Hey there. Let’s talk about progress updates. I know how much energy and emotion these check-ins can stir up, especially if you’ve spent years obsessing over the number on the scale. But the thing is, progress updates should be tools to keep you grounded, not stressed.
Over time, I’ve developed a simple structure that helps with this. I look at it as a three-legged stool. If you're going to do progress updates, I recommend tracking three things at once. Your scale weight, progress photos, and one body measurement. If you only use one or two of these, the stool wobbles. But when you track all three together, you get a clearer and more balanced view of how things are actually going.
Photos are key. Take them from the front, side, and back. Measurements are simple too. I suggest using your waist as your go-to. It’s easy to do by yourself and it’s a consistent spot to track. Add this to your weigh-in and you’ll have a quick, complete update that takes less than two minutes.
Some people prefer daily weigh-ins, others like weekly or monthly. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters is that it works for your mindset. One approach I’ve seen is only logging the losses during daily weigh-ins. Even if the drop is small, it’s progress. It gives you a mental boost while still letting you see the overall trend.
Now here’s a bigger piece. What happens when you reach your goal? What happens when the weight loss is done? That’s why I always encourage looking at weight loss as a byproduct of your routine. Once you’ve built your habits and routines, the process itself becomes the focus. You’ll continue to check in, but with a new lens. That’s how you stay consistent.
I also encourage you to reflect on how you feel about your data. If tracking is stressing you out, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate. Journaling can really help here. It gives you a way to understand your own reactions and adjust without judgment.
Progress updates are not about chasing perfection. They are about creating clarity and showing you the long-term patterns. The goal is always to build a lifestyle you can maintain, not one that burns you out.
If you’re ready to create a structure that works for you, not against you, I’d love to help. Join The YLF Experience and let’s build your forever active lifestyle together.