Training and Weight

Whether you are beginning your rigorous training for Eppie’s Big Race or simply continuing your daily workout routines, it is always hard to keep your eyes off that glaring number on the scale. As a society, we have been trained to believe that this number defines. However, I can promise you this is FAR from the truth. That number you see on the scale is an objective measurement, depicting the amount of mass that is being pushed against the scale. What it doesn’t account for is the varying amounts of muscle, fat, water weight, bone density, and other anthropometrical measurements that determine you “weight”. The number on the scale can be misleading in many situation and that is why it is important to look at other measurements of body composition to evaluate the success of your exercise routine.

A common misconception, regarding one’s numeric body weight value, is the saying “muscle weighs more than fat”. This, in fact, is not true. One pound of lean muscle and one pound of fat both weigh 16 ounces (duh!). However, fat is more volumes than muscle and therefore, one pound of fat will appear much bulkier on the body than one pound of muscle, making the individual appear larger with less muscle tone. Thus, in terms of that number on the scale, you may see an increase or a plateau in your weight during training, while simultaneously appearing leaner and more toned than before.

The important thing is to not worry about the number on the scale. Instead, try to concentrate on what you are putting into your body as fuel and what you are getting out in return. Avoid counting calories and carbohydrates and instead, focus on how you are feeling and what your body is trying to tell you. This is the most valuable way to determine your optimum energy requirements. When you are exercising frequently, your body needs more fuel to keep it going. Under these circumstances, it is so important to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition to replenish your body and push it to its maximum potential.

So get out there, work hard, sweat, and keep your eyes off that scale!

Work Cited

1. Cardinal, B. J., & Loprinzi, P. D. (2011, November 3). Letter to the Editor Response.

Retrieved June 20, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445228/

2. Stewart, K. (2010, May 26). Does Muscle Weigh More Than Fat? Retrieved June 20, 2018,

From https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/busting-the-muscle-weighs-

more-than-fat-myth.aspx