Measuring your results

There is something very satisfying about receiving a compliment on your new figure, rewarding you for the blood, sweat and tears you left behind in the gym. However, it is about the results that you see, that really make the difference.

If your motivation is to lose weight, be wary of the weighing scales! Do not be disheartened if the scales don’t change, or even if they start moving in an unfavourable direction. Your body weight and shape transforms through exercise. Depending on your chosen activity, your fat should be converting into muscle. This is a much denser tissue than fat, forming the toned appearance of your body. Weight for weight, fat and muscle may be equal but on appearance, the fat will be a much larger mass. This is why athletes such as power lifters and boxers, often weigh more than clinically obese people, but their body shape is entirely different.

This is a key thing to remember before beginning your training regime. Don’t focus on the scales, instead have a realistic image in your head of what you want your figure to look like. So in order to steer you away from the scales, here are some helpful suggestions on how to measure your progress;

1. Take a before and after picture – it is difficult to notice the changes your body has made when you see yourself on a daily basis. Taking a photo of yourself before you embark on your journey and then at regular intervals during your training, will help you to see your progress.
2. Take body measurements – Measure key areas where fat likes to deposit; around your waist, hips, arms and legs. As your muscles begin to tone and fat disappears, these measurements will become just a fraction of what they used to be.