Phone: 516-855-7348 | Email: info@raddcrossfitnsli.com
Have you been eating well, working out regularly and staying consistent? Then you step on the scale and are met with disappointment when the number glaring back at you pops up. Don’t panic! The number on the scale doesn’t lie, but it also doesn’t tell the entire truth. What’s missing is that it doesn’t tell you if you’ve lost fat, gained muscle or are retaining water.
Even though you see your reflection in the mirror every day, it’s difficult to actually notice if you’re making progress. A better way to monitor your improvement is to take progress photos.
Follow these tips and you’ll produce pictures that help you stay on track, monitor your progress effectively to help reach your fitness goals.
To compare the changes, you’ll need to see the changes. It’s impossible to do this if you’re wearing a baggy t-shirt or shorts. Form-fitting activewear is best. Your stomach area should be visible, as this is a great indicator of weight loss and or muscle gain.
If you can’t wear the same outfit, at least wear something similar every time you take your picture. If you’re proud of your progress, you might want to show others, so we encourage you to avoid posing in your underwear.
Make sure there is no clutter, patterns, bright colors or distracting objects in the background. Also, use the same spot for each time you take your progress shots.
No mirror selfies. If you find this challenging, ask someone you feel comfortable with to take your photo or use a timer function. Make sure to position your body straight and center to fill the frame.
To understand the full scope of how your body is changing, it’s important to capture your front, side, and back. For consistency, always choose the same side each time.
Try to take your photo in natural daylight. If that isn’t possible, ensure that your room is well lit and there is as much light as possible.
Stand up straight, with your shoulders back and down and arms relaxed at your sides. Recreate the same pose each time.
It’s important to take your photos once every 4 weeks and schedule it on the same day each month.
Clear, well-captured progress photos will really help you see just how far you’ve come and will propel you even further to reach your fitness and nutrition goals.