Reached my weight goal but how to measure progress now

sdreed25

My goal was always to get my weight down into what was considered a healthy number by Doctors, etc and down into a buffer zone rather than right on the boarder. I've got to the target now, a BMI of 23.9 and am pretty much happy with that 'weight', so over the past few months I've been focusing on getting rid of some of the fat and replacing it with muscle and have now dropped to 17% Body Fat (on my home scales) from 19% at the same weight. My scales only measure in whole numbers so I find it hard to measure progress this way as it takes weeks to change, I also measure 5 key areas monthly.

My question is really around more frequent progress measures as I'd like to know weekly if I'm on the right track. Do I need to invest in better BF measure that deals in part numbers? Try and take measurements weekly and notice small changes? Or is there another measure I can use? Fitness wise I do note improvements in run and swim times/distances and weights for strength work. I see a lot of fit people on MFP and I wonder how you measure progress?

My issue is that although I can see progress in the mirror weekly I'm quite analytical and find it hard to believe in subjective measures.

Gunsentry

As you gain lean mass (muscle) the BMI scale is not a good measurement as it mainly takes hight weight ration into account.

If your main concern is body fat then get a pair of skin callipers and take measurements weekly and record.

You could start a weight\ strength training programme to give yourself another challenge.

sdreed25

Thanks for the advice, I'm on a weight/strength program now already but the Callipers sound interesting, do you need to be shown how to use them or is it simple to get right?

TavistockToad

i would set yourself some fitness/strength goals, though of course these wont be short term. why not sign up for a 5k, or a triathalon if you run & swim? something to you can keep focused on your training?

if you are at maintenance i would try not to have weekly goals, a tiny fluctuation will drive you crazy, and what happens when life gets in the way and you have a bad week? but go for long term stuff 3/6 months etc!

lisab0864

I've been at goal for over 20 months now and I have done what Tavistock mentioned -- gave myself fitness goals. Some have worked out, others I'll never do again but all in all it's been a great way to keep motivated.

Congrats on getting back to "normal"!!!