Taking measurements

AakifahSiebert

So, I'm thinking of getting a tape measure this week and take measurements to track if/when I lose inches. But....I don't know the first thing about doing this.... (i.e. what areas should I measure; etc). When I was in the Army, I almost always failed my weigh-in and had to be "tape tested"...basically they measured certain areas, did some sort of calculation, and figured out my body fat %. Would this be helpful? If so...does anyone know how to do it? I don't know what calculations they used...and it's been so long, I don't even remember what all they measured. Thanks!

wonnder1

I just measure the bits that are important to me. They give suggestions, and I kept most of them except my neck. I think that one is there for the guys.

It also lets you add ones, for instance, I measure my waist, but I also measure the biggest part of my stomach. I also added each of my thighs.

As far as body fat % I'm too big to worry about that right now, maybe eventually.

br0seidon

Your hips, your waist (at the bellybutton), and your thighs will show the most results in regards to losing inches.

For body fat percentage, the easiest way is to use this calculator - http://www.livestrong.com/tools/body-fat-calculator/

AlsDonkBoxSquat

for women:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAMv9hS5Lz4

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-get-your-body-measurements.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/166325-how-to-take-body-measurements-for-women/

for men:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX9m0wEE5NQ

http://fashion.about.com/cs/menstips/l/blmenmeasure.htm

http://www.livestrong.com/article/172270-how-to-take-body-measurements-in-men/

AakifahSiebert

Thank you everyone!!

tameko2

they have these cheap things on Amazon (and elsewhere I'm sure) where you put one end of hte tape measure into a slot on the reel and then push a button to reel it in -- I recommend you get one of those so you can measure yourself, it will be slightly more difficult/less accurate with a regular tape measure.

Also make sure that you measure hte same place every time, so like try to pick a good landmark if you are doing things like abdomen measurements - like say "1 inch below the belly button" - or thighs, you can use your hand to measure down from your hip and then do a circumference at your fingertips.

dexters_dexterity

chest: fullest (for measurements turn around and confrim in a mirror tht tape is in one line not above or down)

waist: narrowest

belly: around the belly button(that weird to share but I measure at crease just above my navel for reference coz around the navel it doesnt stay in place it stucks at my muffin tops

hips:fullest

thighs: widest

shoulders: from one blade to other (optional)
thigh(right/left): widest

calves:widest- or e.g. my widest for the 1st time was 12" above ankle next time first ill go 12" from ankle and measure the circumference

biceps/triceps (optional)