⚖️ Weekly weigh-in's, Killer Kettlebell Combo and Doing vs Thinking.
- Jamie Stumpe
- Mar 7, 2024
- 3 min read
⚖️ Weekly weigh-ins: Friend or Foe?
Let's talk about the trusty scales – are they helpful or not? Over the years I’ve seen the scales both celebrated and condemned. Some see them as essential while others would rather toss the "sad step" into the back of a forgotten closet.
Now, you might be wondering where I stand on this. Well, my opinion is... it depends.
On the one hand scales are simply giving you a piece of data – your weight. It's just your relationship with gravity. Whether you step on the scales or not, the number won't change.
However, if you've ever battled with weight issues, it's all too easy to start tying your self-worth to that number. If the number is going in the direction you want, you feel like you're on top of the world. But if it isn't, you come crashing back down -- and let's be honest when your down in the dumps want do you do? We turn to comfort – for many of us, that's food or a nice big glass of wine.
I'm not here to sway you one way or the other, but I thought it'd be helpful to share the pros and cons, and maybe even suggest some alternatives...
The Good Bits:
Easy Tracking: Scales provide a simple way to monitor weight changes. It's quick and easy to do.
Staying on Track: Regular weigh-ins can keep you accountable, helping you stick with your health goals, especially when life gets busy.
Stay Aware: Knowing your weight can be a wake-up call, helping you notice patterns and habits. It can help you make informed adjustments to your lifestyle.
The Not-So-Good Bits:
Not the Full Story: Scales don't tell you everything. In the short term, factors like water intake, what you've eaten, and even your bathroom breaks can all affect your weight from day to day. In the long term, scales only tell us our total weight and don't distinguish between muscle and fat.
Mood Rollercoaster: Daily weight fluctuations are normal yet can mess with your head. Don't let a temporary increase ruin your day – over time look for the trends.
Stress Magnet: For some, the scale becomes a source of stress. It's really important not to let the numbers get to you. If this something you struggle with other options might suit you better.
Now, let's tackle the big question. Do you need to measure and track your weight if you're trying to lose weight? Not necessarily, but tracking some kind of objective data is important – even if it's just how easily you can slip into your favorite pair of jeans. If not, how will we know if our efforts are paying off?
Here are some other metrics to consider, either to complement the scales or as an alternative:
Tape Measurements: Just measure areas like your hips, waist, and chest (you can even add arms and legs too) and track every few weeks.
Progress Photos: A great DIY option. You might want to take these every 4-weeks.
Body Fat Percentage: This requires a bit more skill and equipment, but it's worth considering. Again you might track this every 3-4 weeks.
The main message here is this: It doesn't matter if you use scales or not. If you're trying to improve your body composition - lose fat and/or gain muscle - it's ideal to track something and do so consistently.
🎥 Killer Kettlebell Combo
Double dead clean to squat - wow, now that's quite a name! This is an awsome kettlebell combo that involves a dead clean, which means you start each rep from the floor, and a front squat. You can absolutely do it with single bells, but this demo uses double bells. Why? Well, double the bells, double the fun, right? 🤗
Go ahead and give it a shot!
🤔 Quote to Ponder
“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done. Make at least one definite move daily toward your goal." Bruce Lee
P.S. If you enjoyed this week's Thursday Three, please share it with a friend.
Thanks,
Jamie
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