Tracking Your Weight Loss

There are several ways that you can track your weight loss. You can measure your weight every week, take measurements with a tape measure of your chest, stomach and waist and many other areas of your body. You can always put on an outfit and every so often try it on again to see how it feels compared to the first time you wear it. There are many fitness tests that you can do once you have started to exercise.

When stepping on the scale for the first time, make sure you write down your weight and keep track from that day. You’re going to want to keep a journal of your weight loss for two basic reasons, to keep track of your progress and it will motivate you to keep pushing yourself to reach your goal. Also, you should write down your goal in your journal along with your progress weight.

Measuring body parts will show you exactly where the weight is coming off. It’s ideal to measure five places, both arms, chest, waist, hips and both left and right thighs. You will want to use a non stretch measuring tape and take the readings and write them down your journal. You shouldn’t be measuring more than once a month because you’re going to lose weight from all over your body and it may not appear like it on those specific areas.
A great way to really notice your weight loss progress is by picking an outfit that feels tight when you first start. Every four weeks put it back on. You will notice that if you’re exercising and following an appropriate diet, your outfit will be as tight as it was when you first started. You should also take pictures of yourself in the same outfit in the same place and you’ll really be able to see the difference.

As for fitness tests, don’t be too hard on yourself. At first you will see your results and you may not be happy. Don’t worry as you progress and lose more weight, your fitness level should improve as well. You can count the number of push ups and crunches you can complete in a minute as well as a total amount with no time limit. Time yourself with a 1 kilometer walk or run, number of chin-ups, bicep curls, bench press etc... It is up to you to decide what your exercises will be as it is your journey.

All of these methods are only there to track your progress and keep numbers. They’re there to help and motivate you to push yourself further when working out. You will see that following these simple tasks will get you to your weight loss goal faster than you thought.