When it comes to getting in shape there are a lot of ways to measure your success. A few that come to mind are: the scale, the mirror, a tape measure, and body fat calipers. In this article learn about some things to keep in mind when dealing with these four devices and why the mirror should be your guide.
Copyright (c) 2008 Weston Lyon
When it comes to getting in shape there are a lot of ways to measure your success. A few that come to mind are: the scale, the mirror, a tape measure, and body fat calipers.
Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with these four devices and why the mirror should be your guide.
1. The Scale
The scale is probably the device most used when it comes to tracking ones fitness progress. And while the scale may seem like a good idea to use, I can't stand it.
Why?
The scale is terrible in my opinion because it gets you focusing on your weight. And weight, my friend, is not your concern...at least it shouldn't be.
Instead, you should focus on building quality muscle. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn, period. That's why muscle is more important than weight.
Another reason the scale sucks is because it doesn't always show your progress; and that can be deadly. The reason for this is because the scale doesn't take into account the amount of fat you have or the amount of muscle you have.
You see, you may be building quality muscle UNDER your layers of fat without realizing it. It's only a matter of time (as long as you're consistent) before the muscle starts to show.
If you used the scale to find out you weren't losing weight, then you may quit. That's not the answer. The answer is staring you right in the face...and looking back...which we'll get to in a minute.
2. A Tape Measure
The tape measure is next on the list of gadgets to track your progress. Unlike the scale, I do like the tape measure.
It allows you to track your progress while taking into account the amount of fat and muscle you have in certain areas (i.e. your waist will get smaller if the fat is melting away).
The only downside I see to using a tape measure is it takes time. And while this shouldn't discourage you from taking measurements (because measurements are really beneficial), I steer away from activities that take my time when I can track progress without that time involved.
And the fastest way to track progress is...relax, we're getting to it.
3. Body Fat Calipers
One of the least used contraptions to tracking progress is the body fat caliper. This contraption is easy to use and will definitely give you an accurate reading of where you are.
However, it does take more time than the other two ways and you know how I feel about that. And, sometimes using calipers requires a little assistance, which you may not always have access to.
Which leads me to the device that's the easies to use, takes no extra time to use, requires no one else helping you, and is the one true motivator...
4. The Mirror
The mirror is my all time favorite device to track progress. It's simple, I know, but don't let that fool you.
Here's why I love the mirror:
a. It doesn't take extra time or assistance to use
Unlike the tape measure and body fat caliper, the mirror doesn't require any more time. You can simply look at the mirror to see you results.
Which leads me to the next reason I love the mirror...
b. It doesn't lie
The mirror doesn't lie. It reflects back to you what you show it (no trick mirrors please).
Now, it's best to be naked when you look at yourself in the mirror.
Why? Because you can't hide from the mirror. And that brings me to my last point on why I love the mirror...
c. It's the one true motivator
The mirror shows all and tells no one. You can confide in your mirror...I promise.
Since you can't hide anything from your mirror it's time to get honest with both the mirror and yourself. That's why I recommend you look at yourself naked. This is you. This is the real deal.
Don't be scared. Be fearless.
Don't be worried. Be excited.
It's time for you to take responsibility for what you look like and how you feel. The mirror can help you do that.
Look it right in the eyes (your eyes) and tell the mirror how you feel and how you're going to improve.
This little talk with your mirror...looking inside your own soul...will get you more motivated and on the road to more progress than ever before.
Let the mirror be your guide!
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