Way of keeping track of weight & build?

[da_murphster]

I have decided I need to ensure I fight off that middle age paunch and would like a way of 'checking up' on myself.

Was considering doing a basic record of measurements, weight and fat % every month or so so I can see how I am doing.

Tried a google search for something already put togther but to no avail.

Any recommendations?

Was thinking:

Weight
% bodyfat (from cheap scales - that OK?)
Shoulder measurement
waist measurement
maybe arms and legs?

I lead a healthish but very random lifestyle and basically want to avoid that surprise when you realise one day your fat!

I have no idea if I am fatter/thinner that I was 6 months ago.

Very aware that me being lighter does not necessarily mean I am not fatter (I put on weight round my waist and ass) so wanted to go a step further than basic weight.

Also want to keep track of the g/f - so I can employ the 'you pork, I walk' if needed......

[Morba]

Would you seriously drop the misses if she put weight on? Heard it said on many forums and find it extremely odd.

Anyway, the only stat that you have listed that i would be cautious about would bt the bf% from the scales. Most of these scales are completely off, however if they are consistent then at least you can use it to tell if you are gaining or losing.

[da_murphster]

Morba said:

Would you seriously drop the misses if she put weight on? Heard it said on many forums and find it extremely odd.

Anyway, the only stat that you have listed that i would be cautious about would bt the bf% from the scales. Most of these scales are completely off, however if they are consistent then at least you can use it to tell if you are gaining or losing.

Wouldn't ditch her but would still like it if she kept fit and healthy!

Anything else I should be measuring? Any clever spreadsheets already out there?

[mcelliott]

da_murphster said:

I have decided I need to ensure I fight off that middle age paunch and would like a way of 'checking up' on myself.

Was considering doing a basic record of measurements, weight and fat % every month or so so I can see how I am doing.

Tried a google search for something already put togther but to no avail.

Any recommendations?

Was thinking:

Weight
% bodyfat (from cheap scales - that OK?)
Shoulder measurement
waist measurement
maybe arms and legs?

I lead a healthish but very random lifestyle and basically want to avoid that surprise when you realise one day your fat!

I have no idea if I am fatter/thinner that I was 6 months ago.

Very aware that me being lighter does not necessarily mean I am not fatter (I put on weight round my waist and ass) so wanted to go a step further than basic weight.

Also want to keep track of the g/f - so I can employ the 'you pork, I walk' if needed......

Quick bit of advice, don't get caught up in the body fat/measurement bs. Just look in the mirror, it never lies.

[MacGee]

I was at a fair once --- and the mirror there made me look 10 feet tall...

[da_murphster]

mcelliott said:

Quick bit of advice, don't get caught up in the body fat/measurement bs. Just look in the mirror, it never lies.

What I'm after is a way of 'keeping track' of myself.

I suppose I could take a monthly photo or something - my weight tends to go up and down (with my random lifestyle) so I can never remember how good/bad I have been!

[Fatman2]

da_murphster said:

I have decided I need to ensure I fight off that middle age paunch and would like a way of 'checking up' on myself.

Was considering doing a basic record of measurements, weight and fat % every month or so so I can see how I am doing.

Tried a google search for something already put togther but to no avail.

Any recommendations?

Was thinking:

Weight
% bodyfat (from cheap scales - that OK?)
Shoulder measurement
waist measurement
maybe arms and legs?

I lead a healthish but very random lifestyle and basically want to avoid that surprise when you realise one day your fat!

I have no idea if I am fatter/thinner that I was 6 months ago.

Very aware that me being lighter does not necessarily mean I am not fatter (I put on weight round my waist and ass) so wanted to go a step further than basic weight.

Also want to keep track of the g/f - so I can employ the 'you pork, I walk' if needed......

Body fat scales are supposed to be completely innacurate (I say supposedly as I've not read anything that has compared proper methods with scales). However I think they are very useful as a guide and to track progress if used consitently i.e. first thing in the morning before you've eaten/drunk anything.

If you can pick a set up cheap (Argos often do half price sales on them) then they are worth it but not for £50.