Why Does The Scale Suck So Much?

We see it here at Peak Fitness & Rehab all the time. Someone has just joined us or is coming in for a reassessment and there’s the dreaded look when we ask them to step on the scale. For so many people, that number has determined their mood, happiness levels, and even their personal value or worth for many years.

We actually preach detachment from the scale, but at the same time, it’s important to have numbers by which to track progress, and the scale is one of those numbers that gives us data.

One question that comes up a lot is why more weight isn’t lost when people are eating right and working out hard.

Don’t get us wrong – when someone is significantly overweight, the scale should and will change drastically with the implementation of new and healthier habits.

But for many people, the scale is slow to move. It can be frustrating, and we get it! But here’s why…

It’s a simple matter of density. No, muscle doesn’t weigh more than fat because a pound of fat and a pound of muscle will always weigh the same.

It just so happens that muscle takes up a lot less space. In fact, fat can take up THREE times more space than muscle of the same weight!

We’ve seen clients gain 5 pounds while dropping two dress sizes, and they’re STOKED about that!

Many factors can also play into what the scale says on any given day, including hydration levels, muscle glycogen levels, stress levels, and for women, the time of the month.

So, if you’re feeling married to the number on the scale, be sure to take other body measurements, track clothing sizes, etc because it is not the only measure of success!