#1 Fitness myth... weight!

For as long as I can remember the #1 'supposed' indicator of health, fitness, and physical appeal was the number that appeared on the bathroom scale.  Really?!  With all we know today is this the only number that truly matters?  Just about every fitness coach and personal trainer I know will laugh at this notion.  I say "just about" because there is always someone out there who refuses to relinquish their hold on traditional thinking.

Sure, your weight is one factor that contributes to fitness, but there are several other important numbers and considerations that need to be included in the overall picture. 

Body measurements for example --  Upper arm, shoulders, chest, waist, hips, thighs and calves should be measured each week at the same time to truly realize what changes are occurring as a result of your exercise efforts.  Remember!  Muscle weighs more than fat and takes up less space.  A good comparative would be the size difference between an avocado and a softball [we have to assume each weighs the same] - the avocado being the muscle and the softball being fat. 

Counting calories is a lost cause.  Lets be honest here, if you have the time to consistently count calories each day... you have way too much time on your hands.  The bottom line is this - simply restricting food intake by counting calories will not get you to a healthy, fit body - it will get you skinny but don't mistake skinny with lean.  Lean implies muscle.  I have had clients who were very thin but had shockingly high percentages of body fat.  In the fitness world we call these folks 'skinny-fat'.  You have to exercise, not just reduce calorie intake! 

As a final suggestion --- throw away your scale and buy a cloth tape measure.  It will set you back a few bucks but it will be the biggest motivator rooting for you in your corner!

John has over 25 years experience as a fitness coach/trainer and martial art/defensive tactics instructor based out of Rohnert Park .  He can be reached at fithappens.jp@gmail.com