We tend to measure everything. How high is that building? How far to the mall? How much does it cost compared to something else? How tall are you? What’s your shoe size? Waist size? Hips?
So much of our world is measured, and I think that we should be measuring things too. As we work towards regaining a healthy body I think it’s really important to take measure of several things:
♦Where we started
♦Where we are now
♦Where we would like to be
Measurements tend to be concrete, but quickly change. Sure your height won’t change (unless you start shrinking) but your weight certainly changes. And as your weight changes, your measurements change. Sometimes they change up, up, up as weight is gained, but for you on this journey, many of your measurements will be shifting down, down, down.
I understand that most of us don’t like to pull the tape measure out and wrap it around ourselves, but it is a really important step in analyzing what lies before you in your journey to get fit.
When I was obese, my waist was in the 50’s, my hips were in the 60’s and I’m not talking about the era! That was 50+ and 60+ inches. When I first got serious about my weight loss back in 1997, I reluctantly pulled out the tape measure from my sewing basket. I actually had to talk myself into wrapping that thing around my huge self. It was shocking to me when I realized that my 60″ tape measure wouldn’t quite go around my hips. I had to get a string and then measure the string to see exactly how big around I was. It wasn’t a good feeling to realize that at 69.5″ tall, I was almost as big around as I was tall. But the tape measure didn’t lie – there it was. I wrote down those measurements and hid them in my dresser drawer. I hid them because I knew I didn’t want my husband to see those shocking numbers. Looking back I don’t know why I cared, since he saw me everyday, but measurements seemed secret.
As I lost weight, and began to see my body shrink, I would occasionally take stock of where I was by using the tape measure. Sometimes, when my weight loss hit a plateau it was encouraging to look at the first numbers hidden in my dresser drawer and compare them to the numbers I was seeing. It helped me get through the plateau to have a concrete measurement of where I had been, and where I was right then. It gave me encouragement that things were moving in the right direction even if the scale seemed to be stuck.
If you haven’t already, would encourage you to dig your tape measure out of the drawer and use it. Write all your measurements down. Make sure you include measurements other than just hips and waist; such as chest, arm and upper thigh, calf, wrist, and anything else you can think of measuring. As you lose weight, everything will change and it is fun to see how different your measurements will become. When I reached my goal I found that my waist size had shrunk to a 28.5″ and my hips to a 38.5″. Even now it’s still surprising how much our bodies can shrink when we start eating right, exercising, and taking care of ourselves.
My husband always used to ask me after I lost 158 pounds – “Where did it all go Diane? What happened to it all?” I used to shrug my shoulders and say, “I don’t know.” But one thing I do know – I’m glad it’s gone and doubly glad it hasn’t returned!!
So are you a taker of measurements? Or have you not measured in a while? What are your thoughts on taking measurements? Diane
I’m just an eyeball measurer, taking estimated measurements with my eyeballs because I have no equipment (like tape measurer) to do otherwise. Which is a good thing, because I’d probably be obsessive about it.
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..Evil Tree Babies Stump Innocent Exerciser
even when I was working to lose weight I never measured.
Now that I look back I think it was because I had an ideal in my head (HELLO LINDA HAMILTON T2! Greetings Cory Everson) and knew that they might weigh MORE but they looked…badass
MizFit´s last blog ..MizFit running update.n
Love the new header
It’s SO funny that you wrote this..I took my measurements today..cause I want to be accountable for getting MORE FIT (NOT THIN)!!!!
You continue to make my heart smile
Michelle@Eatingjourney´s last blog ..Week 7 TM: A Meltdown
Foodwise, I measure everything with a scale or measuring cups. Body wise I measure once a week. Current thinking amongst the medical community is that the waist measurement gives a more accurate assessment to overall health than the scale does ( though both measurements are important). Scales can fluctuate for many reasons , but a measurement of chest, waist, hips, thighs , arms and neck can five you a more accurate assessment of your progress. Same is true with clothing- you can have the scale number remain the same and yet lose an entire clothing size.
Diane´s last blog ..Happy, happy, joy ,joy
I measure once in a blue moon only because it’s a tool my online personal trainer uses to gauge progress. I like this method better than the ole scale, I must admit! But my favorite methods of measurements are the mirror and how my clothes fit!
Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..Veg Out with C&J Nutrition
I measure and wish I measured more! I have occasional numbers from over the years (tracked on fitday) and it helps to go back and see how my size changed. Now, while dieting, I weigh daily and measure monthly. I only do the hourglass… chest, waist, hips and wish I had done arms and legs too.
WaistingTime´s last blog ..The Oddity of Passing Time
Thanks for writing this. I haven’t taken my measurments in a long time a gentle nudge was needed. I’ll take them before I workout this morning.
I think that is going to be on my To do list today.
Carly´s last blog ..Weekend Wrap-Up Bullet Style
I did have measurements from the start. Not because I thought to take them, but because I was at Curves at the time and they took them.
I recently (at goal) went back to Curves and had the same lady (who had taken my measurements the first time, five years ago) retake them.
And it was a very nice little moment.
And my most interesting ‘fact’ was that I had lost slightly more in inches from around my upper arms than I had my thighs.
And my waist started as my biggest number (out of bust, hips, abdomen, waist) and is now my smallest.
vickie´s last blog ..Protein – Greek Yogurt – The Why
I regret not measuring when I first started…but did after losing a few kilo’s so have that – and try get to gym to measure once a month or so…love seeing how it came down…now its stable.
Marcelle´s last blog ..Dinner with South African.
Diane, I think this is a great means for people to see that they are making progress! Especially because your inches can shrink even if the scale does not & I know about that with my weight lifting!
I don’t measure now but every so often, out of curiosity, I do & it makes me feel good because I am smaller now then I was even in my 20’s after I lost weight. It is all how you put it together. The weights have helped my tighten up & reduce a few more inches all over.
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I measured myself at one time, but haven’t for awhile. I haven’t really wanted to weigh myself, b/c I think that I’ve gained some, but I’m trying to get back on track. The measuring might show more growth!
Thanks to your post, I realized that I haven’t measured since last Feb! I think I’ll do it this week!
Love your new header, Diane!
Marisa (Loser For Life)´s last blog ..A Plan For Life
I didn’t do this before I lost weight and really really wish I had.
Melissa´s last blog ..Changes and Planning Ahead
It didn’t occur to me to take measurements until about 6 weeks into my weight loss journey, so I don’t have true starting measurements, but I think my waist was probably close to 50 inches. It’s so fun to see the numbers shrink! I got so excited when I had to take a link out of my watch because my wrist had gotten smaller. And now I’m wearing my wedding rings in a smaller size.
erin´s last blog ..Bring on the NSVs!
*It wasn’t a good feeling to realize that at 69.5″ tall, I was almost as big around as I was tall*
OMG me toooooo! But I never realised it til this very moment when I read your post. Fills me with horror!!!
zaababy´s last blog ..Day 253–Ice Ice Baby, Weigh Day, and Life in General
I was at a conference for lung specialists and a doctor gave a very enlightening talk on weight management. One of things that he mentioned was that although weight loss is an important goal, loss of inches is actually also an excellent measurement of health status. If you find yourself losing inches but not pounds, you’re still on the right track. The weight stability might be related to gaining muscle while still losing fat.
P.S. I made the soup. It was amazing, but WAAAAY too much for a family of four. We could probably get three suppers out of it. Can I freeze it?
NewMe´s last blog ..Thirst
I used to measure this and that years ago, but somewhere along the way, I just went with performance and strength. I guess I’m lucky because all of the clothes in my closet fit, though some of the styles have yet to come back in style
I used to measure everything. I even measured both sides because my left leg is 1 1/2 inches larger around than my right. (Some “kind” person pointed that out to me, “Hey, your left leg is bigger than your right!”)
I only measure the waist now, but I like what you said about how measurements are helpful during plateaus.
Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..Binger Confessions
I usually take measurements once a month
suzanne´s last blog ..Another award
I don’t have a tape measure but I try to get on the scale once a week to see where I am!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner´s last blog ..Feelin’ Cheesy
I’m not a frequent user of the tape measure but when I tell others that I’m not losing weight, I often get advice (from people who are not attempting to lose anything) that I need to get out the tape measure because my face is smaller etc…
‘Drea´s last blog ..The Climber’s Situation
when I was trying to lose weight and getinto bette shape and health I did use the tape measure once a week… I don’t think the numberon the scale should be the focus the inches are just as important.
Gelareh @ Orange Truffle´s last blog ..Cycling Saturday & Pancake Sunday
I think measuring yourself is a good idea. It can be especially helpful when the scale is “stuck” but you may still be “shrinking.” I just think it’s important not to become obsessed with it. These days I don’t measure myself that much anymore, but I have a pair of pants I use to keep track of my measurements!
I am a measurer! I actually just took my very first measurements at the beginning of January (even though I had already lost 20lbs) and I’m going to re-measure every month and I already can’t wait for Feb 1st!
I think measuring is a great source of motivation when it seems like the scale won’t move! We need as many ways to measure success as possible and it doesn’t get any more accurate than measurements!
Good post!
Tiffany´s last blog ..Day #17 & #18: Lessons from Fasting
I’ll be honest – I am afraid to measure. Not that ignorance changes anything, but I think the shock of knowing would be too horrible.
Stacy @ Moderate Means´s last blog ..Food, food, food, food, party, clean
When I started working with my trainer, he took my measurements at the initial assessment. I was a little surprised that the numbers were not what I thought they were. Since I started training (about 10 weeks ago) I’ve lost 2 inches from my waist and an inch from each thigh. The measuring tape is my new BFF.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..What’s On Your I-Pod?
Although it took me a good few weeks of weight loss before I dared actually commit my scary numbers to paper, I started off by measuring… and whimpering quietly to myself.
Then I measured at the beginning of each month (doing bust, waist, hips, biggest bit of belly [!], thighs, upper arm and calf). At that point I didn’t actually own a bathroom scales – too afraid to!
I really think it was a useful thing to do and it was great to be able to track back over time and ’see’ the progress. I even drew myself a pretty chart at one point (OMG, obsessive or what?).
Now I just measure occasionally (just done so at the start of this new year) and mostly go by how clothes fit.
But I do have a bathroom scales these days, and can’t quite cut down on how often I hop on. I guess I’ve just shifted obsessions
Deniz´s last blog ..What did you really hate?
I never really measured. I weigh occasionally (as in few times a year … I have a complex with the scale!) and go by how my clothes fit. Maybe I should take my measurements. Good post!
Ashley´s last blog ..Random eats
I think measurements can be helpful, but like anything, it’s important not to get obsessive over the numbers. They should act as a guide and a support to what you’re already seeing and feeling in your own body.
BODA weight loss
I used to measure but haven’t. I should go give it a go again.
I have never measured.
I wouldn’t know what those numbers even mean. I do occasionally weigh myself and find it hard not to get upset with small changes either way. I am not a number. (Repeat to self multiple times!)
I go more by how my clothes fit and I know if I have been eating healthy and wise vs. too many splurges! I really know what I am eating everyday, good food or, as we say in our household, “Fun” foods.
Mia
I used to measure, but now I just check against how loose my clothes are/are not fitting. I think it’s good when I’m doing all the right things but not losing weight on the scale…
Mackattack (Beth)´s last blog ..Blogger Bake Sale for Haiti
Love the new header!
Yup, I’m a measurer. It just always made more sense to me that if I wanted to get smaller, then a tape measure would be a better indicator of that than a scale. I still measure maybe once a month as a way to ensure I’m still maintaining. But I can tell when I’m eating too much and feel that extra inch around my waist. The only downside to it is that I’m not always certain I’m measuring the same exact spot every time, there’s a lot of room for human error there.
Susan´s last blog ..Made At Home
First off – I really like your new blog header and setup!!!!!!
Secondly, I haven’t taken measurements at all, but maybe I should. I did take a picture of myself in my tight shorts and sports bra that I printed out and then deleted from my camera and computer. I printed it on paper and wrote on it “NEVER AGAIN”… to show me exactly what I looked like when I started. Only my husband has seen those photos. I don’t want to make anyone ill with those photos, but they will be there to remind me.
Leah´s last blog ..I Take It Back
I take my measurements monthly at the gym. My trainer does them for me, and he is stern about me NOT doing them at home. He knows how I can be obsessive (like with my scale) and I’ve learned to put the tape measure down. I do track my monthly measurements in an Excel spreadsheet, but I have trained myself to only look at it before going into my measurement session. The tape measure is hidden in a drawer, and I honestly don’t know where it is!
Erin´s last blog ..Weigh-In THURSDAY
I’m an OCD Virgo: of course I measure. LOL Measurements are part of my weekly weigh-in routine; it’s not just the numbers on the scale I track.
Sunny´s last blog ..:: sigh ::
I measured because I plateaued, but I knew my body had to be changing. I was shocked at how my body would shrink when only a couple pounds would have gone in a month. I believe strongly in measurements, as we get so focused on the weight number that we ignore the 3-D part of the picture
Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Red Beans and Rice
I started taking measurements after 20 lbs lost. I really wish I would have taken them when I first started, but I think I was in denial and didn’t want to know what they actually were. Very important though!
Alissa´s last blog ..The Weekly 5
I wished I had measured when I first started WW but I didn’t. Now I go by how my clothes fit. I have a pile that are too big, nice feeling.
cindy´s last blog ..I’M BACK
I am not one to measure myself. Yet. However, last week I had my husband measure me so that I could enter myself in a losing-weight competition. I was astounded by the measurements. Though I don’t have any before comparisons. More motivation to keep moving forward though.
So after that I decided to keep on measuring myself every week. It’s important and I want to see the difference.
Great post!
~Kellie
The Chubby Girl Diaries´s last blog ..Monday’s Update ~ 1
I am not now, but i hope to be…
Lisa´s last blog ..Sick and tired!
I haven’t been brave enough to get out the tape measure! At 5′5″ and 347 pounds it probably wouldn’t have gone around my hips either! I wish I had taken measurements before I started losing weight. I will have to take them now so I can keep up with my progress!
As always, thanks for the great post!
I take measurments once a month. I read more into those numbers than I do the scale. And when I don’t like what the scale says, I always have those numbers to go. Great post Diane!!
Brenda´s last blog ..It’s all in the shoe
I used to measure every six weeks or so when I worked with trainers, but I don’t anymore. Now I just use my clothing and how I feel about my body as my measurements. When I was in my losing phase and not losing weight as quickly as I felt I should, I still had those measurements to reassure me that I was making progress.
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Practice, Practice, Practice
I love the new look, Diane!
I am totally a measurer, about every ten pounds or three months I write down my basic measurements, and have seen BIG changes on some of them. It is really motivating to me to realize I am actually taking up less space in the world these days, and I wonder what measurements I will get down to? Ideally i’d like to get my waist circumference below 30, as that is supposed to be a great indicator of overall health in a female, but every inch less than what I was before is a boon to my health and good news to me.
Taryl´s last blog ..Good to see you, too!
Great advice on measuring! I measure, but only every 4-8 weeks, especially if I increase lifting in my routine. Love the new look, Diane! Have a great week!
Nicole´s last blog ..Entrees and 18 Rabbits WINNERS!
I don’t measure… I usually just go by how my pants are fitting. But I think I want to start measuring. I think it would be better motivation when I see numbers on a paper.
She-Fit´s last blog ..Cheesecake Factory Portion Sizes
Haven’t done it in a while, but I’m not one who takes measurements constantly. I’ll do it every few months, and I like seeing how the measurements go down. It’s pretty cool.
Mary :: A Merry Life´s last blog ..Thoughts From A Beach Trip
I think taking measurements is crucial for encouragement when the scale doesn’t budge. I don’t do it too often, just every once in a while.
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