After embarking on a weight loss program, most people are usually very keen to monitor their progress. The most common way of tracking weight change is by using a scale. However, the use of scale has its disadvantages and, as such, relying on it alone is not a very good idea. For example, changes could have occurred in the body during the weight loss or keep fit program that the scale may not capture, such as variations in body water weight and lean muscle growth. Therefore, the best approach is to adopt other all-encompassing approaches instead of relying solely on scales.
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So, what are some methods that you can use to track your progress while working out that avoid relying on scales? Read on for a look at some of the options that are available.
Use photos to capture your progress
You may have come across the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of people’s success on on social media, and often you can agree that they show a difference. Photographs are a simple but very effective means of tracking your progress. The beauty of using photos that it is not only fun but also gives you motivation. You should pay attention to areas such as the thighs, arms and the belly. Photos work especially well to track the progress of a weight loss program.
Evaluate how you feel in your clothes
You may use any piece of clothing to analyse your progress, be it a shirt, a pair of jeans or even a pair of shorts. Choose clothes that fit you correctly at the start of your weight loss journey. Focus on critical areas such as the waist, hips and arms. For some people, the widening of the gap between the clothes and the skin over the weeks keeps them motivated to continue .
Check your fitness levels
You can test how well you can lift weights or do workout repetitions such push-ups. Similarly, the improvement in speed while running is a good measure of progress. Assessing your exercises can give you an indication of the extent to which you are progressing in your fitness regime. Getting faster or doing workouts you could not do previously is a great indication of progress.
Use a tape measure
A tape measure is an accurate tool to measure how much your body is slimming down or bulking up. Some common areas that you can measure include the waist, thighs, biceps, and chest. In checking the over a time period, you will be able to see the change.
Test your body fat
There are several methods for testing body fat. For example, a body scan can give information on your body fat percentage. You can also use fat clippers. Employ the ‘pinch and pull’ method to get your measurements. This will give you an idea of the fat levels in your body .
Conclusion
It is, therefore, totally possible to track progress without using scales, not only for weight loss enthusiasts but also for bodybuilders. However, it’s important to ensure the method you use is accurate to avoid being misinformed.