Beyond the Scale: Metrics That Matter
2/06/2025
Written by Emily Perkins
How many of us have stepped off the scales feeling confused or frustrated, wondering why the number doesn’t reflect our hard work? The truth is, weight scales don’t measure strength, progress, or determination, they only tell a fraction of the story!
Scales are an outdated measurement of health as they often give an incomplete and sometimes inaccurate picture of what we are made up of. This is because they only measure weight and do not differentiate between fat, muscle, bones, and water, resulting in misleading interpretations of your underlying health.
For example, body weight can fluctuate significantly due to factors like hydration, food intake, and hormonal changes, making scales an unreliable measure on a day-to-day basis.
Some individuals may have a normal weight yet possess low muscle mass and high body fat, while others may weigh more but have a muscular, lean physique. What is more concerning is that, traditionally, health professionals use BMI (body mass index) to evaluate if a person is healthy or not, taking into account a person’s weight and height, not their body fat percentage, muscle, or bone mass.
The good news is that scientific developments in the wellness space have led to the creation of body composition scans that measure exactly those things! Scans are more reliable, non-invasive and are great at monitoring progress overtime.They can even aid in early detection of diseases, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Unlike traditional scales or BMI measurements, Body Composition Scanners, like the EVOLT 360, use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a scientifically validated method that sends a low-level electrical current through the body to measure resistance in tissues. This allows it to differentiate between:
Fat mass vs. lean muscle tissue
Visceral fat (the fat around your organs) vs. subcutaneous fat
Total body water and its distribution (intra vs. extracellular)
Basal metabolic rate – your body's calorie-burning potential at rest
Segmental analysis – breakdowns by individual limbs and torso
Why does this matter? It provides real data that allows you to:
Track progress beyond the scale and see muscle gain even when weight stays the same
Detect imbalances or areas needing improvement (like muscle asymmetry or low hydration)
Optimise your training plan and nutritional intake based on your actual metabolic rate
Set realistic, personalised goals and monitor your transformation over time
If you want to learn more about Body Composition and the Evolt 360, come in and chat with our team. Every 8 - 12 weeks you have the opportunity to do a Scan at Phase 1. Keep an eye out for the next availability.
