Take That Selfie! #noshame

Here at Geelong Boxing Club we love using our social media platforms to stay in touch with our members. Our social media accounts allow members to keep up to date with all the happenings of the gym, and also gives the wider public an insight into how we make training hard so much fun!

Social media definitely has its dark side – and while we don’t necessarily encourage anyone to jump on board what can be a crazy train of over sharing, we do encourage you to use pictures and videos to keep you motivated and accountable!

Now, before you turn your nose up at the idea of taking a ‘selfie’ , it should be noted that these photos can actually be an invaluable tool during your health and fitness journey.

When you begin your own health and fitness journey, the whole team and community here at Geelong Boxing Club will be committed to inspiring you to achieve your own personal bests. Our members are encouraged to consider setting strong, clear goals to motivate you to keep training consistently. We have seen first hand the way in which progress photos can also work as a source of inspiration for our clients – and so we highly encourage that you embrace the selfie!

Should you have a weight loss goal – weekly weigh ins on the scales are an important tool and help keep you accountable throughout the week. However when the weight on the scales does not move, or it fluctuates ( and it more than likely will at some point!) progress pictures can be a good point of reference to keep everything in perspective. Progress pictures often quickly reassure members that yes, they are on the right track and their body is in fact changing – even when the scales are not being kind on a particular day. We suggest that you take a minute each week to take a quick picture of yourself -to capture the progres you are making!

The scales cannot and should not be your only measurement of progress. It is important to note that muscle is approximately 18% more dense than fat is. When you begin a weight training program – which is offered in our strength and conditioning sessions, you will go through what is sometimes referred to as “beginner gains” and quickly add muscle. So as a result, your weight may fluctuate, but your waist, hips, and other measurements may be decreasing. This is why it is important to not only rely on the scales to reveal your progress throughout your journey – weekly pictures can clearly capture the physical transformation that is underway!

Your progress pictures do not have to be shared with anyone – remember that your progress is your journey. As we see ourselves daily, it is sometimes difficult to notice the physical transformation that is unfolding. Dont look for imperfections in your pictures, look for the changes that reflect your commitment to your health and fitness!

Here are some top tips for taking useful progress pictures:

1. Wear as little clothing as possible. Ideally you want to be in underwear or a swimsuit so that you can actually see your body and it is not hidden underneath your clothing.
2. Take the photo at the same time of day every week. Your body can look completely different when you are at your lightest as compared to the end of the day.
3. Take the photo in the same place each week standing in the same pose. Different lighting can make your body look completely different, so it is important to take progress photos in the same conditions from week to week. Try and stand in the same position in the same stance each week to make weekly comparisons easy.
4. Take photos from the front, side and back – you will want to see your progress from all angles!

Geelong Boxing Club we offer group training sessions, personal training and open gym access. To find out more about our gym or to try a session for free – visit www.geelongboxingclub.com.au