6.1 - Scales & Weight Loss

The scales can be a great tool to use to determine overall weight loss but they can also be very negative for peoples mindsets if they don’t show people what they want to see. The scales can’t analyse our body compositions (muscle to fat radio) so although the scales might not move in the right direction it does not mean we are not making progress.

6.2 - Body Measurements

Taking body measurements is a great tool to help us track progress. By taking body measurements in the same positions on a monthly basis can be a great way to see if we are adding muscle or losing fat or both. This can be a great tool to use along side the other methods that I am talking about. If the scales aren’t moving but your body measurements are improving then you know you are still making progress.

6.3 - Pictures, Mirrors & Mood

Pictures, mirrors & mood can be some of the best indications that you are making progress. If you take a picture of yourself when you started and then where you are months down the line, this hopefully will be a positive reminder of the hard work and progress you are making. If you are looking in the mirror or back on previous pictures and seeing great progress you can be happy and proud of how far you have come and the chances are that will have positive effects on your mood too.

6.4 - Improving Performance

Keeping track of our physical performance the one of the best ways to know that we are making good progress. This can be measured across multiple performance based goals, from getting stronger, building muscle or cardiovascular. If we are keeping an accurate training log and are always improving in one of these aspects then we will always be making progress.

6.5 - It’s A Marathon, Not A Sprint

It’s important to understand that it will take time to build a good level of strength, muscle or cardiovascular fitness. If you have the understanding that it is a long term lifestyle change then you will not be mislead by everything you see online. It is a marathon not a sprint, work on making new small positive changes and your better habits and lifestyle will start to form.

6.6 - Tracking Progress Summary

Here are my take home points and aspects I want you to focus on within this section in order to keep you progressing.

Tracking Progress Top Tips

• Track your progress in a variety of ways to create a more accurate way of checking your progress. E.g. body weight, body measurements, progress pictures, mirrors, mood, how clothes feel and training performance.

• If you are making progress in any of these methods above then you are making progress! The scales going down isn't the only way to make progress so remember that the next time you get on the scales.

• Come to the understanding that progress will take time and it's perfectly normal for progress to stall at times. So when it does plateau for a while that is then the time to re think, adjust and try something new.

• Be proud of what progress you have been making and don't put yourself down for maybe not making as much progress as you would have liked. All progress is good progress.

Thank You

I hope you have enjoyed this series of informative videos and I hope these videos really held value and helped you see what is realistic and how change occurs. Hopefully some of these videos have made you think about some of the small positive changes you can start implementing into your lifestyle, no matter how small. Even the smallest of changes will benefit you and ultimately start leading you into a healthier lifestyle one step at a time. I want nothing more than to help you start to turn you lifestyle around. As always I will aim to improve and keep adding to the site as time goes on. If you need any further support you can contact me and I will be happy to help you. Just send me an email at: benblake@bbfitness.co.uk

Best of luck on your journey & take care, Ben.

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