I cannot believe I’m about to reveal my weight on here. Revealing a number like that can be….well…such a weighty issue. Besides it being a very personal and sensitive piece of information, posting it publicly has been known to bring about so many negative situations. I’ve noticed readers get obsessed with their number and develop an eating disorder. I’ve also seen bloggers get negative feedback from lurkers; words that those attackers would never say to their face.
I admit that these things gave me pause and make me want to hide behind this internet wall we all establish. But I’m a healthy living blogger and that comes with a quart of responsibility and a dash of courage. Sometimes we need to get a little uncomfortable in order to face our fears and accomplish something great. And I want to have those cojones (balls) for all of you out there.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmache
So with that said, I want you to know that I’m still scared and nervous. I still have nagging doubts about what I’m about to do. But I’m choosing to listen to that little voice that’s telling me to be brave and embark on this journey here.
::drinking some virtual liquid courage::
O.K. Let me stall a little more (give me a break I gotta grab some sort of rope here) and let me introduce you to my motivator and co-conspirator The Withings Scale. I first learned about this this tech beauty when I met fellow Latina runner Debra from Miles to Run at the Fitness and Health Conference in Colorado a couple months ago. This is when she first told me her inspirational story about losing 70 pounds and becoming a runner. Isn’t that incredible!?! I was in awe and knew we had to be BFFs from that moment on. One of the tools she used was this Wifi enabled scale made by Withings. As a tech geek, I listened intently as she described all the neat features it has like the ability to share your progress on social networks.
Yes that means that you can Tweet and post to Facebook stats like your weight, fat mass, and lean muscle mass Aahhh!! cool and scary right?!
I had to have this Fitness tool as part of my arsenal! I’ve been unsuccessful with losing weight on my own and I think it’s partly due to not having any accountability. No one is going to come up to you and say “Woah you’re becoming overweight” (Like how I phrased that nicely?) so it’s up to us to keep things in check and evaluate our health on a regular basis. Before I go any further,
I want you to know that I am not aiming for skinny here.
I truly take the saying “Skinny girls look good in clothes, but fit girls look good naked” to heart. And so that’s what I’m doing folks. My goal is to get fit because that is much hotter than skinny! Don’t you agree?
The scale arrived late Friday. I quickly took it out of the box and set it up in 5 minutes. It was super easy to connect to my Wifi network and create an account for multiple users. The Withings scale can detect up to 8 different users as well as save info for any guests that weigh in (Warning, if you ever step on this scale at a friend or family member’s house, know that your weight is forever stored under the guest profile until the owner deletes it. Just in case you don’t want them knowing your deets.)
Right away, I realized that I had the perfect little nook to store it under in my bathroom 
After making sure it was on a level surface, I gingerly stepped on barefoot and waited a couple seconds for my weight to stabilize and process. Once it settled on a number, the Withings Scale progress bar appeared and sent my information through the air straight to my online account.
I could now access my information on a computer or on my phone using their nifty Withings Health app:
Isn’t it pretty? It’s the shape of a butterfly with each wing representing an aspect of your health. Pink is your weight and all the information stored from the scale, Orange is activity, Blue is sleep, and green is heart.
Activity can be tracked by syncing with the free Runkeeper app or with the Body Media monitor.
Sleep: Using a Zeo headband that monitors your sleep patterns including REM.
Heart: Using either the Withings blood pressure cuff or by entering your information manually.
I’ll probably be tracking just my weight, running activity using Runkeeper, and my heart occasionally by manually entering it.
Alright Alright I’m done stalling. The 5’6 frame in the photo above currently holds:
153 pounds or so of awesome weight. And according to my Online Withings dashboard:
An unhealthy amount of fat mass and lean mass. Yikes!! I had no idea my ratio was that bad.Well at least I know what I have to work on now. Regular weight training sessions will be in order so that I can replace that fat with beautiful muscles
Phew! it’s all out in the open now. It’s difficult to tell people your number but I know it can help keep us accountable. Weight loss doesn’t have to be a frightening solo journey. It doesn’t have to be a comparison game either. We all have our personal goals and can help each other by providing encouraging words and perspective. I know I’m not setting out to lose 100 pounds and what I consider unhealthy can be someone’s goal weight. I’m doing this for me, because of my specific body type and frame. I’m doing it to feel energized and strong. Hopefully, you’ll be able to relate to my story because of the work I’m putting in and not because of the end goal I’m personally looking to achieve.
Now that the initial tough part is over, I’m going to look forward to posting losses under my Weight loss Lunes (Spanish for Monday) tab. That’s going to be fun! On the schedule tonight is some calorie blasting Zumba and a 30 minute easy run.My goal will be to burn a minimum of 500 calories 5 days a week and do strength training At least 2x a week.
So tell me, does your number make you nervous? What if we all just went around saying just the first two numbers of our weight. Would that make it easier to share?
I personally think 15 sounds much better than 153 : )
If you’re brave enough to join me, I challenge you to share your abbreviated number below.
If not, tell me why you would or wouldn’t share your weight with others.
How often do you weigh yourself?
Peace out from Road Jane & Mario
Live from New York.
I don’t think your weight is bad at all. Then again, even though I enjoy seeing the numbers drop, I realize they’re just numbers. They don’t quantify who I am or how I feel. Yes, I’ve lost 30 lbs. since April of 2011, but I’ve gained a new lifestyle, a new view of myself and a much clearer mind. Kudos to you for being vulnerable. It’s not an easy thing. But you will be better for it.
Micah recently posted..Music Monday: Getting Positive
Thanks Micah. You’re right, they really are just numbers and shouldn’t define us. I feel like sharing it may liberate me a little. Congrats on your impressive weight loss!! It takes a lot of hard work for which there are not short cuts. You earned it! I’m so proud of you for becoming healthier in both mind and spirit
you go girl! I posted my weight on my blog yesterday, and was not as scared about it as I am today! Be proud, you rock!
Kimmiep recently posted..A year ago today….
Aww thank you Kimmie! I just commented on your blog and am in love with your positivity. It’s so cool that we have similar running stories and are both working towards running a full marathon next year. I’m looking forward to reading about your training! Thanks for cheering me on
Feeling grateful for the support!
Thanks! I have been lurking here for a while, LOVE reading your blog!
Kimmiep recently posted..A year ago today….
You’re the awesome kind of lurker! wooo you have no idea how much your comment just made my day
After 6 months of boot camp, I’m 14!! Agreed on the sexiness {for my awesome hubby!} & health vs a “skinny weight”.
I don’t own a scale- I weigh myself at Publix!! Ha!
I did a Series on my boot camp journey on my site. Go to my http://www.SimplyStAugustine.com/to-do & search boot camp. I think for a busy mamma of 6 I’m doing ok.
So proud of you!! Hopefully we’ll get fit together!!
Holy dedication!! That’s amazing
I bow down to you for keeping an active lifestyle while raising 6 kids AND writing a blog. SuperWoman= YOU. You’re doing a whole lot more than just Ok. So inspiring 
Thank you for the encouragement and I’d definitely love to get fit together! Whether virtually or if we are ever in each others towns.
I’m going to check out your series now
I agree girly.. Skinny isn’t sexy, fit and healthy is! I’m proud to say I went from 148 in January 2012 to a now 130!
I have 5 more lbs to get to my goal weight. But I’ve been doing it healthy and I don’t mind if I stay 130 but only if its because of muscle lol. But I’m looking forward to your progress! I’ll be cheering you on mama!
Marlene recently posted..City skyline Nails
Damn girl! Way. To. GO!! I’m so happy that you did it the healthy way and have the right mindset. You look beautiful and I know you’ll reach whatever goal you set your mind to. So glad I met you recently and I’m really looking forward to cheering you on as well. ::hug:: Thank you for being my cheerleader!
I would try weighing yourself at different times of the day! Your muscle-to-fat distribution changes greatly, depending on water retention.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Quiet Weekend
Thanks for the tip Alex. I’ll start trying that out today
Hope you had a great weekend!
Tried this last night and you’re completely right! Even my weight changed from the morning to the evening.
I fluctuate between 141 and 138. I don’t know why that number means so much… but I know if I get on and it says 140 something vs. 130 something, I feel way worse about myself that day. Which is why I don’t weigh myself much. Why feel bad about 141?
That scale is pretty cool though….
aah I know what you mean. A few months ago I was hovering between 150 and 148 and being in the 140′s was a big mental boost. I’d get upset when I saw 150. I think it’s psychologically ingrained in us. Look at how they price items at a retail store. $799 looks so much better than $800 right? It still fools me. If you’re just trying to maintain and it keeps jumping like that, I wouldn’t weight in as often either. If you ever catch the 141 again just think about how its just a fluctuation. In no time, it’ll be back down again.
Giiirrrrlll You are already perfect as you are, but I bet you know that! I agree that lean and fit are the goal vs skinny. And I used to be an anti-scale person, but as Dr James Hill even pointed out, successful weight maintainers use the scale at least once a week. Nice scale too, btw! Say hi to Debra for me!
KymberlyFunFit recently posted..The Ultimate Playlist of Your Fit Life
lol! I love how your personality shines through the internet. Yes, Dr. James Hill is the MAN. I’m still keeping in mind a lot of what he said. Along with the other Doctor at the conference. That whole Mitochondria building thing with low intensity exercise is really interesting. I’m testing it out for a while. Thank you Kymberly
I’ll be sure to tell her hi for you!
That is the coolest thing ever. I want one.
Thanks for sharing how it works and your weight too! I hardly ever weigh myself anymore but I always know by how my clothes fit what the story is.. and yes, I agree, FIT is so hotter than SKINNY!
Elle recently posted..Does Favorite Clothing Enhance Your Workout?
It’s a sexy scale lol It definitely has more swagger than me
Definitely! I think using clothes as a guide is a really smart and practical way to keep your weight in check. As long as I don’t use my stretchy Adidas pants as my litmus test lol And just because I like this idea so much, I’m going to shout it again FIT IS HOTTER THAN SKINNY!
All that build up and your weight is hardly anything! I am using myfitnesspal on ipad right now and the accountability thing is totally helping!
Kaitlyn recently posted..Last minute half marathon training
Yeah like I said, I’m not in the position to lose hundreds of pounds and will not be making this into an epic story. It’s more about just being transparent and showing what it takes to get much more fit
I’ve heard about fitness pal and know a lot of people use it for tracking. I really love online websites that are free, easy to use, and have some kind of community support system built in. Fitness pal is a little like Sparkpeople.com right?
Your goals are so reasonable and you are beautiful inside and out. I am glad you are being realistic about it and really looking at it as a life change. Congrats on your awesome accomplishments!
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..MIMM: Take Control
My love, you are such a wonderful supporter. Thank you for consistently coming back and always being so positive. Your words mean a lot to me. ::virtual hug::
I’ve been on a journey to be healthier. About 4 months ago I started running (gasp!) and doing Zumba. I’m down around 30 pounds. I’m at my lowest weight of the last 8 years or so. My scale said 219.8 this morning. Awesome! I haven’t been able to get below 220 for about 8 years.
Melissa recently posted..I Can’t Run Like You
Congrats on your weight loss and for starting to run!! Are you following a program? I love hearing about when people start their running journey. It’s epic and always changes your life in some way. It must be the greatest feeling to be at your lowest weight in years. I’m so happy for you! Thank you for sharing with me. It really does inspire me to hear how others have reached their goals.
Fantastic post! I rarely weigh myself, but this scale looks awesome!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..My Cleaning Schedule + At Home Workouts
Thanks Erica!! I used to weigh myself infrequently but I’m trying out to do it once a day now. I read that people that weight themselves everyday are more apt to keep themselves in check when it comes to diet and exercise. I’m a curious cat so I decided what the heck why not? We’ll see if it works. P.S. Amen to “For the Sake of Cake” I looooove sweets.
You go girl! I don’t think I’ll ever be as brave as you and post my weight; but being on a weight loss/muscle building journey myself, I am totally supportive of your new adventure. I personally think you’re beautiful inside and out, but know that getting healthy will only enhance how you feel about you and your health, so I’m all about it. Can’t wait to hear about your journey!
Thanks Rocio
You are much braver than me in other ways. I’m still amazed at your beautiful ability to make anyone a friend. I 100% believe you could walk up to the Queen and make her love you instantly! Thank you for being so supportive with everything. That contact you introduced me too has been incredible! I got to film a trailer in NYC and am now becoming part of the SAG union. Might be filming a pilot in Sept. too. Like I said, so grateful for you girl.
OMG!!! Amazing!!! So proud of you…see I know you had it in you and grateful to have been given the opportunity to show you the way back
Can’t wait to hear all about it!!! You’re amazing and am happy you’re sharing your acting talent with the world again. Keep it up!
That looks so awesome. How does it know your body fat? Lol. I love little fit tools. And I love your fit versus skinny quote. I hate saying my weight. People are always in shock. My abbreviation would be 14, just barely under you. I like that idea!!!!!!!!!
Corrie Anne recently posted..What’s Your Story, Morning Glory: The Case for Stay-At-Home-Wifery
hehe I’m a tech nerd too
I wasn’t sure, so I looked it up on the website. They explain it below. Weird! I never felt a shock lol must be very stealth and minimal.
“Its working relies on injecting a very low intensity current
(absolutely safe and painless) into the feet, and the simultaneous
measurement of electrical resistance met by this current.
As the fatty tissue is not a conductor, the resistance is in proportion to the
quantity of the body’s lean mass. Several equations are used to deduct
the lean mass, then you calculate the quantity of body fat by
subtracting the lean mass from the weight.”
That scale looks/sounds amazing! Proud of you for posting your weight, ps. you look great anyway! That photo of us rocks
Angela at OneSmileyMonkey recently posted..Dane-Elec Kids Line: LifeBytes USB Drives for Back to School {Giveaway}
I think that’s the coolest scale I have ever seen! And I happen to be in the market for a new one. My weight makes me nervous. But I’m working on it and have big plans to get fitter and fitter.
angela recently posted..Week 4 Results & Luna bars
That is SO cool. I got an iHealth scale to review from Sweat Pink, but it’s not nearly as detailed as this one. Although I can’t go out an buy one of these bad boys now, it won’t stop me from cheering you on!
Lena @Fit on the Rocks recently posted..Time to Buy a Lotto Ticket
ooo that sounds cool! I need to apply for their ambassador program. I always forget to
Do you use your scale a lot? I’m still trying to get used to weighing in daily. Yay! I’m glad I have your support 
Can’t wait to work out with ya at FitBloggin’
^:*`
Stop by our personal website as well
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