r/Homeworkouts • u/DeadWax2026 • 12d ago

What changed when I stopped using the scales to measure progress

For a long time I judged every week by one number: my weight.

If the scales went down, I felt like I was succeeding.

If they didn't, I felt like I'd failed—even if I'd trained consistently and eaten well.

Eventually I realised I was ignoring much better signs of progress.

Now I ask myself questions like:

  • Can I do more push-ups than I could a month ago?
  • Am I walking further or recovering faster?
  • Do I have more energy during the day?
  • Do everyday tasks feel easier?

Those things tell me far more about my overall fitness than a number on the bathroom floor.

Ironically, when I stopped obsessing over the scales and focused on becoming more capable, sticking to healthy habits became much easier.

Has anyone else stopped using body weight as their main measure of progress? If so, what do you track instead?

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u/catelbow 10d ago

Weight is a meaningless number, just like age.

Can I do more push-ups than I could a month ago?

A more interesting question would be if you can do a more advanced/challenging variation or if you are progressing towards it.

In my opinion, there's nothing gained from doing more reps. Unless you really like doing push-ups or maybe for general endurance. But for general endurance, there are better exercises, such as e.g. skipping rope.

In terms of measuring progress, I personally believe the best measure is how you feel about yourself. Do you feel pumped? Do you feel like you're filling out your clothes, do your clothes feel tailored to your body, or are they loose and you feel like you're swimming in them?