Thread: how often to check?

I check whenever I feel like it. Some people will tell you six weeks so you have had a chance to change. It really doesn't matter how much you check if you arn't going to quit if you didn't loose enough weight or whatever you are trying to do.

I have checked my weight once a week for years....but only check measurements 2 or 3 times a year.

Hmm I usually weigh in daily just too see what's going on (not really an obessive type thing, I just do it to see where I'm at). Measurements however, I generally only take every 4-5 months or so...

Check your 1 rep max, which Im assuming is what you meant by "weights", once every couple of weeks at the most. How much stronger are you expecting to get in a month? Some guys are stronger on Mondays than they are on Fridays regardless of thier workout routine. Checking too often can be just as decieving as not checking enough. The only guys I know (around here) that check thier 1 rep max each and every week are juicers or guys on a cycle of Ph's.

Originally Posted by Hawkin

I was just wondering how often it is good to check your results ....I don't want to go a month and then find out every day I spent in the gym that month didn't give me results. Thanks.

Another thing, if your lifting heavy and often and eating right I would almost guarantee that you will be stronger in a month. If not then I would examine other aspects of your life to see whats wrong (not enough calories/protein, not enough rest, POOR technique, etc.) Dont get too focused on the "numbers game" (measurements/weights), it will come with time. Bodybuilding OR Powerlifting...its a long term commitment with gradual changes, it wont happen overnight. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Hawkin

I was just wondering how often it is good to check your results and, although I think I know, what you should do to check your results (weight, measure, etc.). I was thinking every 2-4 weeks but I don't want to go a month and then find out every day I spent in the gym that month didn't give me results. Thanks.

Every time u look in tha mirror with your shirt off your checking.

I try to weigh myself 3 times every morning, and measure my waist and arms 2-3 times every morning before my first meal. Sometimes I dont make it, not a big deal, then I mark it all on my calendar.

Originally Posted by Mudge

I try to weigh myself 3 times every morning, and measure my waist and arms 2-3 times every morning before my first meal. Sometimes I dont make it, not a big deal, then I mark it all on my calendar.

You really measure your arms 3x a day?

Originally Posted by Hawkin

I was just wondering how often it is good to check your results and, although I think I know, what you should do to check your results (weight, measure, etc.). I was thinking every 2-4 weeks but I don't want to go a month and then find out every day I spent in the gym that month didn't give me results. Thanks.

If you are cutting or trying to lean out, measure every week with calipers or whatever you are measuring with. If you caloric intake is too much or you have reached a plateau, you can tweak it the next week so you keep progressing. It is also a real motivator to see the body fat melting off.

If you are looking for strength gains, you should be able to see your reps increase each week. If you have to know for sure what the max is, then it is up to you. When I tried to boost my max, I was on a 8 week program. So I did not try until it was over. Outside of that I never try 1 rep maxes. I only go up to a double or triple now and then.

Originally Posted by ForemanRules

You really measure your arms 3x a day?

3 times in one sitting, same with weighing yourself - it helps eliminate error and/or you can average your readings.

Ok thanks guys I was a little unsure about this and you cleared it up.

I think 1-2 weeks is a reasonable timespan.

Originally Posted by Hawkin

I was just wondering how often it is good to check your results and, although I think I know, what you should do to check your results (weight, measure, etc.). I was thinking every 2-4 weeks but I don't want to go a month and then find out every day I spent in the gym that month didn't give me results. Thanks.

If you check too often you won't see results. A month sounds fine.
Some guys respond faster than others. You can basically tell if your
gaining results, on how your clothes fit.

Whether your gaining, or cutting, your clothes will let you know.

is increase in strength any indicator of increase in Muscle Mass?

Originally Posted by WantToBeBig

is increase in strength any indicator of increase in Muscle Mass?

Not really. However, if you gain weight and strength, then it is fairly likely that you did gain some muscle mass. Strength is often the result of neural adaptations. Hypertrophy can also result in strength increases, but the two are not directly related.