How to take body measurements?

[iTrain]

What are some of your recommendations to measure your body?

I recently measured myself only to find out that most measurements have stayed the same with a couple of them getting smaller! I have been on th 5x5 for over 10 weeks now, and I feel that i have gained some muscle, but my measurements don't show it.

Maybe I should get someone at the gym to do it for me? You can view my measurements here: http://tinyurl.com/37qwsr and my pics in my signature below.

[Doo]

Your measurements have the same date. I assume the set of data in the rightmost column is more recent. My first thought would be that you have lost fat. Fat takes up more room than muscle so it is possible for fat loss with an equal amount of muscle gain (net weight loss of 0). However, it looks like you gained bodyfat.

Also, several measurements should be taken for each area and then averaged. I would also record these averages over several days. You could easily have a measurement error equal to a mm or two related to the reading of the tape. You can have measurement error related to not measuring in the same place as the time before. You could have water retention that plays a part.

There are web sites where you can find instructions for measuring body. Just google "body measurements".

[iTrain]

Yeah, I think you are right Doo. I must take averages. But I still feel like I should get someone else to do it, As I feel I am flexing or not standing naturally because of having to bend over to measure thighs, chest, etc.

[Doo]

Yes, having someone else do it should be more accurate. The technique for measuring body fat with calipers is trickier than other measurements so you should be able to get better results with someone else measure that.

[TheBrad]

Also, make sure to take your measurements at the same time of the day. Your measurements will vary depending on how much you eat, how much water you have, salinity, time of day, etc so make sure the conditions are the same whenever you measure yourself. First thing Monday morning on awaking up worked for me.

IMO though, all BF measurements should be taken with a grain of salt. The mirror or weekly photos taken under the same condition are the best gauge of progress.

[iTrain]

thanks brad. Unfortunately the pictures I have taken are not telling me much. You can see for yourself from the link in my signature.