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RESULTS Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Edtape 2PCS Measuring Tape for Body,Soft Tape Measure for Body Sewing Fabric Tailor Cloth Craft Measurement Tape,60 Inch/1.5M Pink Retractable Dual Sided Measure Tape Set4.7 out of 5 stars4,239 $3.99 Ships to Canada Earlier this week on the blog we talked about how the scale can be misleading and more effective ways of tracking your progress because even though I recommend that most people toss their scale out of an open window, I do think it’s essential to track progress. How do you know if what you are doing is working if you’re not tracking? If you’re not assessing, you’re guessing, and guessing usually leads to mediocre results. A health and fitness journey is one big experiment, and as the sole owner of your body, you get to be in charge. While certain principles of health apply to most of the population: eating mostly whole foods from nature, making efforts to move your body regularly, incorporating some form of resistance training, and getting adequate sleep, the details of those principles can vary significantly from person to person. The only way to find out what works for you is to start experimenting and tracking results. Some people look and feel better on low carbs and high fat. Others, like me, turn into a monster without moderate carbohydrate levels. There is no right or wrong, only right or wrong for you. Some people prefer weight lifting, and others prefer Yoga. Some like to run long distances, and some people have a genetic disposition towards short and fast distances. You get to do you. What works for your best friend, co-worker or running coach may not work for you. The important thing is that you pay attention to your results; Not just the number on the scale (we already discussed the potential for misinformation there), but track how what you’re doing makes you look, feel, and perform. The only way to know if your new experiment is working is to track progress. WHAT DO I NEED TO TRACK PROGRESS?CLOTH MEASURING TAPEAs we discussed earlier this week, one way to track progress is with body measurements. The scale doesn't tell you when you lost inches at your waist or gained bicep muscles. I recommend a simple cloth measuring tape and a log. You can track on a spreadsheet, on paper or by taking notes on your phone. By comparing your measurements every few weeks, you can assess if your diet and exercise plan is bringing you closer to your goals effectively, and make changes as necessary. CAMERAA camera can help track body changes, which is convenient since we all walk around with cameras in our pockets these days. Once a week or once a month, take a front, side, and back view in a bathing suit or sports bra (women) and shorts, or tight fitting clothes if you’re uncomfortable showing skin in a photo. But don’t worry, you don’t need to share on social media. Keep them private on your phone for your personal use. Because we look at ourselves in the mirror every day, we often don’t even notice the small changes that happen over time. Monthly photos can highlight physical changes to your body that you would otherwise miss. HOW OFTEN SHOULD TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS?Aim to take body measurements at least once a month, or as often as every two weeks. It’s not necessary to track more often than that, as it is not usually enough time to see noticeable changes. Take photos at least once a month or as often as once a week. Try to replicate the lighting and body stance as close as possible each time so you can easily compare the photos from week to week. BODY MEASUREMENT TIPS
The best way to get accurate results is to be consistent with tape placement each time you measure. Take notes, measure the tape placement on the body, or take pictures of the measurements to ensure you are measuring using the same method each time. SHOULDERSWith your shoulders relaxed, measure a straight line from the largest points of each shoulder across your chest. CHESTPlace the measuring tape across the largest part of your chest and around the back, keeping the tape parallel with the floor all the way around. UPPER ARMSWith your arm relaxed at your side, measure around the largest part of your upper arm, at your bicep. Note how many inches you placed the measuring tape up from the elbow for future consistency. Keep track if you measured the right, left or both arms. WAISTWith your arms at your sides, measure the narrowest point above the belly button around to the back, at the place where you bend at the waist. ABSWithout sucking in your stomach, measure across your belly button around to the back. HIPSWith your feet together, wrap the tape around the largest part of your hips and butt. THIGHSMeasure around the largest part of your thigh. Make a note of how many inches you placed the tape up from the knee cap for measuring consistency. Keep track if you measured the right, left or both thighs. CALVESMeasure around the largest part of the calf. Keep track if you measured the right, left or both thighs. I MEASURED. NOW, WHAT?Once you take initial measurements and photos, give it time, results don’t happen overnight. You may not see significant changes after a couple of weeks, but if after a month or two, if you don’t see positive changes, it is time to examine your workout and nutrition habits a little closer. WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE NOT SEEING RESULTS*Be honest with yourself:
The answer shouldn’t be yes for all of the above, all at once. Instead, choose one thing to work on, then measure the results after 30-45 days to determine if it is working for you. Track, assess progress, then adjust as needed. *These are some ideas to explore, not everyone needs to do everything on this list, it depends on your current lifestyle, training, abilities, and preferences. Choose the one that seems easiest to implement first. If you need help with these assessments, your workout plan, your lifestyle habits, working with a trainer or coach can help take the guesswork of the planning and assessing. Did you like this post? Do you know someone who might benefit? It helps me when you share with your friends and followers on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. How can you get accurate body measurements?Be sure to use a flexible, inelastic tape measure. A cloth measuring tape is a good option, or you could use one specifically made for taking body measurements, such as the MyoTape Body Tape Measure. For accuracy, take your measurements at least twice. Take the average of both measurements to get your final numbers.
How can I get all my measurements?How to Take Your Measurements. Shoulder Width: Measure across the back from the corner of one shoulder to the corner of the other shoulder. ... . Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the bust. ... . Waist: Measure the smallest part of the waist. ... . Hip: ... . Sleeve: ... . Center Front Length:. |