How I Checked for Progress Without Using the Weighing Scale

Measuring one's weight can be an easy and convenient way to check if you did a weight-loss program successfully. However, if you're like me who prefer their progress not to be dictated by numbers, perhaps this can help you see how you're doing better than you actually think!

Before and After photos

The first time I got to try this was with coach Kristina Luisa's workout program. Before following the program, you take photos of your front, side and back view. After three weeks, you take a photo with the same view for check-in day.

I was skeptic at first with the 3 weeks interval; I thought it was too short of a time to even look for progress. I thought there might be none at all! I followed her program, adjusted my food intake, and was surprised how my body changed little by little. Perhaps that was what served as my motivation to being consistent as well.

Weights

When I started working out seriously, one of the pair of dumbbells I bought was 4 lbs. I can clearly recall how I struggled doing 5 reps of lateral raises. I was supposed to finish 15 reps! Also, make that 3 sets. Ugh. I wanted to stop at 10 reps and 1 set but I figured that perhaps I could go slow and gradual—I did 5 reps. Then rest for a few seconds. Then 5 reps again. Rest for a few seconds AGAIN. Then proceed with the last 5 reps, then repeat. It took a while but at least I finished the set.

Weeks passed, I was no longer doing "installment" with lifting my pair of 4 lbs of dumbbells. I could finish the whole set and just rested in between sets. Soon, I used a pair of heavier dumbbells because the 4 lbs felt lighter.

How Clothes Fit

When I was trying to lose weight last 2018, I was so close to selling a little black dress I had since 2016 because the sleeves and torso felt too tight. Come 2019, I was happy to wear it again without having my arms hurt and being able to breathe and eat while wearing it.

This 2020, it has been my goal to gain more muscles. With the help of lifting heavier and increasing my food intake, I noticed how some of my pambahay shorts feel tighter around the legs and butt!

How You Feel after a Workout

Just like how everyone else felt about doing a workout for the first time, it used to feel like a chore. And it wasn't even the exciting kind of chore (like grocery shopping or decluttering)!

Day 1 passed. Whew. I'm glad that's done. I'm gonna pass out. Ugh.

Then week 3. Oh my god, I survived this week's workout. I. Actually. SURVIVED!

Then week 6. I can't wait for next week's workout!

More months pass by and you just want to keep going because for some reason, you feel more energized after your workout session, you enjoy being sweaty and you finally feel the endorphins kicking in! You gradually change your mindset and work out not because you have to punish your body for eating that donut and indulging but because you love it enough to make it move and see what you are capable of doing.

The last one is perhaps my favorite on the list. When I started changing my mindset, that was when I started being more consistent. And soon you realize, you're now progressing to a better lifestyle.