Measuring Weight in Fitness Assessment

There are an endless number of possible tests and measurements that trainers and coaches may use to determine an individual's baseline fitness level. Even the military has its own standards: Army Physical Fitness and Combat Readiness Tests.

These tests are often the starting point for designing an appropriate exercise program. Weight assessment can also be a sole factor, many people use the bathroom scale as their sole measure of progress. This makes sense, since they want to lose weight.But do you really want to lose weight, or do you specifically want to lose fat? Do you also want to be healthier?

Weight loss is affected not just by what you eat but by what physical activity you are engaged in, what your Body Composition is made of and even by genetics. Still, losing weight, gaining weight or maintaining your weight largely depends on the amount of calories you take in and use up during the day. If you eat just about the same amount of calories to meet your body's energy needs, your weight will stay the same. The Key to Weight Control and Fitness is keeping your energy intake (food) and energy output (physical activity) in balance.

You should only weigh yourself every couple of weeks. You can measure your progress more accurately with the measuring tape.

Process:
- Take shoes and socks off.
- Stand on the scales with feet evenly spaced and weight evenly distributed over both feet.

To compare your weight with the standard height and weight table for men and women go to the Fitness Calculators section. After recording your weight, you should monitor it by weighing yourself subsequently, no more than once a week (not daily) and preferably at the same time. You could also take pictures, videos, or measurements of yourself to help you compare with your results and keep track of your progress.

While some of us weigh just the right amount and others need to gain a few pounds, many of us fight excess body fats at some time in our life. Whatever your Fitness Goals, you should understand and gain from the Important Role of Exercise in Keeping your Body Weight Under Control.