‘How To Take Body Measurements – How To Measure Body For Results’ – Monica May

 

If you have been into fitness and a healthy lifestyle for a while, you know that the best part of it is seeing results.

And it feels so good when you see a visible result when you look in the mirror.

However, most of the time you’ll have to track your results to see the change.

And one of the best ways to do that is by taking body measurements.

Now, if you are not sure how to measure your body for results, you are in the right place.

Today, we’re going step by step through every single thing you need to know on how to take body measurements right, and how to track your results overall.

Let’s get started right away!

Why Measuring Your Body With A Tape Is The Best Way To Track Results?

Measuring your body with tape is the best way to track your weight loss results because it’s the most accurate one.

Meaning, it will give you the real picture.

I see girls stepping on the scale over and over again, without seeing any bigger improvements and they feel bad even give up.

That’s because scales don’t give you the whole story about your body or your weight loss progress.

Besides fat, scales are measuring everything else: muscle, bones, organs, momentary hydration, water retention, even food you’ve had.

Also, as you exercise and eat healthy, you lose fat but gain lean muscles.

And muscles may take less space then fat, but they weigh more than fat.

In addition, when you step on the scale, you are seeing just one number, and your body is way more complex than that number.

That’s why every fitness and weight loss expert suggests that taking body measurements is the best way to track your results.

How To Take Body Measurements?
How To Measure Body For Results?

What You Will Need?

Let’s start of with what will you need:

  • a measuring tape
  • pen and paper.

Yes, you need a tape to measure the body measurements and a pen and paper to write your numbers down.

When You Should Start?

Ideally, you should take the body measurements before starting of with your weight loss journey, and then do it at the end of every month.

Some women do it at the end of every week, but in my opinion, once a month is enough.

When Is The Best Time To Do It?

The best time to take your body measurements is in the morning, possibly right after waking up.

This is because we really want to see the real picture.

In the morning, your body is well-rested, all the food you’ve eaten the other day is no longer in your tummy causing you bloating or anything else.

I tend to bloat a lot, especially in the evenings, and if I take my measurements then, I know the numbers won’t be accurate since I’d be loaded with gas.

That’s why the morning is the best time of the day to do take your body measurements.

What Are We Measuring?

We are measuring the changes to the body circumference in several body parts:

  • Arms
  • Bust
  • Waist
  • Hips
  • Tights
  • Calves.

To make it easier, we are going from the top, down.

You have to be sure that every time you take the body measurements, you are placing the measuring tape in the same area of your arm (for example).

To get the most accurate measurements, it’s best to wear form-fitting clothes, or do it in sport bra and leggings.

Also, it would be really helpful if you are facing a mirror while taking the body measurements.

You can make a column table, and take notes of your results for every month so that you can compare them easily.

In my Fit Babe Fitness Planner, you will find a printable body measurement sheet, so head on to check it out.

 

1. Arms

Let’s start with the arms.

  • Extend your arm, and turn your palm facing forward;
  • Measure the widest part of your biceps;
  • Make sure your arm is relaxed.

How To Measure Body For Results - arms

2. Bust Body Measurements

When measuring your bust or chest area, you’ll have to make sure to pay attention to a few things:

  • Place the measuring tape in the middle of your breasts, right along the nipple line;
  • Make sure it’s even in the back, as in the front;
  • Make sure you are not wearing a bra with pads.

Body Measurements Bust

3. Waist

Next is the waist.

Now, with the waist, you have to make sure to:

  • Place it at the narrowest part of the waist, usually just above the belly button;
  • Make sure it’s even in the back, as in the front;
  • Stand straight.

Body Measurements Waist

4. Hips

Next are the hips…

  • Stand straight with your feet together;
  • Place the measuring tape on the widest part of your hips;
  • In the back, you are placing the tape on the widest part of your booty;
  • Make sure it is even in the front.

How To Take Body Measurements Hips

5. Tights

When measuring your tights, you should follow a few steps:

  • Always measure one tight, not both;
  • Place the measuring about tape ten inches above your knee on the widest part of your tight;
  • Stand straight;
  • Make sure the tape is even in the back as in the front.

How To Measure Body - tights

 6. Calves

The calf muscle is placed on the back of the lower leg, just below the knee.

  • Stand straight;
  • Measure the widest part of your calf;
  • Your muscles should be relieved while you are taking the measurements.

Why Taking Body Measurements Is Important?

First of all, tracking results will show you if we’re doing everything right, meaning training and nutrition.

Sometimes we think we eat healthy when we actually don’t and other times we go to the gym stuck on the cardio machine for hours and we still can’t get the scale moving.

That’s why tracking results is crucial in finding out if you’re on the right track.

PS: If you don’t know what’s healthy and what’s not, and don’t really know where to start, grab my nutrition plan ASAP!

The second reason is motivation.

When you track your weight loss progress right, you’re getting a clear picture of how everything you’re doing is paying of.

At first, it may not be as visual, so weighting and measuring yourself will get you the progress on paper.

And there’s nothing more motivating than to see how far you’ve come and that your efforts are paying off.

By getting the whole picture of your progress, you’ll learn what works for you best and get some boost in your motivation that will keep you striking to achieve more and more.

Now It’s Your Turn!

I hope I helped you learn how to measure body for results.

Now start collecting the data about your progress right now!

I’ve also designed a cute and inspiring fitness planner for all of you planning and tracking addicts out there.

So, head on to check it out!

You can write down every single detail, result, progress, meal, workout and almost anything you want to track.

Remember, if you write it you’ll do it!

If you are not a fan of tracking results and measuring your body, that is also okay.

You just keep exercising and keep eating healthy – you’re amazing anyway!

Till next time babes
xo
Monica

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