Hi Pam,
I get the war with the scale. Oh boy do I! What's different for you with measuring inches versus pounds? To me it's still a measurement that I'd be at war with. Would love to get your perspective on this and why it feels different for you.

Hi Amy!

Great question. I guess what feels different for me, because I am working out and eating right (most of the time ), the scale does not move much. With the tape measurer I see the change in inches and that is a motivator, whereas the scale feels like a demotivator.

Has anyone else had the same or similar experience?

I really don't understand why people focus so much on the scale, considering it can shift so much. I heard that because we drink a lot of water, our weight can vary a lot during the day. I know of a guy who actually changed his weight by 25 pounds in less than 36 hours just with water weight (to qualify for a lower weight class in a martial art).

I wonder what other variables affect weight. Are people generally heavier in the winter?

I personally have had it with any kind of measurement except my own integrity. I know when those inches are coming off with how my clothes fit, etc. I personally can play mindgames when I get into any kind of measurement. So all I really measure now is my integrity. What I mean by that is I ask myself, "With the food I ate every day and the movement my body has had - is this right and healthy for me? Does this contribute to my well being and honor my body and the wonderful work it does for me?" I know when I'm not in integrity with my eating and exercise it weighs on me (and most likely shows up on the darn scale too! HA!) and that is about all I need to know. Measurements in general tend to freak me out. But that's just me.

And Robert, my butt definitely gets bigger in the winter. But then again, I live in Chicago and it gets pretty cold here. I need that extra padding for warmth!!! WaHA Ha!!! Seriously, there have been some studies suggesting the body will hold onto weight as a protection mechanism for cold but I really think this has to do with less activity because we're cooped up inside.

Hey Everyone!

Thought I would provide an update -- I have lost 12 inches total....yipppeeee!!!!!!!

What sort of exercise moves are you doing? How frequently? And for how long?

Great questions. I am working out with weights and resitant bands three times a week for 30 - 45 minutes. I am also doing cardio for 30 minutes, five times a week. My cardio varies, one day it may be the elliptical machine, another it may be a combination of the treadmill, elliptical, and bike. I try to mix it up a bit so I don't get bored.

Thanks again, Amanda!

I was at the gym earlier, running on the treadmill for 30minutes. I'm going, each day, and 30 minutes will be my goal. You're so right, Pam, variety is everything. If I don't make it to the gym, then I'll be sure to take a hike in the Malibu trails or to take a fast-paced walk to catch a sunset. The point is to break a sweat each day.

What do you say to yourself in order to make it to the gym 5x/wk for cardio? And do you tend to go in the mornings or later in the day?

I've noticed that watching music videos while running is a good way to stay an extra 5 minutes or more on the treadmill.

Awesome, Amanda -- I love your 30 min a day strategy.

You ask another great question. I tell ya, there are days when I can barely drag my backside out of bed to get to the gym. ( I exercise in the morning, because after 3pm I turn into a royal pumpkin.) That is where my workout partner comes in -- we motivate each other. She is great at reminding me of my goals. However, I do remind myself that I have a son who I have promised that I am going to live to be well into my 90s; so if I do not have enough motivation from myself, looking at him is a great reminder.

I have also found that if I do not workout I am not on my game as much as I would be if I did workout. As a coach, I am committed to be on my game. :)

Have fun and enjoy your cardio.

Total body, I have lost 16 inches! :) Only a few more to go.