By RMHP
Fitness tracking might sound like a hassle, but it is the best way to make sure you crush every single fitness goal you set. If you are curious about tracking your fitness, keep reading to learn more. Even if you are currently tracking, you might discover a new way to measure your accomplishments!
If your goal is weight loss, you will undoubtedly need to weigh yourself during your fitness journey. However, it is important to remember that the number on a scale isn’t the be-all, end-all factor that determines fitness success. For example, if you’ve gained muscle, your weight could increase.
Taking progress photos is an amazing way to see your hard work paying off. Oftentimes, people don’t notice how far they’ve truly come until they see before and after pictures.
Take several photos from difficult angles, including your front, back, and side. You should also wear the same underwear/bathing suit in each set of photos, against the same background, and in the same light. Keeping these factors consistent will provide a more accurate view of your progress.
iPhone users can also download the Fit-Stitch Progress Tracker to keep photos organized.
Like weighing yourself on a scale and taking progress photos, this type of progress tracking also requires consistency. If you don’t know how to take your own measurements, this is the guide you need: How to Properly Take Body Measurements During Weight Loss.
Using a dedicated app for fitness is another stress-free way to to track progress, and there are tons to choose from — just have a look at Active.com’s list of the 18 best health and fitness apps of 2018.
If you have a dedicated fitness tracker or smartwatch, tracking is even easier.
From your weight and body measurements to your exact workouts, writing everything down is a must-do when tracking fitness. Here are some of the things you should consider keeping track of, depending on your personal goals:
Note that every person’s fitness journey is different, which will impact what you write down. If you’re concerned about gaining strength or becoming a faster runner, tracking weight and BMI may not be as important.
You can use a fitness app, a note app on your smartphone, a document or spreadsheet on your computer, or old-fashioned pen and paper.
The tools you use don’t matter, but getting into the habit of writing it all down does. When you go back and look at the data you’ve collected, you’ll have a comprehensive snapshot of how far you’ve come since day one.