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9.6Diet Tip - Take a “Before” Picture When You Start a New Workout Program or Diet
9.6/10
113
votes
12/16/2008
How to keep track of your progress when you start a new workout program or diet.
Take a “Before” Picture and place it on the first page or your workout/diet notebook. It has been shown that the “before” picture is a great motivator. It serves as a reminder of the benefits of working out and eating right. It also records a benchmark, making it much easier to see the benefits of your hard work.

You may not feel good about taking this picture. The reason you want to start a workout program may be because you do not like how you look. You may have even seen a picture of yourself and feel very depressed about it. You may feel like you want to get in shape before you record any more evidence. Try to resist this urge. Studies show that taking this picture will actually improve your chances for success. When you finish your program and look back at this picture you will be amazed. The difference will be obvious and you will have proof of your hard work and dedication.

When you start to exercise the change is incremental. It is often difficult to see your progress. You may be making great progress, but because the changes from day to day are so small you may not be able to see them. When you feel like you are not progressing, it becomes difficult to stay motivated.

People sometimes use a normal scale to show their progress. This may be misleading. Muscles are denser than fat. As you work out you are replacing fat with muscle. You may actually weigh more or the same and be in much better shape. Looking just at the scale can be discouraging. If you are going to use a scale, use one that shows your fat percentage along with your total weight.

When you take the picture, take off all of your loose fitting clothing. Make sure your wear something that really shows your body. Stand against a plain colored wall. Have a friend take the picture or use a timer on your camera. If you do not feel comfortable having a friend help you, take the picture yourself in front of the mirror.

When you complete your fitness goals, remember to take the “After” picture. You will be amazed at the difference!

Good luck with your new workout program!
To get more diet tips, try reading The 3-Hour Diet Cookbook by Jorge Cruise.
8 Minutes in the Morning: A Simple Way to Shed up to 2 Pounds a Week Guaranteed is another great resource for diet and exercise tips.

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CommentsShowing Comment 1 - 3 of 3
1Take pictures as you go
I take before pictures and then also do pictures every 30 days. This really helps me stay motivated.

Sometimes you actually gain weight, but look better! this is muscles folks!

I do not suggest pictures earlier than 30 days. Your body sometimes takes a step back and then goes forward. You retain water and stuff as your body is initially changing. Don't get discourages, keep up the good work and the results will come!
Comment 1 On:Take a “Before” Picture When You Start a New Workout Program or Diet
Added On: 2/6/2009 12:07:12 PM
2just depressing
I tried taking the before picture. It was very discouraging. I don't recommend it. Better for me to focus on the good not the bad.
Comment 2 On:Take a “Before” Picture When You Start a New Workout Program or Diet
Added On: 1/10/2009 5:00:50 PM
3Use The Mirror
It was sooooo tough for me to take that before picture. It was hard enough for me to look in the mirror. There was no way I would let anyone help me take it. I did no have one of those cameras that can take the picture itself. I had to use the bathroom mirror and take the pictures by myself. I used a total of six pictures. 1-One of my top using my left hand to take the picture in the mirror. 2-One of my left using my right hand to take the picture in the mirror. 3-One of my back over my left shoulder. 4-One of my back over my right shoulder. 5-One of the front of my legs while standing on a chair, so they could be seen in the mirror. 6-One of the back of my legs while standing on a chair. I hated them after I took them. How did I let this happen. I took all six pictures and combined them into one picture and used that picture as the background on my computer. Every time I was tempted to skip a workout or cheat on my diet, I thought of those before pictures...and I refocused.
Comment 3 On:Take a “Before” Picture When You Start a New Workout Program or Diet
Added By: TheBurnLearn
Added On: 1/9/2009 1:00:52 PM
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