Day #1 is just around the corner! So far we’ve covered goals, exercise, diet and equipment and encouraged you to plan this out, gather supplies/resources/tools and have everything in place so that the official Day #1 is a success and you are not already behind on diet and exercise. Its so easy to find an easy excuse to not exercise or eat right that day – but we’re trying to encourage you now to get ready to keep that from being you. 🙂 And no matter how prepared you are (or not) lets not let your current preparation level be an obstacle or stopping point.
And as we start we want to encourage you on something that I missed when I started this challenge. Its something I look back upon and really wish I had established before starting. I did make sure to weight myself at the very start but I wish I had measured to know just how many inches I have lost so far in my challenge.
Why Its Important
You’re going to find that some weeks are better than others as we move forward together. And there will be weeks where you might be a bit frustrated because you feel you should have lost more weight because you’re feeling better and your clothes are getting looser. But don’t forget, while you are losing fat you are also building muscle – even if you’re not trying – because your exercises are waking up those muscles that haven’t been exerted for a while (at least as strenuously) and they are going to get fit!
And there’s one thing we all know: muscle is denser and weights more than fat.
So even if you don’t see as much progress on the scale, if you’re seeing progress in your measurements you are going to be more encouraged throughout this challenge. And not only then, but its important to know what is working and what isn’t.
Let’s Do It
We are going to have a weekly weigh-in and share our progress here and/or on the Facebook group (no fear – we’re only talking pounds and inches lost :-))!
As we go its important that you follow some simple guidelines so that you can obtain accurate weight and inches tracking.
First, here’s some tips when it comes to weighing:
- Don’t weigh everyday as your weight will fluctuate up and down slightly each day based on water and many other factors. A once a week weigh-in is going to be the most consistent form of tracking.
- Wear the same weight of clothing each time – or do what we do, weigh right before the shower as that seems to be the most “natural” time to do it. 🙂
- Weigh at the same time everyday – in fact, the morning is best after a full night of sleep as it seems to be the “lightest” part of the day for us!
- Keep the scale on a flat surface – preferably a non-carpet/rug surface.
Second, let’s talk about measuring! This takes a bit more effort as there is a specific technique to measuring correctly as well. Let me share a few tips on measuring and then direct you to sites that will show the areas to measure.
- Wear the same consistent clothing each time – at least with about the same thickness, or do it without anything.
- Measure in the exact same place each time and at the widest point for each part (see the links below for the specifics).
- Measure in front of a mirror so you can be sure you are not twisting the tape or measuring with it at an angle at any point (as this will “add” inches)
- Use the same tightness – but do not pull tight. Just wrap around comfortably. If you “pull” it tight, your measurements will not be accurate or consistent with other days you measured.
- Be consistent in how you do it – even if you break every rule we just listed as long as you do it consistently the same every time you measure you’ll be able to watch your progress.
Okay, so I want to also direct you to a few websites that show examples of a proper measuring technique.
Can you believe that we’re getting going on this challenge? The next time you hear from us will be Day #1 – the first day of the rest of your life of fitness and health!
Need to catch up? Come join us on this challenge from the very beginning by clicking on the 90-Day Fitness and Health Challenge and sign up to start receiving your automated challenge from the very beginning!
One final thing…we also have a private Facebook Group where you can engage in discussions, receive encouragement and talk to others that are participating in this challenge for more ideas! Head to the Fitness and Health Challenge with The Thrifty Couple Facebook Page HERE and ask to join us there! You can also invite friends and spouses too!
Disclaimer: We are not licensed health professionals. We are only a couple that are excited to offer you a place where you can find encouragement and resources to help you in your quest for health, weight loss and fitness. Any tips we share should not be construed as medical advice but is only there to let you know of other options for your health. If you have questions or before starting any weight loss or fitness challenge please make sure to talk to your doctor.
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