Weight loss is one of the most common fitness goals out there. That’s especially true in the US, where more than ⅔ of the population is either overweight or obese.
So, it can be truly disheartening when you diet and work out at the World Gym, and then when you step on the scales, you find that you didn’t really lose weight at all.
But that’s not always a completely bad thing. There’s more to overall fitness than just losing pounds. And even without the weight loss, you might still be on the right track if you notice the following improvements:
Greater Strength
Have you noticed that in your weightlifting workouts, you’re able to lift heavier weights, or perhaps do more reps? If that’s the case, then you’re getting stronger, and that’s certainly a good thing.
That certainly translates to a lot of tasks in real life. It means less difficulty in carrying your kids, the groceries from the car, and the packages from your porch.
Not losing weight when you’re gaining strength basically means you’re building bigger and stronger muscles, which do add to the pounds. And take note that the strongest people are often among the heavier ones. Lightweights are often weaker, because they don’t have to muscles to compare.
You Sleep Better
If you haven’t lost weight but you find that you’re sleeping better, then it’s still part of the win column. Regular good sleep is an essential part of good overall health.
Plenty of studies have confirmed that exercising increases the likelihood of getting a good night’s sleep. You just have to find the best time for your workout. Some people find it better to sleep at night when they work out in the evening, as exercises tire them out.
But others find evening workouts exhilarating, and they may still feel too energetic and awake at night. So, for these people, daytime workouts are better.
You’re Happier and More Relaxed
Stress is like not having good sleep regularly, as both of them can lead to a long list of health issues. That’s why plenty of health experts exhort people to find effective ways to alleviate stress.
The good news is that regular exercise is actually good for relieving stress. It’s also been found that working out fights anxiety and depression. So, rejoice that you’re happy and relaxed, as these conditions are still good for your health.
You Feel Mentally Sharper
Studies have also shown that regular exercises can benefit brain health. The effect is actually physical, as exercises can actually cause chemical and structural changes in the brain. As a result of your regular workouts, your brain might actually develop new nerve pathways, neural connections, and even new nerve cells. In a literal sense, your brain becomes bigger and better.
Chemical changes include boosting the blood flow to the brain, while the blood vessels in the brain become healthier. There’s more glucose that enters the brain as well, and that’s good, since the brain tends to prefer glucose as its source of energy.
Several studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can boost cognitive function. The improvements include enhanced focus, increased memory, and a slowdown of mental decline as one gets older.
Your Clothes Fit Better
You might not be losing the pounds (as of yet), but why do you feel as if your clothes feel better? If that’s the case, it’s because your body is changing due to how you’re gaining muscle and losing fat (leading to a zero-weight loss).
You might discover that even though the scales say that you haven’t lost weight, you’ve lost an inch or two around your waist so that your jeans feel looser. And that’s always a good thing if you’re trying to lose weight!