Measuring your body....

[lordikon]

I'm new, and have started taking measurements to look for progress. Although I've seen progress, I was wondering a couple specifics about measurements.

When they say "Chest" what part of the chest do you measure? Right now I'm measuring over the nipples. Same with every other part, how do you know where to measure?

Second question is....when do you measure? Before or after a workout, or on off days, or when?

Third question is....are you supposed to measure while flexing, or relaxed?

[Shibby]

All that's really important is that you do it the same way every time. That way you have a consitancy and can track your results accurately.

[lordikon]

Yeah, I agree with that for sure.

And I know this isn't a competition, but I hear others say they have 21" biceps or something. And I wonder how I compare, so it's helpful to know if they're flexing or not when they do it.

[Shibby]

Usually there not saying biceps but rather arms. Most of the time flexed because that gives you higher number and measure it from peak to peak.

[meat12]

I measure unflexed to get an accurate measurement. I would measure before a workout, after a workout muscles swell up and tighten.

[Chris]

I've only ever been measured to calculate bf so, I dunno when you wanna do it. To measure the chest, take the tape and wrap it around you upperbody makeing sure it is sitting on your nipples. Thats where the pecs are usuallt the largest. For legs, I think you can take measurments in two different place (for different reasons), but do it maybe 2-3 above the knee. Basically, find where the muslce is naturally the largest and measure there. I don't think you are supposed to flex the chest when you measure it though. Most of the time other muscles are flexed so you can get the highest #. It all depends.

Chris

[meat12]

The easiest explaination is, the area's you measure are the bi's, chest, abdomen, waist, thighs and calves all at their largest points. Of course as said above for chest nipple level is the largest part of the chest.

[Integrator]

Originally posted by meat12
I measure unflexed to get an accurate measurement. I would measure before a workout, after a workout muscles swell up and tighten.

That's good to know

[meat12]

yeah anyone could get a higher measurement in their bi's after a workout, your muscles swell for about a half an hour after a workout

[lordikon]

Well that's all good to know. I've been measuring like that anyway, so I guess I've been doing it right. Next step is just increasing those measurements to something I wouldn't feel ashamed posting on here. :-p