Last May, Nick over at Abandon Nest wrote a 3 week series called 21 Days to a Fitter You. In it, he has a great tip about taking before and after pictures when you start an exercise program. He points out how it can be a great motivating tool when used in conjunction with an exercise plan.
How should you go about taking pictures? Start the night before you begin a new program. I use (now that I have one) a digital camera with a timer function built in. Try to strike a pose that you know will show off what you want to improve.
If you’re a beginner, continue to take photos every seven days until the end of your program period. This way, you can see a gradual progression as you go along, and it will be very thrilling. For intermediate and advanced lifters/runners, take pictures only every 3-4 weeks. Your body won’t change as rapidly after it has been whipped into shape.
This is such a great idea that I wish I had thought of it. Literally. Most of my pictures are just general pictures where I can say where I was at one season or another, but without being able to point to specific results from specific programs. He has some great before and after pictures for a 6 week program that he put himself through to illustrate his tip; I suggest you check out the full article.
Hey Blaine, thanks for the link. I’m a really visual guy when it comes to success, so pictures work really well for me. Also, my weight isn’t that great of an indicator of success because it doesn’t change even though my muscle/fat proportions do.
No problem. I meant to read and respond to your series before now; I just haven’t had a chance to.
As for weight change, I’m the same way. Unless I stop working out completely or get sick, my weight usually stays within a 3 or 4 pound range. It takes a lot of work for me to put any weight on, but my physique definately changes depending upon the season.
I think pictures can be a motivator. I think precise body fat measurement can also help. Being someone who has had weight issues in the past, I think most people need some quick positive feedback.
That’s a great tip – I take the odd self-portrait, but not really anything that shows a fitness transformation. Will start tomorrow.