As both a Health Coach and Personal Trainer, I stress to my clients that fitness and being healthy is not just about a number on the scale. In fact, unless we are looking at some serious weight loss issues, I encourage my clients not to weigh themselves regularly.

Why? Because that scale, and its number, can turn into a vicious, negative object in your life.

Instead, I have my clients focus on non-scale victories.

Another issue I stress to my clients is to pick a non-food reward for when they reach a fitness or health milestone. How many times have you reached a milestone, had a long run, a hard workout and thought, “Well, I deserve to eat this.”

Instead, I have my clients focus on non-food rewards.

Rather than looking at the scale every day or week, try these non-scale victories to determine your fitness success:

1. You feel healthier. Yes, this seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes we can get so caught up in the scale says, that we forget to check in with how we actually feel. Pay attention to your body and how it feels physically, mentally, and emotionally.

2. You have more positive thoughts when you look in the mirror. Go ahead, like what you see. When you stop mentally beating yourself up for that touch of cellulite, that one weird mole, or those three stubborn pounds, and instead start giving yourself an affirmation, you have come a long way.

3. Your pants fit better. These is that age-old “I can fit into my skinny jeans!” victory. It is there for a reason.

4. You are eating more fruits and vegetables. If you have been making a conscious effort to better your eating habits, try setting a certain number of days to continue that streak. Once you have succeeded, give yourself a pat on the back! It is not easy to prepare most of your meals and the majority of the population doesn’t do it. But you do, you fit one you.

5. You completed an event you trained for. You have trained for weeks and/or months. You’ve put in the time, the blisters, and the chaffing. You crossed the finish line. You better believe this is a huge fitness milestone whether the race was a 5k or a 26.2 miler.

6. You can lift a case of water/beer/Costco box without leaning it against your torso. Watch out Hercules, you are one strong mofo! I always know my fitness plans are going well when I can lift these items without leaning them against my body in some way.

Try one of these as a reward when you reach a fitness milestone:

1. Go Shopping! Personally, I am not a fan of shopping, but sometimes a new pair of running shorts or a kitchen gadget is needed. If you’ve reached a fitness milestone, splurge just a little bit! A new workout outfit, a new work top, whatever it is, you have earned it!

2. Go for a night on the town. This does not mean you go out to dinner and order the most calorie-laden thing on the menu, it means you have a smart meal and then go see a show, watch the street performers, or do something touristy. Make it a special night without the focus being on the meal.

3. Go for a weekend getaway. I would save this one for a larger fitness milestone. Finishing a race you trained months for, reaching your weight goal, or finally fitting into those jeans you’ve kept in the closet. Hop on Groupon to find a deal, pack a bag, and head off for a weekend of fun!

4. Buy a new book. Now this one is coming from yours truly, a book nerd and English major. However, I am sure there are some books out there that you would like to get your hands on even if you are not a reader. You could even do a magazine subscription or ebook instead.

5. Purchase a race entry fee. So your milestone may have been to complete a race, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sign up for another one! Since race entry fees tend to be expensive, it would be a reward to register for another one. Try a different distance for fun, or the same distance you have completed to best your time. Get your 10k and Half Marathon Training Plan here!

6. Continue with your trainer! If you have been working with a trainer and reached a milestone, reward yourself by continuing on with your trainer. She will help you get to your next milestone, and then your next reward!

What are some of your non-scale victories? What are some non-food related rewards you use to keep yourself motivated?

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.