Non-Scale Victory!

You know, not every victory on the weight-loss journey comes from the scale. There are what my Weight Watchers leader calls "Non-Scale Victories". I experienced one this week.

When I weighed in today, I found that I've only lost 1/2 a pound this week. "REALLY!?!?", I thought to myself. I was really hoping for more. Oh, well -- you can't win 'em all. So I went to the meeting and thought about my week. I really did have an awesome one.

First, I enjoyed myself during the Super Bowl. While a lot of people were trying to figure out how to snack sensibly during the big game, I just decided that I wanted wings... So I had some. I think I had 10. Not a HUGE deal, but I have saved up (points that is), so I treated myself.

Secondly, I was able to make some changes in my gym memberships that save me money, or at least gives me a GREAT value for my buck. I was paying for an add-on membership for my younger daughter, which she really hasn't been using, and an upgrade for myself that allowed me to go to the Boynton Beach club that has a pool. I like the aqua aerobics class there. That was costing me about $45 extra dollars a month, on top of my basic membership at 24 Hour fitness, where I work with Layne, my personal trainer.

As luck would have it, I found a membership deal at the LA Fitness close to my house that gives me the best of both worlds. They have a pool, and aqua aerobics classes (WAY more than the 24 hour fitness in Boynton), all of the workout amenities, AND I can bring two guests ANYTIME I go - ALL for one monthly price, $34.95 a month!

I felt like I had really accomplished something!

So if that weren't enough, I decided to ramp up my exercise this week. Tuesday (the day after I joined the new gym), I took one of the "Aqua Fit" classes at the new gym. That was good - Nice full-body workout!

On Wednesday evening (around 5 pm), LA fitness treated me to a free personal trainer workout. I did about 50 minutes of strength training. Whew, I've done good so far! But wait - there's more!

On Thursday morning (6 am!), I went to my training session with Layne at 24 hr fitness, and got put through a pretty intense 30 minute set of upper body strength and resistance workout. Ok -- now, I've really worked out! By Friday, I felt it!

All of that to say, I just KNEW that I was going to have a good number on the scale on Saturday. 1/2 a pound!?!? wow.

So, I decided to seek out the Non-scale victory. I stopped by the 24 hr fitness, and asked Layne to check my measurements again. We hadn't done this since last month, so I thought, "Let's see..."

You know what? VICTORY! Since January 11th, besides the 12 pounds that I've lost, I lost 12.75 total inches, including biceps, forearms, waist, hips (5 inches here alone!), thighs, and calves. I felt redemption! Thank you, Jesus!

So just remember, not every battle for in the war on excess weight is won on the scale. Sometimes, we have to find the Non-scale Victory. A bunch of those sprinkled in with the actual weight loss makes winning the war that much sweeter.

Until next time!
Blessings,
Scott