Scales? Tape Measure? How Do I Measure Up?

Scales are the usual standard of measurement for dieters and people with weight loss or weight gain goals. Are scales the best standard of measurement?

“Muscle is heavier than fat” — this is something I hear repeatedly in the weight loss world and it simply isn’t true.

A pound is a pound, whether it is a pound of fat, a pound of muscle, a pound of kittens, or a pound of paper. What IS true, however, is that the volume of a pound of fat is lower than the volume of a pound of muscle. Confused?

The above picture sums it up nicely! 5 pounds = 5 pounds, but see how much smaller the muscle is? If you’re building muscle by lifting weights, your body may be smaller but your weight may stay the same or even go up.

I generally like to use a tape measure to keep track of my progress. I limit myself to biweekly measurements, however, I am a die-hard old schooler, as well – I do weigh myself.

Last week, I did a lot of cardio and very little weight training. I did some running, some kickboxing, some cardio DVDs and some hot yoga. I also maintained a food log and counted those pesky calories.

I don’t count on the scale for support but I am happy to report that I lose 4.5 pounds last week! Wooo! In my excitement, I forgot to get the tape measure, but I will post my progress, if any, with it next time.

Namaste!

Mina