Finding Progress Without a Scale

It can be easy to track your fitness progress with the numbers on the scale or your pants size.

However, if this is a tricky subject for you, you’re not alone! And there are so many ways you can track your fitness progress that have nothing to do with the size of your body. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you’re feeling frustrated by not knowing how you’re progressing or if you don’t know if you’re progressing at all.

• Think back to the weights you were using for a particular exercise when you started your journey. Are they feeling lighter? Have you increased the weights you’re using?

• How is your flexibility? Do you find yourself able to reach farther when you’re stretching pre & post-workout? (If your answer is that you don’t stretch…you might want to start!)

• Are your daily acts such as getting up from the couch, getting in and out of the car, getting easier?

• Do you feel capable of traveling on your own and lifting baggage up, climbing stairs, and sightseeing no matter the terrain?

• When you get regular panels done at the doctors, how are your numbers looking? Inflammation, A1C, cortisol?

• What’s something you were able to do recently that surprised you in a positive way?

You’ll find there are numerous ways to track your progress. Pick your favorite and don’t forget to notice when you increase weights, mobility, or movement quantity. Remember, fitness is a marathon, not a sprint!