Back in January, I announced I was doing Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day-Shred. I’m about halfway through, my ambition waning somewhat in March after a strong start in January and February. If I retrace my progress, I am pretty sure I can link my “waning ambition” back to an unfortunate incident with a scale.
Although my primary goal in doing “the shred” was to keep a commitment to myself, I also wanted to see how much stronger I could get in 30 days. And just for shits and giggles, I thought it would be interesting to see how my weight and measurements changed by doing the shred, but not changing my eating habits. An experiment, really.
So, I had LynnAnn do my measurements and I got on the scale for the first time in a while. I promised myself beforehand I would not judge the numbers because rationally I know that the scale doesn’t measure my fitness, my strength, my health or my worth. But, emotionally, I guess I was hoping the numbers were going to be better than they were. Goes to show that old habits and ways of thinking are hard to break.
I remember when I stepped off the scale thinking things like:
- “Why continue to do the video if my numbers don’t even change?”
- “What’s the point in doing all of this if it isn’t going to get me results?”
- “I am definitely getting that hot fudge brownie sundae tonight because “eating good” and “working out” don’t work anyway!”
After the scale incident, I took about 2 weeks off from doing the shred. The “oomph” went out of me.
But, this is where I can thank Green Mountain. Before Green Mountain, this unfortunate incident with the scale would have derailed me from all my healthy intentions for good. But, I could observe the situation differently this time. I could see how the scale completely dictated my mood and shattered my motivation, despite the fact I was feeling great before I weighed myself!
Now I’m back on track because I remind myself that my weight might not be where I want it to be, but I’m sure my heart likes the cardio I’m doing. I’m sure my brain and memory are thankful I am doing the shred. I am sure my sleep, energy, mood, and insulin resistance have all benefited from the shred. I’m sure my abs are stronger and better able to support my troublesome lower back.
This is a cautionary tale. Consider putting away the scale. Don’t let it tell you what kind of progress you are making. Or not making. Find another way to measure your health and your happiness… because the scale sucks at it.
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