When at the gym you may have noticed people jumping on the scale before their sweat sesh. To me this is an odd phenomenon happening all to often and in MY opinion a totally detrimental thing to do. But you be the judge…
Why it’s Not a Good Idea
If you are using this as a method of measuring pre and post-workout hydration levels, I can jive with that. After you’ve just completed a strenuous workout, you could easily have shed more than a kilo (2.2lbs) of water weight! If staying hydrated is key for you (which it should be) then keeping track of how much water you are taking in by weighing yourself before and after a workout is useful and all the power to you!
The flip side of this is people cheating themselves-basing the number they are seeing as real results. “What you see in the mirror is your biggest competition.” I love this mantra because it rings so true. Muscle weights approximately 2x as much as fat does and is 2x as lean. Ultimately “gaining weight” isn’t always a negative thing.
When it’s Beneficial
Motivation is another point I can understand, if you need a little kick in the butt, all the power to you. I have been there and I’m sure most people can say they have too.
Ultimately if you are going to be weighing yourself for whatever reasons, personal, for competition (figure modeling, body building), whatever it may be, the morning is your best time. David Hart wrote an artice on the importance that truly sums exactly why it is so important to weigh yourself in the morning . I mean, did you know that during the night we can exhale up to a pound in moisture through our breath while we sleep?!
What are your thoughts? We want to hear from you!
Written by: Marina
Key Takeaways
- The number on the scale does not always reflect real fitness progress.
- Weight naturally fluctuates due to hydration, food intake, and muscle gain.
- Muscle is denser than fat, so gaining weight can sometimes mean positive body composition changes.
- Weighing yourself before and after workouts can be useful for monitoring hydration levels.
- Focusing on strength, performance, and how you feel is often more valuable than focusing only on scale weight.
FAQs
Is it bad to weigh yourself at the gym?
Not necessarily, but relying too heavily on the scale can become discouraging and may not accurately reflect your progress.
Why does my weight change after a workout?
Weight fluctuations after exercise are often caused by water loss through sweat and changes in hydration levels.
Does muscle weigh more than fat?
Muscle is denser than fat, meaning it takes up less space while weighing more by volume.
When is the best time to weigh yourself?
Morning is generally considered the most consistent time to weigh yourself because food, water intake, and daily activity have not yet affected your weight.
Should I focus more on the scale or body composition?
Body composition, strength, energy levels, and overall health are usually better indicators of fitness progress than the number on the scale alone.