I'm measuring my fitness results quarterly via hydrostatic analysis, which is the gold standard and most accurate method for measuring body composition.
Results Over The Last Three Months:
Of course, one or two quarters is a short period of time. Longer term, if I continue at the same pace over the next six months, then for the year I will gain more than 14 pounds of muscle and reduce almost 12 pounds of fat. Net, I will have transformed my body through fitness and nutrition.
Charts that show my results over the past six months, since February 2007:
Body Fat Percent:
Lean Muscle Mass Percent:
Change in Lean Muscle and Body Fat in Pounds:
Additional links:Strength Training: Unpacking New "Streamline SR" Fitness Equipment (August 25, 2007)
Fitness Results: Break Out Quarter! (Quarterly report, August 29, 2007: gained another 6.1 pounds of muscle; lost another 2.85 pounds of fat):
Strength Training with Static Contraction Training: results after ten months (Quarterly report, May 17, 2007: gained another 1.2 pounds of muscle; lost another 2.95 pounds of fat )
Strength Training with Static Contraction Training: results after four months (November 23, 2006)
BONUS:
How does hydrostatic measurement work? According to the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University:
"This method uses Archimedes principle which states that when a body is submerged in water, there is a buoyant counter force equal to the weight of the water which is displaced. Because bone and muscle are more dense than water, a person with a larger percentage of fat free mass will weigh more in the water and have a lower percent body fat. Conversely, fat floats. Therefore, a large amount of fat mass will make the body lighter in the water and have a higher percent body fat. If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a +/- 1.5% error."
