When you are following a weight loss plan it is important to take measurements as well as use the scales to gauge your weight loss results. Also, if you have begun exercising, you may be toning up and gaining lean muscle which means the scales don’t move – but you will most likely find that your measurements have in fact gone down. So, it is important to understand that you will often find that even if you haven’t lost the kilos, you have in fact lost centimetres. And that is VERY motivating.
Measuring Tips
- Always use a cloth measuring tape, not a metal one, as it’s much more accurate.
- Do your measurements in the nude first thing in the morning, it’s the best way to avoid your clothes getting in the way as well as steering clear of post-meal bloating.
- Breathe normally and don’t ‘suck in’ to get a better number as it won’t be reflective of your true stats.
- Measure in front of a mirror, to ensure that your tape is straight. This is especially important when measuring hips as it’s hard to see if your tape is in line.
- Remember to write them down, as it would be impossible to remember them all. Plus, you can then see your progress over time.
- Pull the tape so that it is snug but not too tight.
- Be consistent with your measuring. If you need to, write down exactly where you measured so that you remember each time you do it.
Breasts
Place one
end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your breast, which is usually
your nipple. Wrap the rest of the tape around your back and under your arms to
join back up.
Chest
This is
measured just under your breasts, where your bra line goes.
Waist
Your waist is easy to find. It’s the natural fold that you get when you bend over to one side. Located just above your belly button, it tends to be the smallest part on your torso.
Place one end of the tape above your belly button and bring the other
side of the tape around your back to join up again.
Stomach
Use your
belly button as the measuring point for your stomach. The key is just to be
consistent and this makes it super easy to do so.
Hips
Measure
at the widest point of your hips or bottom. It’s really important to be in
front of a mirror for this one as it’s tough to see if your tape is level.
Thighs
Use the
fullest part of your thigh as the point to measure. This may be ever so
slightly different on each leg, so you will need to measure both separately. Or
you can also measure a 2 finger from your private part to also get an accurate
reading every time.
Upper
Arms
Once
again it’s the fullest part that you want to measure. Be sure to write down the
measurement for each arm separately. Often your dominant arm can be more
muscular (as it’s used for lifting bags, babies, and shopping) which can affect
the numbers.
Calves
On each leg, measure the largest part of your lower leg.
We recommend doing your weight and measurement before starting your weight loss journey they will both be your guide to reveal your true weight loss results. Sometimes the scale stands still but then your centimetres are still moving, showing in fact that you are still losing. So, no matter what measure, measure measure!!!