June 25, 2008 | Hot Hot Hot!
I don’t own a scale. Scales are depressing! Also, the scale I owned before I moved would vary by as much as 10 pounds at any given time, perhaps because my son once used it as a trampoline. I’m not sure. Anyway, no scale.
But, see, I’m on this little fitness regimen, now, and someone asked me how it’s going, and I had to say “Hmmm… I have no idea” because I don’t own a scale. So I started looking for one.
If you‘re looking for a scale, here’s a couple of deals you might want to check: Right now at Amazon, you can take an additional $10 off Health-o-Meter products with coupon code HEALTH68, so this large dial scale ends up being $19.99 shipped and this digital one ends up being $19.88 shipped. If you want a fancy-schmancy one that also assesses your body fat and hydration (not to mention, looks like a UFO), check out this one here for $31.95 shipped. Or, if you want bargain-basement, this one is just $11.40 (but you’ll need to add other items to your cart to get the free shipping).
Me, I’m still torn. Can’t I just keep trying on the same pants over and over to see how it’s going?
June 25th, 2008 at 9:07 am
I’m with you on this one. I don’t own a scale either. The only way I know if I’m gaining or losing weight is by trying on my pants. If they’re too big - I’ve lost weight!!
June 25th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Yep, I trust the jeans, too. Nobody else will know the number on the scale, but if my clothes don’t fit properly… the WORLD knows I’ve gained weight! The other thing is that I don’t get too hung up on the size of the jeans, either. Different makers have different sizing charts, it seems… I just pick my favorite ones and try them on over and over!
June 25th, 2008 at 9:55 am
You will see change in your clothes fitting long before any visible number change on a scale! Your best gauge is something you wear all the time, rather than the skinny jeans, though. If you know how something *should* fit, you’ll be better able to tell if you’re going the right way.
The other thing to remember about scales and weighing yourself (for those who actually want to own one of those scary things!): your weight can change by up to 3lbs during the course of a day. For the most accurate reading, always weigh yourself at the same time of day and in the same manner (if once nekkid, always nekkid) Resist the temptation to check later in the day — that’ll just lead to tears!
And if you’re female, you’ll go up and down by close to 5lbs during the weeks before and during your period. Know that and don’t let it freak you out. If it’s more than that, look at what you’re eating; cut out some of the salt and try restraint on the chocolate (but don’t cut it out — you still need to function!). Water gain and loss is part of being female
Oh, and zero out your scale every time you use it for best results!
June 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Speaking from the vantage point of someone who has battled her weight her entire adult life and is constantly on and off WW (it works, when I stick to it, that’s why I keep going back) - YES, using your pants to gauge your weight loss rather than a scale is a great idea! That stupid needle on the scale will be “stuck” at one number for days, or even weeks, but I know I am losing (inches if not pounds) because my clothes get looser and looser.
Good luck!
June 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
It will cost you more, but it will kill two birds at once. Buy a Wii fit. It is a scale and has lots of great exercises too. If you want to weigh yourself on it, you would feel guilty if you didn’t also do a workout. Plus, as if you needed a plus, your kids will love it.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
It’s definitely better to keep doing the familiar jeans test than get obsessed by a number on a scale! If you’re on a fitness regimen, you will hopefully be gaining muscle, which can make your weight go up even if you’re also losing fat (or even if you will start losing fat soon if you continue). Some people get freaked out or discouraged by that, and change what they’re doing. Make sure your regimen involves some strength training to build muscle since muscle is your body’s calorie-burning machine (see Miriam Nelson’s Strong Women books for more info). And most home scales aren’t accurate anyway, so don’t bother!
June 25th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I vote to skip the scale and put the money towards something else…a new pair of jeans? It’s too easy to get tied to the numbers, which can vacillate just because you’re thirsty. If you’re aim is to get fit, not just drop lbs, the scale is not necessarily your friend.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Rather than just a scale to measure weight, check out the ones that offer body fat % too, like Tanita. That will enable you to see your fat loss even if you gain muscle weight. Tanita also has a high rating for accuracy.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
When someone asks how it’s going, a good response is “I feel GREAT! Don’t I look it?”
June 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Do any of these scales talk? I’m not joking; I’d love to get a decent scale for my blind son.
June 26th, 2008 at 5:30 am
We have one, but I haven’t stepped on it for years because it’s depressing. What’s even MORE depressing is that when visitors step on it, they come out of the bathroom giggling about how flattering our scale is (apparently it reads too low). Ack.