7 Ways to Monitor Progress (On A Fitness Journey)
I recommend using non-scalar methods of monitoring your progress. In my opinion, this is ideal because progress may not always be reflected in decreasing/increasing numbers on a scale, but in a variety of other ways.
1. Monthly Pictures
Taking photos periodically and comparing them side-by-side is one means of following your progress along your journey. In my experience, photos helped me notice progress that went unnoticed.
Keep a photo journey. Seeing those small changes that may have went unnoticed helps keep you motivated. In the end, those small changes add up, and it is rewarding to be able to see how far you have come.
*TIP: I recommend taking pictures maybe once a month. Refrain from becoming obsessive. Allow time for progress to be made; nothing happens overnight, but it surely happens. Also, it is good to have a standard outfit in which you take all of your progress pictures. Using a standard outfit ensures that any difference seen is due to a change in your body and not a change due to a change in clothing/fit. For example, you can use a specific bikini in all progress pictures.
2. Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage is a more accurate means of measuring progress than weight. Muscle is 3 times as dense as fat. Therefore, if you build muscle and lose fat, your progress may not necessarily be reflected in decreasing numbers on a scale...but it is PROGRESS all the same right? Right.
3. Measuring Tapes
Measuring tapes help you to track stats such as arm girth, stomach girth etc. As long as you don't get obsessive, this is also a good tool to track progress. All things within balance serve to be beneficial.
4. Rep Count
You were able to do one more rep than usual? You go girl! That. Is. Progress.
5. Endurance
You were able to run a little longer than usual? That's a huge feat!
6. Will-Power
You were able to confidently say no to that candy bar that your friend offered you? That's huge. Do you remember when you couldn't do that?
7. Confidence
You're even just a little more confident in who you are and what you can achieve. That is THE greatest progress of all.
Remember the "small" things that we take for granted, because they really are the biggest things when you look back on how far you've come and can still go your journey.
NB: I strongly advise that you don't get obsessed with weight on this journey. It's much much more than that. Be wary of ever beginning to assess your self-value upon the basis of numbers on a scale. Don't do it!
Any questions? Feel free to hit the "Feel Free to Ask" tab. xo