In today’s installment of Saturday Snippets, I’m gonna just talk about numbers for a bit.
Ironic considering I don’t find numbers particularly interesting or remotely fun…. sorry you little math nerds out there who love them. 😉
However, numbers do interest me when it comes to weights and seeing how much I’m capable of lifting, how fast I can ride, or row a mile and tidbits like that.
This weeks rounds at PT had my therapist commenting that the “165 lb. single leg presses were looking easy” for me.
Welllll…I’d never describe it like THAT….but I haven’t exactly mentioned to him I feel like I could probably handle more (I suspect that is coming)
You see, those things matter. It indicates where my strength is at and I will have a knowledge of where I’ve progressed from.
When numbers shouldn’t matter
I’ve been stalking….er…I mean…observing… this cultic diet group from afar. They place a whole lotta emphasis on their products helping people miraculously lose all kinds of weight and inches in only….8 days.
Yep you read right. There are tons of glowing life stories of consumers being transformed in these 8 days.
Almost makes me question my old school approach of healthy eating and purposeful exercise…not.
Of course they neglect to tell you that you largely do a starvation diet but hey! Food is overrated.
Of other short term glowing reviews there’s a huge focus on getting into significantly smaller sizes in a short time.
Here’s where I’m going
Wearing smaller clothes and losing weight is certainly not bad. Losing excess fat is good for the body and your overall health.
But who says it has to be attempted in a ridiculously short term manner? Why is the focus on those numbers instead of focusing on a slow sustainable loss of 1-2 lbs a week?
The reality is, even if you do lose a “big” amount in the first week it’s mostly water weight as you have greatly reduced carbs which hold water. Heck! With this plan you’ve pretty much reduced all food!
Successful long term weight loss isn’t a speed process, sorry, it’s just not.
And it doesn’t need to be.
Numbers that matter
Instead of focusing on perhaps, unrealistic or unsustainable numbers consider things like this on your fitness journey:
How many steps did you get in your day? Did you get more than the previous day?
Can you walk/run farther than previous weeks?
How many stairs can you climb?
Is your weekly weight loss a steady 1-2 lbs?
What about your body measurements? Often we will see those numbers change even if the scale doesn’t.
What about your blood pressure or lab results numbers? These are internal indicators of your health.
Lifting weights? Can you do more reps or have you increased weight you are using? Celebrate the strength of your body!
There are so many numbers that reflect our health and fitness, beyond the scale.
Attempting to do things “fast” doesn’t earn you extra rewards and if anything, potentially sets you back. You don’t become over weight “fast”, why is there a thought weight loss occurs that way?
Slow and steady weight loss, combined with consistent exercise will lead to long term success you can be proud of.
sassyfitnesschick 