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One of your major goals this year was to start taking better care of yourself. Your eating habits are healthier and you've been working out at the gym on a regular basis.

Slowly but surely you're noticing a difference in your new body. Excited by your appearance, you decide to step on the scale to find out your current weight status.

After looking at the numbers (for a second time) you notice that something's not quite right. According to the scale you haven't lost but gained a couple of pounds instead!

Before you get discouraged or throw that scale out the window, remember that there are other ways to gauge your fitness progress.

Exercising burns fat cells and builds muscle tissue at the same time. When a scale measures weight, it does not differentiate from fat, which is less dense than muscle. This simple fact makes the scale feel more like an enemy for a while because you seem to gain more weight before you lose.

For more rewarding results try using a measuring tape as an alternate to the scale. This simple device is excellent for measuring the areas of the body where fat is stored most--the bust, hips, waist, thigh and upper arm. Keep a journal to record each measurement for a better indication of how many inches of fat have melted away over time.

Seeing is believing, so don't be afraid to see yourself as you really are. Stand in front of a full-length mirror completely naked (that's right, naked) and really look at your body carefully.

Does your stomach stick out too far? Are there rolls of fat where your waistline used to be? Do your thighs jiggle when you wiggle? Make a mental note and concentrate on these target areas during your workout. With a little patience and some dedication, a slimmer and toner reflection could be yours.

Wish you could still fit into those jeans from a couple of years ago? Then make that your goal. Using one of your favorite pieces of clothing from your past "smaller" size or buying something new in your "desired" size is a great form of motivation to keep you burning those fat cells away. Besides, it's more gratifying than looking at the numbers on a scale.

Pay close attention to how you feel.

Are you now able to climb that once dreaded staircase without having to stop midway in order to catch your breath? Chances are that if you've taken off a few pounds and added muscle, your energy level has increased. Take this new pep in your step as a sure sign of success in your overall fitness.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:06 AM