Inches versus pounds

[ghelen]

I know that we should be taking our measurements as well as weighing ourselves but here's what concerns me; and i think everyone knows what I am talking about. A scale is a mecahnical thing that simply doesn't lie. I know that weight can flucuate for various reasons and I certainly don't think anyone should be a slave to it because that's just asking for trouble. However, don't you think when taking measurements it's easy to cheat a little? . I mean, how can you be sure that you aren't pulling the tape measure just a little harder this time than you were last time. Do you know what I mean? How can you ever be 100% sure that you are as accurate as possible? It just seems that with a scale-once a week at the most would be more accurate. Or maybe just choosing one pair of pants or shirt that doesn't quite fit and going from there? I just have a hard time with taking measurements because I'm not sure we can be as accurate as we hope.

[msnicksmom]

OK. Use a piece of clothing Or 2 actually, one top and one bottom. Works great. Tells the big picture

[Lyssie]

I don't think I could squeeze 3 inches off my bust, waist and abdomen, 2 inches off my hips and arm, and 1 inch off my thigh, knee and calf in 2 months just by pulling a little tighter on a tape measure. knees are hard to measure. Then again, I use the scale once a week, measuring myself once a week and trying on this pair of pants I want to fit back into once a week. It would be easier if they didn't have a velcro closure, I could totally be wearing them now which is huge progress from the 2 months ago when I couldn't get them pulled on. It's another tool to mark progress. Who really can track losing inches off ankles, necks and knees just by wearing clothes?

[G-Mom]

I have trouble getting just the right place to measure on my abdominal area (not my waist but below).

This is the reason why it is a good idea to just put the measuring tape and scale in locked vault that automatically opens once per month.

If you are doing everything right and exercising, there is a VERY good chance you will have unmistakable losses once per month.

[Mothercooter]

I too am having a hard time getting accurate measurements. My waist is under 5 layers of fat and I have no clue where it is. If I go by the place that comes into the smallest its way up by my bust! I cant find my waist, haha so everytime I measure I just try and do it the same place cause I kept getting different measurements everytime id measure, even in the same day. I decided to go right across my belly button (feeling for it I think that is where my natural waist is.

theighs and hips can be hard too because again if you dont measure in the exact same spot (the widest spot) you can get different measurements. I knew I was messing up when my measurements went up instead of down. You have to make sure you are getting the widest part everytime. Kinda hard to do with hips and such for me anyway.

so, I just dont measure that often. Once a week (and thats only cause the measuring tape was right out in plain sight, but i have put it up now and dont care about measuring anymore right now. I have been using a pair of jeans to measure my loss. Working way better. The jeans wont lie. They will either go over my butt or not, haha!

[not2late]

The scale only measures weight. If you lose a pound of fat and gain a pound of muscle, the scale will show no change. If you are having your TOM and retain 3 pounds of water, the scale will show you gained 3 pounds, but it won't tell you it's water or fat or muscle.

The trick about measuring is to be as consistent as possible. Look for 'landmarks' on your body. For example, your belly button or a mole/birthmark and use those landmarks. As for how tight you pull the tape, again, try to be consistent with that by trying to remember how snuggly you are holding the tape. If you absolutely cannot remember, then take 3 or four measurements in a row---apply the tape measure, read the measurement, jot it on paper, loosen the tape measure, apply it again and read the measurement. Then take an average of those measurements. That will give you a relatively better idea of what the measurement is.

If you choose to use clothing as a measurement, make sure it's not made of stretchy material, like jersey or knit, because these materials will conform to your body as you decrease in size. Use something with little stretch like linen, cotton broadcloth or silk.

[Hudson]

My experiance was that the same thing that happens to the scale could happen to the tape. I could lose weight while staying the same on inches. The measuring was not much help to me so I gave it up. But the informal - how my clothes fit - is a good encouragement. Once a month on the scale is a good idea. Or once a week with a "no big deal if I gained a pound" attitude.

[G-Mom]

Also, in my experience, either the measuring tape shows progress OR the scale. They are rarely in sync with one another. However, the one that is behind will catch up!