Ditch the Scales: 5 Better Ways to Measure Progress

For a long time the focus for many people, especially women, has been the number on the scales. So many of us have been guilty of basing fitness goals on a number but one things is for sure – you’re not a fraction more worthy when it goes down, and you’re certainly not a failure if it goes up. Bodies are dynamic. Weight fluctuates – food, sleep, hormones, hydration, stress – all impact the scale. So why are we still giving it so much power? This is something I feel really passionately about and I cannot stress enough the importance of ditching that scale. I am a firm believer in -”If you’re showing up, moving with purpose, eating to fuel, and living your life – you’re progressing”.

Here are my 5 more empowering ways to measure your progress that have nothing to do with a number on a machine.

1. Strength Gains (Hello, Heavy Dumbbells)

If you’re lifting heavier, doing more reps, or finally mastering that push-up – that’s progress.

Strength doesn’t lie. It shows up in your workouts, in how you carry your heavy bags, how you scoop up children or grandchildren and in the confidence you bring to your day. Maybe you couldn’t do a full-body burpee without collapsing three months ago – and now you’re breezing through sets. That’s a win.

Tracking strength feels so much better than tracking pounds. Every rep is a reminder: you’re getting stronger.

2. Energy Levels (No More 3PM Slumps)

You know what real progress feels like? Waking up with more energy. Not needing three coffees to get through the day. Feeling alive instead of just surviving.

When your training is aligned, your food is supporting your goals, and you’re giving your body what it needs, you’ll feel it. Your body will stop fighting you and start working with you. You’ll be more productive, more present, and way more fun to be around.

3. Consistency (Are You Showing Up?)

Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up — over and over again.

Maybe you used to skip workouts all the time, and now you’re consistently moving 3–4 times a week. That’s growth. Maybe you used to go all-in for 2 weeks and then fall off. Now you’re building routines you actually stick with. That’s what builds real change.

Don’t obsess over instant results. Instead, ask yourself: Am I becoming more consistent? That’s the stuff that sticks.

4. How You Function

Fitness isn’t just for the gym. It’s for life.

Are you climbing stairs without getting out of breath? Picking up your kids with ease? Carrying your own suitcase without a second thought? These are the things that matter.

You don’t need to look a certain way to be fit — you need to function in your life with strength, ease, and confidence. That’s the real win.

5. How You Feel in Your Skin

Forget chasing a number. Chase the feeling.

Do you feel stronger? More empowered? More in tune with your body? Are you wearing clothes that make you feel amazing, not because of a size label, but because you love how you move and carry yourself?

That’s the kind of progress no scale can measure. And it’s the kind that lasts.

As always, any questions please do get in touch.

Caroline x