{"id":24,"date":"2018-03-16T16:31:24","date_gmt":"2018-03-16T16:31:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bodybarista.com\/2018\/03\/16\/how-often-should-you-take-your-measurements\/"},"modified":"2021-10-14T10:32:08","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T10:32:08","slug":"how-often-should-you-take-your-measurements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/localhost:8888\/2018\/03\/16\/how-often-should-you-take-your-measurements\/","title":{"rendered":"How often should you take your measurements?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
How often should you take your measurements?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best practice when taking your measurements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you are someone who is motivated by seeing results – or lack, thereof – measure yourself as regularly as you want, from a daily routine to a weekly one. The important thing is to take your measurements at approximately the same time. If you are only starting out your fitness plan and are new to exercising, you might also want to keep an eye on your measurements on a regular basis so you can fine-tune your exercises to hit the spots you want it to hit. That way, if you don\u2019t see any change in, for instance, your abs, you can quickly change your routine to focus more on that body part.\u00a0The important thing is not to just take occasional snapshots, but to take measurements regularly enough so that you understand your body and its internal variations. When you wake up in the morning, you\u2019re 1-2% taller than you were the evening before. Your waist circumference will vary almost an inch (21 millimeters) within a day. Not to mention the monthly periodical changes to women\u2019s bodies. So even if you would treat yourself with a $200 measurement from head to toe, you still wouldn\u2019t know how to relate to those numbers. Measure yourself as frequently as possible. Allow the numbers to go up and down. Focus on the trend and you\u2019ll start seeing the positive results you\u2019re longing for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
A question that you will inevitably face once you start working out, looking out for your weight, living a healthier and more active life is: How often should you take your measurements? On the one side, your measurements could be the fuel to your motivation, as you start seeing a change in the numbers, and everything is going as planned – on the other hand, measurements can also be demotivating if you\u2019re not seeing the results you so strongly worked for. Is it a good idea to look at numbers, and what is the best way to go about it? Here is what you should know before you start measuring yourself regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does taking your measurements help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Measuring yourself regularly will keep a pulse on your body changes and show you the results in specific numbers that are undeniable, easily trackable and the most concrete proof that you are getting fitter. According to science, tracking your progress keeps you motivated once the results start to kick in. It also helps re-trace your steps if you fall off the wagon for a while and take a break from exercising or start to eat unhealthy again. In that way, measuring yourself regularly helps to hold yourself accountable. Measuring yourself may also have a subconscious positive effect. When you start paying attention to your body regularly, it is likely that subconsciously you are influencing your habits and therefore making healthier decisions in every aspect of your life. On another note, once the thrill of novelty is gone, and exercising becomes a routine, taking your measurements can also help you stay on track towards your body goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the best way to take your measurements? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The easiest way to take your measurements is with a bathroom scale. You will be prompted with a number, and based on what your goal is – loosing weight, gaining muscle, etc. – the number will gradually increase or decrease. But body weight alone is not a good indicator of your body\u2019s fitness state. This is because when you loose fat and gain muscle mass, you might actually weigh more than before. Simply looking at your weight doesn’t show you that you may have gained muscle and lost body fat. For more information, read our post about Why the bathroom scale is limiting<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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