valleysuper

This is my thinking as well, there are of course fluctuations throughout the day. And mine can swing within a 2lb range even when weighing myself at the same time every day. But its not like I change my day bc of the change on the scale, just a number in the back of my head. Kind of like I know the BF percentage on my scale is based mostly on hydration, if i want to be at 10% for a day, i hydrate extra and in the morning there goes 2-3%bf. But i still look at the number each morning.

Maybe more habit at this point than providing real useful data, but its just another way to self check, kinda like Resting HR done in the morning which was posted somewhere recently. Done consistently each day its just part of a self checkup.

SJM205

I can't help but be curious what the first thing is...

As for me, several times a day, but I'm not obsessive. I just have nothing else to do.

Seattle Forrest

^ I think the first thing is something that would affect the number on the scale.

burnthesheep

Morning and night. Morning because that's your daily low, after taking your pre-breakfast dump/piss. It's also closest to what you'd be after a long ride and losing fluids.

The night number gives you an idea for how much fluid you've lost during a ride and how much you need to catch up.

So I figure if I get back from a long ride and I'm 157 at night but 154 after the ride, I could stand to take in 40oz of fluids at some point in the next hour to hour and a half.

But if I get back from the ride and am 156, I might not do anything other than a small glass of water....or a beer.

bbbean 

Absolutely. Start the coffee maker.

ThermionicScott 

Second thing I do most mornings, too.

kcblair

2-3 times a week is enough for me. Blood pressure and blood zugar is more important.

Daniel4

Usually once a week but sometimes more. Usually at the same time of day (right after my morning bowel movement and before breakfast).

I'm trying to increase my weight but I don't know if I trust my scale or if my weight really does fluctuate a pound either way on a daily basis.

mcours2006

I usually do it before I go to bed. I do agree the number is more relevant if you have a consistent time, but even then, the number fluctuates wildly sometimes for me.

bbbean 

Unless you eat a very regimented diet on a very regimented schedule, your weight will be much more consistent day to day if you weigh first thing in the morning.

mcours2006

Practically speaking that's difficult to do...but I'm not so much concerned with my weight. In the long term it still gives a pretty accurate picture of where your weight is headed.

bbbean 

Why is it more difficult to weigh yourself first thing in the morning than last thing at night?

mcours2006

Wife is a very light sleeper. I am usually up super early, like 5 AM, and then out the door shortly after than with my bike or for a run. Coming back I'm only thinking about breakfast and my coffee.

Night time is easy. I'm already in the bathroom before going to bed.

Yeah, I could do it if it was important to me, like move the scale elsewhere. But it's not important.

TakingMyTime

Last time I got on a scale it was one of those in front of a store that gives you a little "fortune cookie" type of saying. Mine said... "Only 1 person on the scale at a time".

crazyLSUalumni

Weighted myself for the first time since January. I was at 145 then. I was not sure what to expect. Came in at 139 this past weekend

bruce19

I did it every day until I noticed a pattern of fluctuation that did not seem to be connected to my eating and exercise habits. Now I do it every Sunday morning.

Altimis

I used to weighted myself everyday for 2 years, way too often than you guys think, I weight after wake, workouts, meals, dumps and before bed. Call me crazy all you want, I knew.

But after studying myself day after day, night after night, I find that its my natural to be at this weight.

Nowadays, I weight less, only wake time and before bed then I am done. Still daily weighted myself but way far less than before. Now I only care for looks.

KraneXL

As often as I get a check-up so semi annually. Weighing yourself too often is one of the worst mistakes most people make.

mcours2006

Actually, studies show that people who weigh themselves regularly, whether it's weekly or daily, are more successful at maintaining a consistent weight, which studies have shown is good for health.

Don't have the reference off hand. You can search them yourself if you want.

caloso

How so?

KraneXL

It will mess with your mind. I'd say monitor your weight weekly if you're on a diet. Otherwise much less frequently. But certainly not every day. Particularly since weight tends to fluctuate a lot but doesn't tell you much about body composition.

mcours2006

Is this the new clinical phrase for it?

caloso

This makes as much sense as telling drivers only to look at the speedometer once every 20 miles. You know, because speed fluctuates so much, it will mess with your mind.

KraneXL

That, or it makes sense but you just don't understand it? Next time, just ask for clarification.

mcours2006

Wow! That's the second time I've seen you use that. Brilliant! Write something stupid, then when someone calls you out on it you break out this out.