How to Accurately Take Body Measurements
November 3, 2021
How to Accurately Take Body Measurements
Measurements are such a fundamental part of motivation when it comes to losing weight.
While on our journey to health, it can be easy for us to become shackled to the scale. The problem with solely using the scale is that if the number doesn’t keep going down, we tend to feel like we are failing. This could not be further away from the truth!
In this post, we are going over why measuring your body is incredibly important throughout your weight loss journey and how to do it properly!
Why Measuring Your Body Matters When Losing Weight
There are a lot of changes that take place when we are working hard to lose weight. And we should be celebrating each of those changes along the way, like our inch loss!
When we see ourselves everyday, it can sometimes be difficult to truly see the results taking place, other than how our clothes are fitting and what the number on the scale is.
And the truth is, your scale doesn’t give a complete picture of your progress. For example, if you’ve been lifting weights the scale could show weight gain, since you are growing your muscle mass. Muscle is heavier than fat! So while you are actually cutting your fat, the scale says you weigh more. You’re also likely increasing your water intake, which could temporarily make the number on the scale go up.
It’s important to not solely rely on your scale to determine your progress! By taking measurements throughout your program, you can get a more accurate and holistic view of your weight loss progress.
To begin, grab your measurement tape! You can find measuring tapes online on platforms like Amazon for under $5.00.
How And Where To Measure Your Body to Track Your Weight Loss Success
Bust/Chest
Holding the end of the tape in one hand starting with “1”, wrap the other end of the tape around your back and bring it around to the front on the other side of your body. Place the tape over the largest part of your chest, typically right at the center, and while still holding the end of the tape that begins in “1”, pull the tape together to see what number the end of the tape meets.
Waist
Similar to the bust or chest, hold the end of the tape starting with “1”, wrap the other end around your back and bring it to the other side of your body. We want to measure the natural bend at the waist, an easy trick to identify this placement is by bending side to side to find the natural bend of the waist- Think the little teapot song- lean over to your left then your right. Place the tape at this bend, while holding the end that begins with one, pull the tape together to see the number the end of the tape meets. Remember to try and not “suck in” while taking this measurement so it is accurate. It’s a very normal response to do this when something is put around our waist, so try taking a deep breath in and let it out before pulling the tape together.
Hips
Once again, you will begin with one side of the tape in hand and then will bring the other end to the other side of your body. Put your legs together, and place the tape over the center of the bum to take your measurement, try to make sure that the tape is even on both sides, using a mirror can be very helpful with this.
Left Arm and Right Arm
Now taking these can be a little tricky when measuring yourself, but certainly not impossible. First let’s identify the placement, you will want to look at your arm from your shoulder to your elbow, and identify the center between the two, this is where we want to place the tape, think biceps. Now take the end of the tape beginning with “1” in the hand of the arm you are measuring, wrap the other end underneath your arm and bring to the other side. Keep your arm tight against your body to hold the tape in place. Adjust the tape so that you can pull the “1” end of the tape to see what number it meets with, leave your arm against your body as you do this to hold the tape in position.
Left Leg and Right Leg
We will be measuring the top of each thigh. Starting like before, hold the end of the tape in one hand, and wrap the other end around the other side of your leg. Place the tape, directly underneath the bum, pull the tape together to see which number the end of the tape meets.
Getting the Most Out of Your Weight Loss Journey
It’s so important to celebrate each win along your weight loss journey. You have committed to making a healthier life, and whether you just lost your first inch or 30 pounds, you should be incredibly proud of yourself!
At Metabolic Web Store, we are here to help you succeed. And if you are hoping to get personalized guidance on how to achieve your specific goals, consider our Virtual Health Coaching program.