Does the scale tell the WHOLE story? I think not...

My sister graduated basic training last weekend (hooray!)

She looked AWESOME. However, she was bummed because she "only lost 4 pounds". Even with all her gear on, I could tell that her body had taken a completely different shape. I encouraged her to try on her civilian clothes. What a difference! (With her permissison, I will post before & after pictures)

Even better than looking great, she said she felt much stronger. To help show how much her physical fitness has improved, see below.

Initial PT (10 weeks ago): 

• 2 Mile Run: 29 minutes
• Sit-Ups: 7
• Push Ups: 0

Final PT

• 2 Mile Run: 19 Minutes
• Sit-Ups: 49
• Push Ups: 22

The moral of the story: Don't fret about the scale; it does not tell the whole story. Our weight redistributes as we build muscle and get stronger! While fitting into your "skinny jeans" or lookin hot in that bathing suit is a definite perk of getting healthy, focus on the awesome benefits such as being able to outrun your big sister (like my sister can outrun me!) or the assurance that you are taking care of your body and being the best person possible!

Agreed. absolutely it does not tell the whole story. if only accurate and affordable body fat analysis were available to everyone, that would really be the thing to track. It's about body composition, not total body weight.

I keep trying to tell myself the same thing.  The scale measures your body as a whole, organs, bones, water, etc.  I haven't lost any scale weight in 8 months.  However, I've been lifting weights religiously for that 8 months and have seen my body change drastically.  I've definitely leaned out.  I'm nowhere near ready for a bathing suit, but I look better and, like your sister, feel much stronger.

Let's try and not focus on the scale as an indicator of health!  I'll tell myself that too (until my next rant on why I'm not losing weight)!  :o)

EXACTLY!!! & april, you've probably put on some extra muscle weight to replace the fat weight which is better than just losing weight. you've done more of a body recomposition. i could care less if i weigth 400llbs but still looked like, um...well.... some good looking celebrity (can't think of one)

melty.. & tell your sister we are all rooting for her

I agree! I used to obsess about the number on the scale, but i realize that it doesnt matter how low the number on the scale gets, i won't be happy with a flabby body. I would much rather have a solid physique than measure perfection by a number on the scale!

actiq420 - I agree! It'd be awesome to have ACCURATE and AFFORDABLE body fat analysis available... I'm not even sure what my % is but I know it's not where it needs to be.

You ladies are definitely on the right track. Strength training is underrated, but is sooo helpful in improving our health!

I will definitely send the message along to my sister. thanks!