In what ways should I track progress?

ILoveFroggies
ILoveFroggies Posts: 120 Member
edited October 13 in Health and Weight Loss
Just weighing myself's inadequate, because you know, I could be losing muscle and gaining fat, and yet my weight could still go down.

So, what other things should I monitor? Yesterday, I did a very thorough appraisal of all of my bodily compositions and circumferences, and the like.

This included:
- Weight.
- % Body fat, using electronic scales.
- Measurements (Bust, waist, hips, thigh, below knee, calf, ankle, wrist, forearm, elbow, biceps).
- Photographs (Full length, arms, legs, middle).

Is there anything else I can do?
Yes, I know it's a lot as is. But I'm a perfectionist, and I like to do things thoroughly, which is why I like the idea of taking as many types of measurements as possible, so that if I'm going down in one type of measurement (e.g. weight), but not going down in another type of measurement (e.g. % body fat ), I'll be able to brainstorm why.

Don't worry, I know not to be obsessive, so I'm only going to weigh myself and take my % body fat once a week, take the measurements once a fortnight, and take the photographs once a month.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this! Cheers!

Replies

  • ILoveFroggies
    ILoveFroggies Posts: 120 Member
    Anybody...?

    I'm such a novice at this weight loss thing, so would love to hear any thoughts on whether this is an good way to track my progress, and if not, what a better way would be!
  • beckipercy
    beckipercy Posts: 160 Member
    I think you're already doing everything you can. The only other thing you could do is measure your muscle %, but only certain electronic scales allow this. Apart from that, great effort :)
  • oldthugdog
    oldthugdog Posts: 4
    skinfold calipers for bf% work out ur bmr and calorie defict
  • laughingdani
    laughingdani Posts: 2,275 Member
    I think you've got everything covered as far as how to track your progress.

    In the beginning I mainly went by the scale, but took measurements and photographs just because.
    It helped when I would hit a plateau. When you don't see the scale move it gets frustrating but seeing the inches go down and seeing a difference in photos help to push through the tough times.

    Also, having a goal clothing piece is a good way to track progress. You can try it on every few weeks until it fits.

    Good luck! : )
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Photos and clothes are my favorite ways to gauge progress. Either going shopping and trying on new clothes, or digging out clothes from the back of your closet.

    About 6 years ago, I lost weight and got to 130# and wore size 8 jeans. But I didn't lose weight RIGHT because I just cut calories too much. This time around, eating a lot more, exercising a lot more, and not being so focused on the scale, at 130#, I'm a size 4. This is how those size 8 jeans I wore last time fit now: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/449570-mfp-mythbusters-losing-weight-fast-exercise-calories-girl
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    Just weighing myself's inadequate, because you know, I could be losing muscle and gaining fat, and yet my weight could still go down.

    So, what other things should I monitor? Yesterday, I did a very thorough appraisal of all of my bodily compositions and circumferences, and the like.

    This included:
    - Weight.
    - % Body fat, using electronic scales.
    - Measurements (Bust, waist, hips, thigh, below knee, calf, ankle, wrist, forearm, elbow, biceps).
    - Photographs (Full length, arms, legs, middle).

    Is there anything else I can do?
    Yes, I know it's a lot as is. But I'm a perfectionist, and I like to do things thoroughly, which is why I like the idea of taking as many types of measurements as possible, so that if I'm going down in one type of measurement (e.g. weight), but not going down in another type of measurement (e.g. % body fat ), I'll be able to brainstorm why.

    Don't worry, I know not to be obsessive, so I'm only going to weigh myself and take my % body fat once a week, take the measurements once a fortnight, and take the photographs once a month.

    I would appreciate any thoughts on this! Cheers!

    Not much more you could monitor there, you are doing as much as you can.

    Personally, I just weight and measure myself every Sunday morning and then make sure I record everything I eat and drink and input my exercise into MFP.
  • psmd
    psmd Posts: 764 Member
    If you are exercising, then set a "functional" goal for yourself, like running a certain distance or speed, or being able to do a pull-up or certain number of push-ups. It's a good way to measure your fitness level I think.
  • ILoveFroggies
    ILoveFroggies Posts: 120 Member
    So good! I appreciate all of the suggestions!
    In particular, the one about a 'goal' item of clothing... Yes! I hadn't thought of that. Will do!
This discussion has been closed.

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