HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Posted 07 November 2006

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR BODY SHAPE

To keep an eye on body shape change, turn to a tried and tested method - the tape measure. Measuring your waist circumference will give you good idea on whether you’re at risk from various conditions.

However keeping tabs on other body parts will also allow you to observe your overall body changes.

As a guide, men over 40 inches (88cm) and women over 35 inches (77cm) have a higher risk of suffering from coronary heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and high blood pressure, the list is growing as we understand more about the body and how it responds to a life of inactivity.

If you find that you fall into this category, don’t despair - you’re in the right place to buck the trend and monitor your improvements.

If you’re unsure how to measure certain parts of your body, try these helpful tips to ensure you get the exact reading that will help you monitor the changes.

CHEST

Place the tape around the fullest part of the chest or bust (nipple line), under your arms.

ARMS

Measure 7cm from your elbow and wrap tape measure around the circumference of this area.

WAIST

Take tape measure and wrap around your waist beginning from your belly button.

HIPS

Measure the circumference. Make sure you stand with your feet together.

LEGS

Measure around fullest part of upper thigh.