To weigh or not to weigh?

Health is SO much more than a number.

I read an article recently and I was thrilled to see the tone of it. It was discussing the merits of measuring clients; their weight, their body fat etc or not. A couple of trainers stressed they would not work with clients who would not allow themselves to be measured or weighed. The article was discussing what's really important with exercise/ training, and weighing/ measuring wasn't always required. I've gotta say I totally agree.

We are in a current world where the number on the scales is lived by - literally. Where all too often, this and your size dictate whether you are deemed "healthy" in others' eyes. Don't get me wrong, I do think it's worth measuring my clients if they wish to; why not have a starting point if they have particular goals in mind? But.....I'll tell you, many of mine have not wished to be measured, and I don't see that as a failure of what I offer, but more as the understanding that there are so many other factors at play. I remember years ago when weight was so important to me I would exercise, feel soooo light and as a result, wonderful; use that day to weigh and find I weighed more. As a result of this, my confidence was slain, my wonder at "why do I do this?" was elevated and all I could think of was that damn number. Consumed me. I didn't even stop to think about the fact that my clothes were falling off me, my skin was great, my ability and energy levels were higher than ever. It was that number.

Something changed when I saw a picture of two men; both 300 pounds. One full of muscle and in awesome shape; the other obese. it was like something hit sense into me. The same weight can mean different things for different situations. You might be extremely "light" on the scale....but eating so badly and not getting enough exercise....so is this good? No.

Different things come into play with weight; maybe you are menstruating (can always be a 5 pound difference for me!), how about STRESS - once stressed; it releases cortisol into your system (amongst other things) and from this allows weight to settle on waists. How "healthy" are you if you are at a great weight, yet stressed beyond belief and the weight in the wrong place? Sleep...or lack thereof can aid in weight-gain; sodium can cause you to retain water. These are just SOME examples of what could be going on, the day you weigh yourself.

So....when my Clients don't jump at the chance to be weighed, that's okay. I respect that. We can work toward so many goals and know they are being achieved without the number on the scale.

To me seeing their shapes become more toned; having them leave on a high from doing push ups or advanced exercises they'd never been able to do before; their clothes being looser...or the fact they can stand up off the floor with ease. To hear that at their Doctor appointment their blood pressure was significantly decreased, injuries improved or an illness overcome: THESE are all important successes. Not only that.....fitness health is about the "WHOLE" body. Get your mind into a healthy way of life; look at what you eat and re-vamp accordingly....you really ARE what you eat and no matter which way you look at it, your behaviour has to match your goals.

So.....look at your entire "you". Want to train but don't want your stats taken? No prob. Go at your pace......a Trainer is there for you and whatever makes you comfortable, you will work harder at. Any good trainer, or people-person knows that.

Think about the scales...are you obsessed with them? Too much? I personally weigh myself about twice a year (literally) and that is purely out of curiosity. I know I'm doing everything possible to be healthy....so whatever the number shows does not affect me. It really is liberating.

Think about what works for you.......and go for it, but try not to be obsessed with that number!

I'm currently taking a course to be an ACE-certified Health Coach. It's really all I've been offering anyway, but I love that it allows my scope of practice to increase; thereby allowing me to delve deeper into nutrition and behaviour. It's not tunnel-vision. It's not to be size 00 and weigh 110 pounds. We are all built differently with so much going on that I don't believe a number should be picked. Health is all-round, a holistic approach as it were. Feel good? Clothes fit? Eat well and exercise? Are you able to sleep and have energy galore? Or do you know that person who is 110 pounds - who fought to be there by starving and has no energy at the end of they day? They look great perhaps....but are they really living life with energy, happiness and the ability to go out for a nice meal here and there without fixating on what they shouldn't eat? What's considered better?

Live life healthfully, happily, enjoy the joys of eating and not depriving (eat quality foods...you don't need to deprive!). Stop and smell the roses and most importantly...."shine" on!! :)