Following a Cellublue routine and keen to see how your figure is changing? From one week to the next, changes aren’t always easy to spot. There are two complementary ways to keep track: taking your measurements regularly and taking before-and-after photos. This guide shows you where to place the tape measure for your waist, hips and thighs, how to record your measurements, and how to take photos you can compare over time.
How to take your measurements correctly?
- Grab a measuring tape.
- Always take your measurements on the same day. For example, set a reminder on your phone and take your measurements every Sunday.
- Always take them at the same time of day.
- Take your measurements directly on bare skin, without clothing. If you measure over clothes, the thickness of the fabric will affect accuracy. For instance, a chunky jumper will make your waist measurement larger than it actually is. You can measure in your underwear or a two-piece swimsuit.
- The tape must always be parallel to the floor. Do not pull it tight.
- Measure the following areas: waist, hips, buttocks and thighs.
Measuring your waist
To measure your waist correctly, take your tape measure and wrap it around your waist at its narrowest point. Generally, the tape should sit between your ribcage and your navel. Make sure it lies flat all the way around, without pulling it too tight — you should be able to slip at least one finger underneath. If you struggle to find your natural waist, don’t worry. Simply stand up straight and lean to one side: the point where your body bends is your natural waist, i.e. the narrowest part of your torso. Finally, for an accurate measurement, don’t hold your stomach in — there’s no point! The goal isn’t to show off your measurements, but to track your progress!
Measuring your hips
To measure your hips accurately, the tape measure should be placed around the widest part of your pelvis. This can vary depending on your body shape. As a general rule, the hip measurement is taken roughly twenty centimetres below the waist, at the pelvic area. For some women, it may sit lower, around the buttocks. Don’t overthink the exact position — what matters is measuring your hips at their widest point.
Measuring your hips if you’re a man
The method is the same as for women. Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your pelvis, keeping it parallel to the floor and without pulling it tight. Exactly where that is depends on your build. Always measure at the same level each time so the comparison stays reliable. Keeping the tape flat across your back isn’t easy, so it helps to have someone give you a hand.
Measuring your thighs
To get an accurate thigh measurement, make sure the tape stays parallel to the floor — which isn’t always straightforward. But for a true reading, that’s the way to go. If you’re measuring on your own, lean forward without bending your knees, as doing so could skew the result. You should also measure your thigh at its fullest point, which varies from person to person.
How to calculate and track your measurements
There’s no real calculation involved. You simply write down each measurement so you can compare it with the last one. Record your waist, hip and thigh measurements in a notebook or in the Cellublue Mobile App to see how they change over time. The key is to measure in the same spot, on the same day and at the same time, so your comparisons stay reliable.
How to take great before/after photos?
To help you capture the best before/after photos and truly see your progress, here are our tips.
- Take a photo of yourself before you start your routine.
- As with your measurements, set a reminder so you always take your photos on the same day and at the same time.
- Always take your photos under the same conditions: same room, same outfit, same day, same time and same angle. If you can’t wear exactly the same outfit, choose something similar. To keep the focus on you, stand in front of a plain wall and go back to that same spot for every photo.
- Make sure your whole body is in the frame and stand up straight. If a photo is taken from a different distance or doesn’t show your whole body, you won’t be able to see your progress clearly. The same goes for selfies and mirror shots. For the best photos, ask someone to take them for you or use a self-timer.
- Take 3 photos: 1 from the front, 1 from the back and 1 from the side. Always take the side photo from the same side. Photos from different angles make it much easier to see your progress and compare.
- Wear a sports bra and shorts, or underwear, so you can clearly see how things change.
- Take your “after” photo at the end of your routine.
Front photo
Side photo
Back photo
You now have everything you need to take your measurements accurately and create great before/after comparisons of your progress.
Download the Cellublue Mobile App to track your measurements over time. You can also add your before/after photos there to compare them and follow your progress.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you measure your waist?
Measure your waist at the narrowest part of your torso, between your ribcage and your navel. To find it, stand up straight and lean to one side: the point where your body bends is your natural waist. Lay the tape flat and parallel to the floor, without pulling it tight and without holding your stomach in.
How do you measure your hips?
The tape measure goes around the widest part of your pelvis, which varies depending on your body shape. For some women, it sits lower, around the buttocks. What matters is always measuring in the same spot, at the widest point of your hips, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
How do you take your measurements without getting it wrong?
Always measure on the same day, at the same time, directly on bare skin or in your underwear. Keep the tape parallel to the floor without pulling it tight, and note down each measurement so you can compare it with the next one. These steps help you get measurements that are easy to compare over time.
How do you measure your thighs?
Measure your thigh at its fullest point, which varies from person to person, and keep the tape parallel to the floor. If you’re measuring on your own, lean forward without bending your knees so you don’t skew the measurement.
Why take before/after photos as well as measurements?
Photos complement your measurements by showing your progress from another angle. To make them easy to compare, always take them under the same conditions: same room, same outfit, same day, same time and same angle, standing up straight with your whole body in the frame.
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Useful categories: Weight Management.
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