club Waterford! Please get in touch through the contact information below or call into reception to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited! Please visit my new website www.coachedbycashel.com for more info!
Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals. The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.
I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought. For any questions in relation to this topic or training, nutrition, etc. or for coaching inquiries simply message me on my business page on instagram @coachedbycashel_ or by email - contact@coachedbycashel.com
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