By Kate Cohen
In consultation with Cati Jakab, Wellness Specialist for Rosen Hotels & Resorts
August 5, 2025

 

Too often, we associate the word “health” with “weight.”

While it’s true that many factors contributing to a healthy lifestyle can also lead to weight loss, health is about so much more than a number on the scale.

It’s easy to compare ourselves to images of others we see online and fall victim to comparison, thinking we need to lose weight to feel valued.

In reality, true health is multi-dimensional and includes factors like strength, mobility, energy, confidence, and mental well-being.

 

 

It’s time for a mindset shift.

It’s time to start thinking about health as how we feel, not just how we look or what we weigh.

It’s time to take control of your lifestyle choices and redefine your health on a much broader scale.

Here’s how you can start.

 

Key Takeaways

• What Does Health Really Look Like?
• Redefine Your Goals
• Real-Life Measures of Progress
• How We Support Wellness
• Health is How You Feel, Not What You Weigh

 

What Does Health Really Look Like?

 

 

Let’s start by reiterating: health is so much more than a number on the scale.

While statistics and numbers like weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc., are still important for tracking physiological wellness, they do not define health.

Instead, think of health as a broader scope of well-being rather than a definitive statistic.

A few main components of health include:

• Physical: strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, energy
  • Put it into practice: go for a walk, get in a workout, stretch
• Mental: mood stability, reduced anxiety, sleep quality, focus
  • Put it into practice: meditation, try a new hobby, practice gratitude
• Emotional: body confidence, relationship with food, self-esteem
  • Put it into practice: prioritize sleep, journal, celebrate small victories
• Social: connection, support systems, fulfillment
  • Put it into practice: connect with loved ones, practice empathy, join a club

A balance of these elements contributes to a truly healthy lifestyle, regardless of gender or age.

 

Redefine Your Goals

 

 

It’s easy to get wrapped up in a number on the scale and use it to define your goals.

But even if your objective is to lose weight, there are so many other goals you can set for yourself beyond hitting a target number.

For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 10 pounds,” try setting a goal like “I want to feel good in my body, whatever that looks like.”

Maybe an achievable goal is “I want to have more energy to keep up with my kids,” or “I want to drink more water throughout the day.”

Cati Jakab, Wellness Specialist for Rosen Hotels & Resorts, suggests looking at the big picture when setting goals for your health journey.

Jakab recommends asking yourself, what is it that you actually want to accomplish?

“Why are you looking at the scale in the first place?” Jakab asks.

“Do you feel uncomfortable with how you look? Is there something in your life that makes you feel self-conscious? Did you go to a doctor’s appointment and your doctor suggested losing weight?”

She also stresses the importance of being honest with yourself while setting goals.

“What can you do well and consistently? Can you set goals in a way that makes being healthy sustainable? Is there a way you can start slower?”

Setting a lofty goal can lead to frustration or even giving up prematurely before you’ve accomplished your objective.

 

 

So, Jakab suggests breaking a larger goal into smaller pieces, like incorporating an extra serving of fruits or vegetables into your day or trying a new workout.

Smaller goals are easier to achieve, and the feeling of success will build and motivate you to take on greater challenges while feeling confident about your achievements.

If healthy nutrition choices are part of your big picture, Jakab recommends trying an “intuitive eating” approach.

“Intuitive eating builds a healthy relationship with food,” she explains. “It’s about ditching everything we’ve learned as a society, about the rules of food, what’s ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ and what’s a ‘good’ food and a ‘bad’ food.”

Instead, she recommends looking at food as fuel, rather than as an enemy.

“Part of it is understanding yourself better. Instead of fixating on measurements and calories, ask yourself, ‘What am I craving today? Do I normally feel good after eating that food? It’s important to learn more about yourself and your body’s cues.”

 

Real-Life Measures of Progress

 

 

There are a variety of ways to measure progress when it comes to health, the least of which is watching the scale.

In fact, sometimes getting rid of the scale altogether is the best thing you can do to get out of your head and stay focused on your goals.

Instead, find other ways to track your accomplishments.

For example:

• Experiencing increased stamina during workouts
• Using heavier weights during strength workouts
• Better sleep, mood, and stress management
• Clothes fitting more loosely
• Walking up flights of stairs without getting winded

Keep a journal of your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small they seem. In moments of discouragement, you can look back and see just how far you’ve come throughout your journey.

 

How We Support Wellness

 

 

Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC) is the perfect place to start or continue your journey to better health.

Our full calendar of fitness classes, both in and out of the water, offers a variety of movement styles for all levels of experience.

To benefit both your mental and physical health, try a Flow Yoga or Tai-Chi class. Looking for aquatic exercise? Check out Aqua Zumba or Aquacise for an energetic experience.

Our group classes also offer a welcoming social environment for a fun, engaging workout with built-in accountability buddies.

The Adam Michael Rosen Fitness Center is stocked with brand new exercise equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, cable machines, and stationary bikes.

Build your strength with free weights, squat racks, resistance bands, kettlebells, medicine balls, and other fitness accessories available for your next workout.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in our indoor pools any time of year for a workout that’ is good for the body and soul.

The heart of RAFC is community. Get involved by volunteering for our events, including local swim meets and non-profit fundraisers.

We’re here to help you find the path to wellness that works best for you.

 

Health is How You Feel, Not What You Weigh

 

 

Health is about so much more than what you weigh. Don’t let a number on the scale keep you from living a fulfilled and balanced healthy life.

By being a member of RAFC, you’re already taking a big step toward prioritizing your health, and we’re so excited to be a part of your journey.

Not a member yet? Check out our membership information to find the right fit for you and your family.