The scale can be a useful tool to measure progress on your fitness journey, but before you rely on it, there’s one important question to ask: Is the scale a good fit for YOU?
While the number on the scale can provide valuable data, it’s important to remember—it’s just that, a number. It doesn’t define your worth, your strength, or your success. The scale is simply one way to track progress over time, and it’s important to understand the context around it. The fluctuations you see on a daily basis are normal and can be caused by many factors, from water retention to hormone changes. Getting hung up on these small changes can do more harm than good, especially if you’re looking for instant validation.
That said, we know that for some of you, the thought of stepping on the scale brings anxiety and dread. If you find yourself emotionally affected by the number staring back at you, it may be time to reconsider using the scale. If it impacts your mood, self-esteem, or motivation negatively, it’s simply not worth it right now. Your mental health and peace of mind should come first.
On the other hand, if your relationship with the scale is more positive or neutral—if you can step on it without it affecting your emotions—then it can be a helpful tool in tracking progress. In this case, we absolutely recommend using it in a way that works for you, such as tracking your average weight over time rather than obsessing over day-to-day changes.
But remember, the scale is not the only way to measure your progress. There are plenty of other methods that may be better suited to you, especially if they leave you feeling more empowered:
✅ Take circumference measurements around key areas like your waist and hips.
✅ Use the mirror—how you look and feel in your skin can be a powerful indicator of progress.
✅ Pay attention to how your clothes fit—are they looser, tighter, or fitting better overall?
✅ Track your performance in the gym. Are you lifting heavier weights, doing more reps, or running faster?
✅ Most importantly, focus on how you feel physically and mentally. Are you more energized, sleeping better, or feeling stronger?
The key takeaway here is simple: if using the scale doesn’t feel good for you, then don’t use it! There are many ways to measure success, and it’s about finding what works best for you. At the end of the day, progress is personal, and your journey is unique. Whether you use the scale or not, the goal is to keep moving forward in a way that’s healthy for both your body and mind.