Dooley Noted: 3/3/2015
I am forced to measure my weight about once a year.
This determines how much I’m required to lift at strength certifications.
Otherwise, I don’t do it.
I don’t find it informative.
It’s a measure of density – not of composition.
The scale must not be your only measure of progress.
I’ll provide an example.
Fighters typically cut weight in the days before the competition. By boosting water intake one week prior, the body produces aldosterone to rid itself of the water.
Then, the fighter progressively cuts the water, carb, and salt intake. Aldosterone continues flushing water without the body consuming and retaining more water. The fighter loses up to 30 pounds of water in the week prior to the weigh in.
After weigh-in, the fighter can gain 20 or more pounds back in 24 hours, just by reversing their restrictions!
The scale is so easy to manipulate that it seems like an unfair marker of progress.
Consider stepping away from the scale – or at least including other observable signs of progress.
Here are some, to name a few:
– caliper measurements
– the way you feel
– how your clothes fit
– VO2 max
– increased recovery
– increased exercise tolerance
– strength gains
– volume gains
– improvements in mobility, stability and strength
– improvement in sleep and immunity
These markers may read as more subjective than a scale. However, that scale is easily manipulated.
Your scale might tell you lies throughout the day.
Consider multiple progress markers.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley