Not Sure Where 2 Post - Does Anyone Use ...

BikinimomE
BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
in Motivation and Support
A tape measure to gauge progress? If you don't, why not?
«1

Replies

  • cmcorn26
    cmcorn26 Posts: 253 Member
    I do because the scale isn't moving but my clothes are fitting better and people are noticing. I use the tape measue so I CAN SEE results, not just feel them.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    I do, and when I'm having one of those days when I can't see my progress from the start in the mirror, I'll hold the tape measure at my starting measurements and force myself to see how much smaller I really am now.
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I do because the scale isn't moving but my clothes are fitting better and people are noticing. I use the tape measue so I CAN SEE results, not just feel them.

    EXCELLENT!!! I wish more people on this site would "get" this. A tape measure costs about 2$ so I just don't understand why so many are #onthescaleobsessed. <--- this is NOT the most accurate measure of progress. You could be losing GOBS of fat-burning lean mass if that is your only measure of progress.

    Another extremely useful measure of success are pictures. But you have to wear the same outfit, same pose and similar lighting or the progress pics will be skewed somewhat. Nearly everyone has a digital camera or camera phone these days so aside from not having someone to take photos for you (which is only a small excuse as nearly everyone has a mirror) - WHY DON'T MORE PEOPLE DO THIS?!?!
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I do, and when I'm having one of those days when I can't see my progress from the start in the mirror, I'll hold the tape measure at my starting measurements and force myself to see how much smaller I really am now.

    *Thunderous applause*
  • basillowe66
    basillowe66 Posts: 432 Member
    I use the clothes I like that I outgrew!!!!!

    Basil
  • Keenasgettingfitnhealthy
    Keenasgettingfitnhealthy Posts: 169
    Tape measure has been my best friend =D

    Since last November I have only lost 5.3kg (about 13lb) but I've lost 83.3cm (32.79inches) WOOT WOOT!!! LOVE MY TAPE MEASURE!!
  • sameidt
    sameidt Posts: 2
    Hi, I'm new....I wasn't thinking about measuring...guess it's a good idea. I've always had the problem of losing slowly and get depressed about it. I need things to keep me motivated.:smile:
  • Ueirh
    Ueirh Posts: 4
    I don't, I'm always more comfortable with the scale since it's an automatic answer.
  • diverdiza
    diverdiza Posts: 82 Member
    I worked out today I've lost around 40 cm so far (between waist, hips, thighs etc).. Just as meaningful as the almost 20 kgs for the year. :-)
  • jayliospecky
    jayliospecky Posts: 25,022 Member
    I do measure, however that fluctuates as well, particularly my waist measurement. If I'm a little bloated I can measure an inch more on my waist. I have friends that can measure more than that on a bloated day.

    I think you need to take any measurements, whether it's the scale or measuring tape, with a grain of salt. Don't expect to lose an inch off your waist in one week, for example.
  • zombie_porno
    zombie_porno Posts: 199 Member
    I am far too lazy to do that lol
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    I've been trying to get into the tape measure more.... I hate the numbers on the scale when I can feel my tummy getting smaller.
  • kris4chloe
    kris4chloe Posts: 245 Member
    i use both tape measure and scale, sometimes only one changes, sometimes none changes, sometimes both change...but i just plug along. i know i am stronger and healthier and fit in clothes 6-8 sizes smaller :)
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I don't, I'm always more comfortable with the scale since it's an automatic answer.

    So is the tape measure. The only difference is that the tape measure's automatic answer is an accurate measure of progress (or going in the wrong direction) while the scale's is deceptive.

    To each his own...
  • Nik0417
    Nik0417 Posts: 96 Member
    i use both the tape measure and the scale if i see no loss on the scale i get out my tape measure to see the inches shedding off :)
  • Lyssa62
    Lyssa62 Posts: 930 Member
    oh hell yeah. me and the tape measure have a way better relationship than me and the scale.
  • belladonna786
    belladonna786 Posts: 1,165 Member
    I do!!! makes me feel way better than the scale does :)
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I do measure, however that fluctuates as well, particularly my waist measurement. If I'm a little bloated I can measure an inch more on my waist. I have friends that can measure more than that on a bloated day.

    I think you need to take any measurements, whether it's the scale or measuring tape, with a grain of salt. Don't expect to lose an inch off your waist in one week, for example.

    I recommend measuring every 30 days to avoid fluctuations. If you bust out the tape measure daily or every couple of days then the result will be akin to stepping on the scale daily/every couple of days. Fact is that your weight WILL fluctuate a couple to several pounds a day, each day. But 30 days will let you know whether you are on the right track or need to make adjustments.

    And to those who use the way your clothing fits - also a great measure. As long as the clothing is getting loser in the areas where you carry the most bodyfat - YOU ARE DEFINITELY ON THE RIGHT TRACK. But if that clothing is getting looser in places where you carry least (arms for example) while the clothing is still fitting in waist/hips/thighs (depending on test/estro fat distribution) you are losing more lean mass than body fat. This isn't magic. It's simple biology. :wink:
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I worked out today I've lost around 40 cm so far (between waist, hips, thighs etc).. Just as meaningful as the almost 20 kgs for the year. :-)

    Woot woot!!
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I do!!! makes me feel way better than the scale does :)

    As well it should! Good for you!
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    i use both tape measure and scale, sometimes only one changes, sometimes none changes, sometimes both change...but i just plug along. i know i am stronger and healthier and fit in clothes 6-8 sizes smaller :)

    I recommend measuring both every 30 days. The fact that you are in a smaller clothing sizes demonstrates that you are DEF heading in the right direction.
  • sun33082
    sun33082 Posts: 416 Member
    I don't. It's too inaccurate for me. How do you know you are measuring in the exact same place everytime? How do you know you aren't just measuring a little tighter than last time?
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    I don't. It's too inaccurate for me. How do you know you are measuring in the exact same place everytime? How do you know you aren't just measuring a little tighter than last time?

    Because if you are following a proper meal plan and moving about more it is IMPOSSIBLE to make such human errors every 30 days.

    Please don't measure ANYTHING for 30 days - whether we are talking progress pics, tape measure or scale.
  • penguinlally
    penguinlally Posts: 331 Member
    most definitely!!!! LOVE my tape measure......AND baggy clothes
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    oh hell yeah. me and the tape measure have a way better relationship than me and the scale.

    :bigsmile:
  • calamity71
    calamity71 Posts: 207 Member
    Tape measure has been my best friend =D

    Since last November I have only lost 5.3kg (about 13lb) but I've lost 83.3cm (32.79inches) WOOT WOOT!!! LOVE MY TAPE MEASURE!!

    That is great! I could definitely see how using just the scale would be discouraging.
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    OH god DO use a tape measure people esp if you are on the larger size! my chest for instance started at a 69" and now down to a 38" and ive not finished yet,if the scales dont move for a while the tape still does! :)
  • Rinkermann
    Rinkermann Posts: 108 Member
    i use the scales, tape measure and body fat numbers to try and get a better picture of what is going on. mostly though, i just try to have some faith. if you're eating right, and working out, things will be changing for the better.
  • johnnys30
    johnnys30 Posts: 64 Member
    I don't have a tape measure yet but I do know that I was given the same size pants for work last year and this year and this year they almost fall off. :)
  • BikinimomE
    BikinimomE Posts: 116 Member
    Hi, I'm new....I wasn't thinking about measuring...guess it's a good idea. I've always had the problem of losing slowly and get depressed about it. I need things to keep me motivated.:smile:

    Barring physical ailment, progress pics and tape measure every 30 days will be your best friend if you are following a proper meal plan and make a conscious effort to move about. And that's not because "I said so," it's simple biology.

    For women chest is measured ABOVE the breast, in the armpits. For men chest is measured at the nipples.

    Your waist is measured (both men and women) at the narrowest portion of your waist (which may not necessarily be at the navel).

    For both men and women you measure your hips where you are biggest around. If you carry "more junk in your trunk" lol then that is where you measure. If you have wider hips then you measure at that point.

    Thighs are measured at their biggest point for both men and women.

    Calves, forearms, biceps, for both men and women are measured at their biggest point - relaxed, not flexed.

    Neck is self-explanatory. LOL

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