Weekly weigh-in: -------Loss: ----
Total loss: ------
Emotion: -------
Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and trust yourself.
I’ve been slowly… too slowly, to tell you the truth… transitioning from 100% cardio workouts to incorporating a good bit of strength training into my exercise routine. But here’s the thing: throwing the weights around plays havoc with my numbers on the scale
Early in my journey, I turned my back on strength training for that very reason. It slowed my weight-loss progress to a crawl.
I know, I know: “Muscle weighs more than fat.” That’s small relief when you look to the scale for validation that you’re heading down the right path.
Anyway, I panicked and probably made a short-sighted decision. It’s a given that I lost plenty of muscle as I obliterated fat. In my lust for losses, I sacrificed some of the good to get rid of a lot of the bad. I threw the baby out with the bathwater.
I find myself unable to truly commit to the strength training because it causes a gain on the scale, which sends me rushing back to the security of my elliptical or bike.
So now… now, I’m gonna take a leap of faith.
I’m going to continue eating like I eat, sensibly and with an eye to good, healthy choices. However, I’m going to give the scale a much-needed vacation and throw myself into the “gettin’ fit” part of the program.
So sorry… the Scale Spectacle is temporarily shut down while we prepare for what’s coming next.
The Jack Sh*t Gun Show!
Tickets on sale soon…
Oh, definitely need tickets for that show! Way to go Jack!
ReplyDeleteWise decision Jack. I am concidering the same thing. Just focusing on the healthy part and not being so uptight about the scale.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was loosing regularly I didn't really give the scale that much power. Now that it is getting harder to make that scale move (in the right direction)the scales seem to have more power over me.
I gotta have tickets to that show as well! Change is hard, uncomfortable, but very doable.
I'm trying to get there too. I picked up two strength training DVD's at the library. My mini goal is to just do them.
ReplyDeleteHe he. It's harder than I thought. Rev...rev...here comes Tuesday!
I'm a new reader and I can so relate to this and it's driving me a little crazy. I didn't really bring in any strength training until I had lost about 70lbs, and as soon as I did my losses slowed right down, and I seem to be hungry all the time now.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard because I know that the strength training is necessary and so the scale shouldn't bug me as much as it does. But at the same time, when I still have 100lbs left to lose, it's hard to not be bothered by the number staying the same. What a mind game it is sometimes!
I know lots of people that do this, especially women. They're afraid of the weight gain brought on by strength trainging. You're certainly not alone in this line of thinking.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the benefits of "throwing around weights" far outweighs any weight gain. This coming from someone who is scale obsessed. I love the feeling of being strong, especially that I can beat someone up if needed.
Keep up the great work, and even though you might gain a couple pounds it'll be muscle. Muscle is good...you can eat more....and beat up someone if needed. :)
GOOD FOR YOU JACK! I should do the same, since picking up strength training my numbers also have been all over the place.
ReplyDeleteJack, I also want to build muscle, but as you point out, there are some sacrifices, at least in the short term, to doing that.
ReplyDeleteWe like GUN SHOWS out west...
ReplyDeleteWeight is one thing, fat and muscle do not look the same. We always know the difference, even when we pretend otherwise...
ReplyDeleteSecretia
I love building my muscles and getting toned and fit and the aggravation of the scale not budging is a huge hindrance for me. So instead, I tried a different tracking method: inches. It's crazy how you can see a difference in the inches and not a damn thing in the pounds. Maybe it'll help you to become more comfortable with strength training like it did for me.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a ticket to that gun show too please. Good luck!
=)
everyone fixates on the scales - but they are very unreliable. They dont tell you the turth. As long as you feel OK the numbers of the scale shouldn't rule your life. Good luck
ReplyDeleteNo scale?
ReplyDeleteThat is RIIIIDICULOS!
Nothin' I love more than some great guns! Good luck....
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I'm sure scale or no scale you'll be able to feel and see the results of your weight training! Best though, to avoid weighing yourself. As much as I tell myself the numbers don't matter they do...even when my pants are hanging looser, even when I'm just all around feeling better! You'll know! Count me in for tickets as well!
ReplyDelete-B
You and I are on the same path, though I think you look better scrawny...that way I have a chance at looking better than you.
ReplyDeleteStick to the lean look Jack!
Good for you!! I'm glad you have decided to be so brave!! I haven't been doing the strength training, but I'm going to start walking soon, and that will definitely help.
ReplyDeleteYep, I found that when I was lifting weights seriously, I'd have a couple weeks of tiny losses, and then WHOMP! If you keep doing the right things, the scale will definitely eventually show it to you.
ReplyDeleteLast time I hit goal, I wasn't doing any strength training at all, and I didn't like how I looked. My arms were way too skinny.
And you NEED lean muscle mass to keep the metabolism fires burning. You're doing the right thing! Embrace the weights! And remember, you don't have to be a body builder. A couple curls with a 20 lb weight isn't going to give you arms like Popeye in 3 days!
take your measurements...that could be your progress..honestly you'll see a difference and you'll still be held accountable.
ReplyDeleteNice decision. Can't wait for muscly progress pics :)
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, the maintenance part is tricky, especially when you focus on weights instead of cardio.
ReplyDeleteBut, lucky you that you are at the point that you can now refocus your workout.
Interesting stuff ahead for you! (and all of us!)
I started lifting weights so we will see what happens... How many days a week are you going to strength train?
ReplyDeleteI've been going through the same thing lately. I just keep hoping for a big drop in the scale# when I least expect it!
ReplyDeleteHoping the same for you!
I feel the same way. I keep telling myself that once I have lost the weight I want to, I will start strength training to get fit and look better, but I know I should to it right now.. time constraints, though. And I've been choosing cardio. Good luck, though, and I'm sure that you will feel great for it!
ReplyDeleteJack, I am so glad you are adding in strength training! Not only is important in terms of helping you burn fat BUT so important for bone health & to not get injured as we age!
ReplyDeleteIf I may suggest, pick a couple items of clothing to track your progress. I have jeans I rely on. Also, if you want to increase the size of your legs, be aware that the thigh area of the leg will get tighter BUT ya don't want that waist/hip area to grow. IT is a balancing act which I have learned to play well! :-)
You're a braver man than I am (wo)man! Sounds like a solid choice though!
ReplyDeleteFrom looking at your pics, I really don't see where you have any more fat to lose...so if the scale goes up a little from building muscle, then you KNOW it's a GOOD gain, right? And have you had your measurements taken? Why don't you do that today, and then give us an update in a month. I did mine a month ago, and then again last Thursday. I was shocked to learn what a mental boost it was to see proof that I'm actually shrinking even though I *think* I look just as fat as ever when I look in the mirror. Do some measurements and report your progress! :)
ReplyDeleteYou just have to get used to oogling your muscled body in the mirror instead.
ReplyDelete...do you need a band-aid?? You're CUT! ;)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read more about your fun with iron!
Two tickets for me please.
ReplyDeleteI think this is AWESOME and I can't wait to hear about your results! At this point, you know you are at a healthy weight. From now on, it's about changing the composition of your body - fine-tuning, so to speak. I'm excited for you and count me in on the tickets!
ReplyDeleteYour decision takes courage. Good for you. Here's to breaking scale tyranny! Deb
ReplyDeleteAs soon as those tickets go up on sale you know I'm grabbing one!
ReplyDeleteI think your decision to not look at the scale for a bit is a good one. But have you ever taken measurements? If not, start now.
Great post. This has been on my mind lately. I echo what the others have said about taking measurements. Also, you might want to look into circuit training. You could get a DVD to do it at home or consult with a personal trainer who could give you a routine. It's great for both weight loss and building muscle.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly understand the dilemma..but I think you are making a very wise move. Im also going to shake things up and try something different--going on faith, and we'll see how it goes. I think unless we continue to challenge ourselves we get into ruts so, lets bring on the challenges! Pump that iron :-)
ReplyDeleteThe scale can be a fickle master. Glad you are giving it a break and working on YOU for a while.
ReplyDeleteoh jack, we are so on the same page...
ReplyDeleteas in, time to turn it and get a new mindset...
awesome.
I am on that same page, too....
ReplyDeleteThat's why for me the scale isn't the best, or only measure of my effectiveness. After almost a year, you would think I know if I had "cheated" ....scales fluctuate - results are sometimes delayed.
Want a Hertz Donut?
*hurts - don't it?*
Thanks for this post, Jack. I am going to start strength training soon, and I'm at the end of my journey as well. I may follow suit and ditch the scale for a bit!
ReplyDeleteYou also inspired me to get on some of my old baggy-assed clothes for some "after" shots! Hope you will check 'em out. :)
The other night when I was reaching to turn out the bedside lamp, I noticed a weird line in my upper arm. WTF? I've only been strength training for a few weeks, but already: definition! Very exciting. I have noooo desire to start measuring parts of my body...just one more thing I'm sure (from past experience) I would become obsessed about. But that's just me. (I also keep beautiful crystal jars of candy in every room to remind myself that I'm always going to run into potential excuses.)
ReplyDeleteOh, and when your muscles start to pop, you'll know it. I bet your SO will NOTICE too. She might even swoon. AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO CATCH HER!!!!!!!
;-)
With limited exercise time lately, I've been focusing more on cardio, but I'm looking forward to more consistent weight training soon. Besides the physical benefits, I actually have to eat more to maintain or lose weight if I'm lifting weights. :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your journey through the wonderful world of weights!
Good luck Jack. That was hard for me too when I saw gains from strength training. And like you I backed away from it until I found myself lower on the scale.
ReplyDeleteBut now it is time to bring those workouts back. And I am a little concerned. I will be watching to see your experiences with it. And soon I will join you.
I don't know if I will take a break from the scale, but I will be joining you.
Great idea. I'm not sure if I'm ready to do that--so scared of any kind of gain..but awesome for you!!
ReplyDeleteI do both cardio and weight training regularly, but I spend a lot more time focusing on cardio because I want to see the pounds come down...I'm glad that you understand where I'm coming from....
ReplyDeleteI am exact opposite of you. I LOVED the weight training and would give away my first born to avoid cardio. The weight training always made me feel so strong and able, while cardio just made me feel...well...sweaty.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could consider measuring your body to see how many inches you lose, rather than pounds, to keep the motivation for strength training up.
A bigger, stronger, well trained, muscle burns more calories while you're resting than a weaker muscle does. So if every muscle in your body is stronger, therefore burning more calories simply by existing, then you're getting some freebies in with this deal!
Brave but fabulous plan.
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to give up the scale. Why do we get so attached to those numbers?
ReplyDeleteI love your plan and I need to do the same.
Thanks for the inspiration.
You and me both! In fact, I'm going to replace the blog entry I wrote last night with this one because it says the same exact thing, but written about 100 times better. ;)
ReplyDeleteWeights are bitchin, I'd rather do a killer strength routine than cardio any day of the week, but it does wonk the scale a bit (at least at first). Pay less attention to the scale and more attention to your pants (and guns) for the next few weeks. We want some abs photos soon!
ReplyDeleteI have been forgoing the scale for the past two months and weighed myself this morning and it was not good, but I think the scale really keeps me in check. It works for many people, maybe just not me. Or maybe I'm just a little bitter and discouraged right now.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful move on your part. The scale doesn't have all the answers especially when it comes to your health and how you feel about your body.
ReplyDeleteGood plan Jack. A MUCH MUCH MUCH more relevant indicator of fitness is body fat percentage....not BMI or weight. Get that body fat percentage to the healthy range...and what the scale says is totally irrelevant. What is the difference between a guy who weighs 200 pounds and is 12% fat and a guy who weighs 180 pounds and is 12% fat? 200 pound guy has 17 pounds more muscle...therefore he has a higher metabolism, likely looks more fit...and he can eat more and not gain weight.... THAT....my friend...is magic. Muscle up! You will like it! You can hang with my good friend Satan (aka Tony Horton) and his nice little p90x....he knows how to add some serious strength to a body.
ReplyDelete