Ever hear that expression, “Age ain’t nothin’ but a number”? After seeing Stella so effortlessly get her groove back, we must say that we agree! The same is also true when it comes to our weight. Most of us have been conditioned throughout our lives to hyper-focus on the number we see when we step on a scale. And with that, of course, comes the requisite mental-health-trauma-rollercoaster that takes us soaring to the heavens when we’ve lost a pound, and plummeting to the depths when we gain one. 

But the truth is — there are so many other factors that come into play when assessing our overall health, fitness level, and long-term well-being than just those dreaded LBs. They’re called non-scale victories, and if you haven’t heard of them, listen up, because we’re gonna show you an entirely different way to view your health. And most likely, help you get your groove back, just like Stella did. (Ok, well maybe not EXACTLY like Stella did).

What Is a Non-Scale Victory? 

A non-scale victory is any sign of progress that has nothing to do with your weight. This could be changes in your body composition, your musculature, your fitness, your endurance, your flexibility, and more. 

Our Non-Scale Victory List

If you’re on a path of health and wellness, but haven’t been seeing too many milestones on the old scale, read our list of non-scale victories to cheer you up, focus on new goals, and make your journey more positive, and a heck of a lot more successful.  

Non-Scale Victory #1: Your Clothing Fits Better

If you wanna look forward, first look back…to the threads on your back to be more specific. Your clothing is an excellent indicator of progress in your health and fitness. That’s because much of the time when you’ve been eating a bit less and working out a bit more, your body is changing for the better, without actually changing your weight. So pay attention to the looseness of your current clothing, and maybe try on some old numbers you used to wear — you may surprise yourself. 

Non-Scale Victory #2: Movements Are a Little Easier

Next up, let’s talk about your day-to-day movements. Specifically, how does your body feel waking up in the morning, picking up laundry baskets, bending down to tie your shoes, the speed at which you’re walking your dog around the block. Little things like this are an important non-scale victory that tells you that you’re getting healthier. 

Non-Scale Victory #3: You’re Sleeping Better & Longer

Another perfect indicator of better health happens between the sheets…we’re talking about sleep! (Although to be fair, that other activity should be getting better as well.) Getting better quality sleep, and for more hours, is a non-scale victory that is almost sure to spell better health and fitness. That’s because when our bodies are working better, when we’re more active, when we’ve got better fuel flowing through our engines, our rest and recovery works better too. 

Non-Scale Victory #4: You’re Progressing in the Gym 

Another amazing sign that you’re getting better occurs in the gym. For this non-scale victory, you’re going to want to pay attention to your gym numbers: how much you’re lifting, how many reps, how many sets, how long on the elliptical, how much intensity on the stairmaster. Tracking numbers like this can be instrumental in witnessing your progress firsthand, which will motivate you to continue on your path towards positive change. 

Non-Scale Victory #5: You’ve Got a Better Mood 

Do you find yourself smiling more? Laughing harder? Looking up at the sky for no reason at all? Skipping? Ok, well maybe not skipping. But more importantly, do you find yourself arguing, yelling, scrunching your face less? These are all indicators that your health is improving. Because things like better mental health, elevated energy, an optimistic outlook, and just general goodness all around are some of the best non-scale victories out there. 

When looking at non-scale victories, the underlying truth all has to do with your attitude. The most dangerous aspect of scale-based happiness is how fickle it is. One day you’re slightly happy, the next you’re really sad. When you use a rubric of a non-scale victory to assess how you’re doing, you’ll be more inspired to stay on the path towards health and fitness, and that’s where the real successes are. 

Want another way to boost that fitness motivation? Sign up for a 7-Day Free Trial with Studio SWEAT onDemand! We’ve got an endless library of virtual fitness classes, with a diverse collection of workouts like Indoor Cycling, Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, Body Sculpting, Ab & Core, Barre, and many, many more.

And if you need even more guidance, try our Next-Level Membership, which gives you 21-day guided fitness and nutrition programs that push you to your limit, resulting in some real progress.

Sign up today, and let us know when you’ve got that groove back.