Ladies, we all know the feeling. You're working hard towards your fitness goals, putting in the effort, and you're eager to see progress. But how do you measure that progress without driving yourself crazy?

I've seen it time and time again: relying solely on how you feel or the number on the scale can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions and frustration. Our minds are masters at playing tricks on us.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of "Feeling It"

Some days, you'll feel like you've accomplished nothing and look exactly the same as when you started. You might even feel discouraged, even if you had a great workout! Other days, you'll feel on top of the world, convinced you're just around the corner from your goals. And the worst days? The ones where you experience both of those extremes all in the same day!

This emotional rollercoaster is a recipe for burnout. It's impossible to maintain motivation when your feelings are constantly fluctuating.

The Scale's Unpredictable Dance

Even the scale, that seemingly objective measure, can be a source of frustration. Our weight can fluctuate by several pounds daily due to water retention, hormonal changes, and other factors. Focusing solely on the scale can lead to disappointment and a sense of lack of control.

Smarter Ways to Track Your Progress

So, how do you track your progress effectively and without losing your sanity? Here are some smarter ways to measure your success:

• Clothing Size: This is a fantastic indicator of changes in body composition. Are your clothes fitting looser? Are you going down a size? This is a clear sign that you're making progress.

• Weekly Weight Averages: If you do want to use the scale, take a daily weight measurement and calculate the average weight for the week. This provides a more stable and accurate representation of your progress than a single daily weigh-in.

• Strength Gains: Are you lifting heavier weights or doing more repetitions over time? This is a powerful measure of progress and demonstrates that you're getting stronger.

• Progress Pictures: Taking photos of yourself at regular intervals (like every 2-4 weeks) can be a powerful visual reminder of your progress. Don't focus on weight loss; look for changes in muscle definition, posture, and overall body composition.

• Task Completion: This is my favorite way to track progress, and the one I recommend most often:

Taking Control of Your Progress

Instead of relying on fickle feelings or fluctuating numbers, create a set task list of the things you need to do daily or weekly to achieve your desired outcome.

• Example: If your goal is weight loss, your task list might include:

  • 3 strength training workouts per week

  • 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week

  • Meal prepping 3 healthy meals per day

  • Drinking 8 glasses of water daily

Focus on completing that list every day, no matter what.

Why Task Completion is King

• Empowerment: You're in control! You're not relying on external factors or fluctuating emotions.

• Consistency: It encourages consistent effort, which is key for long-term success.

• Clarity: It provides a clear and actionable way to measure progress.

• Motivation: Checking off those tasks creates a sense of accomplishment and fuels your motivation.

• Long-Term Success: By focusing on the process, you're building healthy habits and creating a sustainable lifestyle that will lead to lasting results.

The Master Level: Tracking It All and Choosing Your Champion

The ultimate strategy? Track multiple metrics and focus on the one that shows the most significant progress. By tracking clothing size, strength gains, progress photos, and task completion, you have multiple ways to celebrate your success.

If your clothing size is dropping, that's amazing! If your strength is increasing, that's a huge win! If you're consistently crushing your daily tasks, you're building a strong foundation for long-term success. Choose the metric that shows the most progress and use that as your primary motivator.

So, ditch the emotional rollercoaster and the scale obsession. Focus on completing the tasks you've set for yourself, track your progress in multiple ways, and celebrate your wins!

Dedicated Health: Your Partner in Wellness

At Dedicated Health in Terre Haute, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced trainers can help you create a personalized plan, track your progress, and provide guidance and motivation to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how we can help you navigate the challenges and achieve your fitness goals.