We’ve understood that a pin hole acts like a lens. What if you could use a pin hole to make an image on your DSLR? It’s really quite simple – you need a camera body cap with a pin hole! It really is that simple. However, the quality of the images that you can make with such an arrangement proves to be far more challenging. Let us systematically look at different aspects of the pin hole picture making process.

Depth of Field

As you can imagine, a pin hole camera does not have a focusing arrangement, and what’s more; neither does it need one. The image created by a pin hole is never totally sharp; it does not have a true focus on any subject near or far from the camera. On the other hand, nothing is comparatively out of focus either. This is definitely one of the advantages of a pin hole lens. To understand this a little better, we need to consider the factors that determine depth of field. Lens focal length, subject distance and aperture are the three defining factors that affect the depth of field created by any lens. With a pin hole lens, the first two factors do not play a part. As for the aperture, if you have studied depth of field even on a basic level, you would already know that the smaller the aperture, the more is the depth of field. Keeping this in mind, it is easy to understand why a pin hole lens creates an infinite depth of field. Let us consider the formula that gives us aperture values –

(f) Aperture =  Lens to film or sensor distance / Diameter of lens opening

But without proper protection from sun, pollution, wind and fluctuating humidity, the skin end up dry, wrinkled, or even diseased. Taking care of our skin is commensurate to maintaining our health and well being.

 Skin types

A key to a healthy skin is knowing what type you have. We take great care of our body when we know what matches its features. A lot of men and women unknowingly worsen existing skin problems by using products that do not fit their skin type. 

Those with normal skin have small pores and a smooth, even tone. They seldom have skin-related problems, such as scaly patches and grease.

Dry skin is rough, often itchy, and thinner than the average. This skin type is also susceptible to damage and irritation. The area consisting of forehead, nose and chin–also called the “T Zone”–is prone to dryness and flaking.

Acne is the most typical problem with having oily skin. People with oily skin usually have large pores that often get clogged, producing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. More mature skin produce less oil and sweat.

Those with sensitive skin may have had to deal with allergies, rashes, and hives caused by various: triggers such as jewelry, bar soaps, colognes, heat and extreme temperate. Having this skin type require a lot of caution when using products.

Combination facial skin has both dry and oily patches. This type often exhibit both problems of oily and dry skin.

 Hydration and sun-protection

In our lifetime, our body shed and regenerate about 1,000 layers of skin. Keeping it healthy and hydrated is a long-term commitment that pays off in volumes.

To prevent dryness and flaking, we need to moisturize, especially during cold weather. Dry, frosty air damage the skin and may lead to cracking. Keeping our skin hydrated help the body cleanse and circulate nutrients. Since they are most prone to damage, the face and hands need regular moisturizing. 

Drinking the suggested amount of eight to twelve glasses of water every day keep our skin hydrated from the inside, helping it retain its natural moisture. Take water that is rich in minerals. De-mineralized drinking water sifts out the minerals that are helpful to your body. Sodas, which contain a high dose of sugar, is potentially bad for the skin.

No matter what season, we need sunscreen. Sunburns increase the risk of cancer and leave the skin vulnerable to diseases. Once the skin is weakened, it’s more difficult to protect it. Protecting our skin from ultraviolet rays also help prevent wrinkles and age spots.

There are moisturizers that include SPF protection. Make sure you are using natural sunscreen or lotion with a minimum of SPF 15. The best sunscreen contains zinc oxide and stabilizers, protecting us more comprehensively from UV rays.   

Though sun-protection is a must, we should not deprive ourselves of sunlight. The skin needs an average of 10 to minutes of direct exposure to the sun every day. The best time to do this is during sunrise and sunset when the sun is gentler and beneficial to the skin. The sun is most damaging to our skin between 10 a.m. to 4 pm.

Protect not just your skin but also your eyes. Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.

The skin around our eyes is thinner and more sensitive that other areas in our face. The traditional way of placing slices of cucumber has always proven effective. Eye creams also heal those dark circles and eye bags. 

The mouth is an area we sometimes take for granted. Lips balms are just as essential as lotion and facial moisturizer. Licking our lips doesn’t cover it. Lip balms and oil-based wax protect our lips from UV rays and prevent drying or cracking. Never share lip balms as this may cause cold sores.

Coaches: One-fifth of the NBA coaches this year are new to their team in 2011-12. Of the six new coaches only Golden State‘s Mark Jackson hasn’t been an NBA head coach before. Jackson also has never been an assistant coach before but did play in the NBA for 17 years and was an NBA analyst at ESPN for a number of years. The other new coaches include Lawrence Frank (Detroit Pistons), Kevin McHale (Houston Rockets), Mike Brown (Los Angeles Lakers), Rick Adelman (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Dwayne Casey (Toronto Raptors).

Brown inherited the best situation though it is tough to replace a legendary coach like Phil Jackson. Brown has at least instituted his own offensive and defensive system. Frank will have to instill discipline in the Pistons if he is going to have success. McHale’s tenure with the Rockets will determine if he can coach in the league or not as the Timberwolves were a complete mess when he was on the bench. Adelman and Casey have a lot of work to do though Adelman, who has coached the second most NBA games among active coaches, probably has a little easier job.

Rookies: The Cleveland Cavaliers got the ping-pong balls to come up snake eyes and they selected PG Kyrie Irving with the number one overall pick. The Cavs then went with F Tristan Thompson three picks later. Minnesota, had the best chance at securing the number pick, settled for the second selection and used it on F Derrick Williams. F Enes Kantner, who was ineligible to play at the U. of Kentucky in 2010-11, was selected by the Utah Jazz with the third pick.

Other promising rookies include G Kemba Walker (Charlotte), F Chris Singleton (Washington), Ricky Rubio (Minnesota’s first round pick in 2009), Brandon Knight (Detroit), Jimmer Fredette (Sacramento), Norris Cole (Miami),  Markief Morris (Phoenix), Marcus Morris (Houston), Klay Thompson (Golden State), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio), Iman Shumpert (New York), Marshon Brooks (New Jersey) and Kenneth Faried (Denver).

Eastern Conference

Atlantic: The Boston Celtics (56-26) will only go as far as the big three of F Kevin Garnett, F Paul Pierce and G Ray Allen will take them. Garnett, Pierce (missed the Celtics’ first three games due to injury) and Allen are all at least 33-years old.  Boston does still have PG Rajon Rondo and did add PF Brandon Bass to the mix. The New Jersey Nets (24-58) were dealt a devastating blow when center Brook Lopez, who will miss six-to-eight weeks, went down with a right foot injury on December 21. Though the Nets do have star PG Deron Williams for a full year this season and rookie Marshon Brooks, who can light up a scoreboard. New Jersey, a bottom 10 defensive team in 2011-12, will play across the Hudson River in Brooklyn starting in 2012-13. PF Amare Stoudemire, as long as his knees hold up, and F Carmelo Anthony will give the New York Knicks (42-40) one of the most dynamic offensive duo’s in the league. The Knicks are hoping C Tyson Chandler, who was acquired from Dallas, will solidify an atrocious defense that permitted 105.7 PPG in 2010-11. After losing in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for the fourth consecutive time in 2010-11, the Philadelphia 76ers (41-41) have a mature athletic defensive minded team that is ready to make a longer playoff run in 2011-12. The Sixers athletic core includes F Thaddeus Young, F Andre Iguodala, PG Jrue Holliday, G Lou Williams and G Jodie Meeks. Philadelphia also has the solid if unspectacular Elton Brand in the low post. The Toronto Raptors (22-60) have a couple of young promising players G DeMar DeRozen, who might be the best player that no one sees, and PF Ed Davis but don’t expect much improvement from last year.

Central Division: The Chicago Bulls (62-20), who lost to the Miami Heat in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, should challenge for Eastern Conference supremacy again. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose should have another superb year and Richard Hamilton, who was acquired this past offseason, should provide the scoring punch off the bench that the Bulls sorely missed last year. The Cleveland Cavaliers (20-62) are hoping that year two post LeBron James is better than year one but don’t expect many more wins.  In addition to rookies Kyrie Irving and F Tristan Thompson, the Cavs also added former Sacramento King F Omri Casspi. The Detroit Pistons (30-52) are in a rebuilding process, the question is which direction are they going? The Pistons allowed G Tracy McGrady to leave via free agency and waived Richard Hamilton but re-signed F Tayshawn Prince. Detroit does have first round draft pick Brandon Knight and veteran guard Rodney Stuckey so the offense should be in good shape. Despite finishing eight games below .500, the Indiana Pacers (37-45) still managed to secure the eighth playoff seed last year. The Pacers should be ready to make a stronger playoff run this year with the addition of PG George Hill (via trade) and F David West (free agent signing) to along with scorer extraordinaire F Danny Granger. The Milwaukee Bucks (35-47), who struggled offensively last year, could contend for a playoff spot in 2011-12. This is contingent upon whether C Andrew Bogut is fully recovered from his offseason right hand surgery and G Stephen Jackson’s, acquired from Charlotte, ability to fit in.    

Southeastern Division:  The defending Southeastern Division and Eastern Conference champions Miami Heat (58-24) have essentially the same team as last year and are the clear favorites to reach the NBA Finals again. The Heat, led by the trio of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, still have concerns at center and point guard positions. The Orlando Magic (52-30) could be in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in five years especially if C Dwight Howard is dealt.  Howard, a triple-threat (scoring, rebounding and defense), is the Magic’s main piece. However, Howard isn’t the only piece as Orlando also has a trio of three-point shooters in F Hedo Turkoglu, G J.J. Redick and F Ryan Anderson as well as PG Jameer Nelson. The Atlanta Hawks (44-38) have reached the second round of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. The Hawks took a cost cutting approach to free-agency this offseason signing veterans G Tracy McGrady, F Vladimir Radmonovic and G Jerry Stackhouse to the veteran minimum. The Hawks are reportedly now among the teams interested in obtaining the services of Dwight Howard (Howard is an Atlanta native). The Charlotte Bobcats (34-48) have F Corey Maggette (a 20-point per game scorer) G Gerald Henderson (who has the capability to put up big numbers offensively) and F Tyrus Thomas (when healthy). Unless rookies Kemba Walker and Bismarck Biyombo produce from the get go, it looks like another trip to the lottery for the Bobcats. 

Western Conference

Southwest Conference: The San Antonio Spurs (61-21) became just the second number-one seeded team to fall to an eighth seeded team in the modern era playoffs when they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in six games in the 2010-11 playoffs. Three of the Spurs top four players (G Manu Ginobili, C Tim Duncan and F Richard Jefferson) are over the age of 30. PG Tony Parker will turn 30 in May 2012. San Antonio and Duncan will want to go out on top if this is indeed Duncan’s, who is in his final-year of his contract, farewell tour. The Spurs didn’t do much in the offseason besides add rookies Kawhi Leonard and G Cory Joseph. The defending World Champion Dallas Mavericks (57-25) are another old team as they have eight players over the age of 30. The Mavericks overhauled their roster though not completely as they added G Vince Carter and F Brandon Wright (free agents) as well as F Lamar Odom (via trade). In the meanwhile, Dallas lost F Caron Butler, G J.J. Barea, F Peja Stojakovic (retirement) and C Tyson Chandler plus a few others.  The Mavs still have the services of 38-year old PG Jason Kidd and reigning Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki. The Memphis Grizzlies (46-36), who won a playoff series for the first time in franchise history in 2010-11, are one of the NBA’s up-and-coming teams. Despite not doing much in free agency, the Grizzlies do get the return of F Rudy Gay (shoulder injury) though they lost a strong defensive presence in F Shane Battier. The Houston Rockets (43-39) missed the playoffs for the second straight year in 2010-11. The Rockets entered the 2011-12 season with essentially the same team as last year though they did add rookie F Marcus Morris and veteran C Samuel Dalembert to the mix. Since the New Orleans Hornets (46-36) traded their franchise player Chris Paul, they will now have to rely on their size (Emeka Okafor, Chris Kaman, Carl Landry) plus G Eric Gordon. The Hornets have a paper thin bench and shouldn’t be expect to win many games.

Northwest Division: The Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27), led by the dynamic duo of G Russell Westbrook and F Kevin Durant, are the favorites to win their second consecutive division title in 2011-12. The Thunder are young and deep as well as having two other emerging stars in G James Harden and PF Serge Ibaka. The Denver Nuggets (50-32) made their seventh consecutive playoff appearance; however, their stay was short lived as they were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round for the sixth time during this streak. The Nuggets, who have a bunch a talent (F Nene, SG Arron Affalo, F Danilo Galinari, PG Ty Lawson), added several other pieces in the offseason. The players that Denver added includes PG Andre Miller (free-agent), G/F Rudy Fernandez (trade) as well as first round draft picks Kenneth Faried and Jordan Hamilton. The Portland Trail Blazers (48-34) were ousted from the playoffs in the first round for the third consecutive year in 2010-11. This offseason, the Trail Blazers picked-up PG Raymond Felton in the Andre Miller deal to go along with PF LaMarcus Aldridge as well as shoot-first guards Wesley Matthews and Jamal Crawford. The Blazers also re-signed often injured C Greg Oden and amnestied G Brandon Roy. Double-Double machine F Kevin Love (20.2 PPG and 15.2 RPG in 2010-11) leads a new look Minnesota Timberwolves (17-65) squad. In addition to Williams, the T-Wolves added Spanish PG Ricky Rubio (Minnesota’s first round pick in 2009), PG J.J. Barea and C Brad Miller. For the past 23 years, one thing was certain with the Utah Jazz (39-43) which was that Jerry Sloan would be roaming the Jazz sidelines. However, that changed when Sloan abruptly resigned 54 games into the 2010-11 season. Second year  head coach Tyrone Corbin, who went 8-20 in 2010-11, will need to install some discipline especially on the defensive end if Utah is going to compete in 2011-12.  The Jazz also have seen their two most recognizable players leave within one-year as PG Deron Williams (traded prior to the 2010-11 trade deadline) and F Andrei Kirilenko (left via free agency following the lockout). The good news for Utah is that their frontcourt is loaded with F Derrick Favors, C Enes Kantner, F Paul Millsap, F Al Jefferson, F Gordon Hayword and C Mehmet Okur. The bad news is the backcourt is thin with the only potential mainstays being PG Devin Harris and rookie G Alec Burks.

Pacific Division:  The Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) four-year supremacy over the Pacific Division could be in jeopardy this year. After the Lakers trade attempt for Chris Paul was foiled, the Lakers traded F Lamar Odom to Dallas for a 2012 first round draft pick. With the trade of Odom, the Lakers lost their height and versatility advantage. Of course, the Lakers still have G Kobe Bryant, C Andrew Bynum (suspended the first four games) and PF Pau Gasol. The team that may overtake the Lakers may be their cross-town rivals the Los Angeles Clippers (32-50). The Clippers ultimately won the Chris Paul sweepstakes with a package of F Al-Farouq Aminu, C Chris Kaman and G Eric Gordon and two future first round draft picks. However, the Clippers are not a one-man show by any means as they have F Blake Griffin (25.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG. 3.1 APG), C DeAndre Jordan and free-agent signee F Caron Butler. As long as PG Steve Nash is still the quarterback of the Phoenix Suns (40-42), they will always be in contention for a playoff spot as well as average around 100 points a game. C Marcin Gortat should help the Suns on the board while free-agent signee G Shannon Brown should thrive in the offense due to his athleticism.  Despite the changes that occurred in the Golden State Warriors (36-46) front office and coaching staff, the roster remained relatively intact. The Warriors did add rookie Klay Thompson to their already electrifying backcourt of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. The Sacramento Kings (24-58) have a couple of building blocks in F DeMarcus Cousins and G Tyreke Evans, as well as a couple  of nice complimentary pieces in F J.J. Hickson and G Marcus Thornton. Plus, if rookie G Jimmer Fredette can knock some threes down (SAC was 26^th in league in three point shooting in 2010-11) the Kings could make a playoff push this year.

Predictions:

Eastern Conference:

Southeast Division winner

1. Miami Heat-.

Central Division winner

2. Chicago Bulls

East Division winner

3. New York Knicks-

Other Playoff teams

4. Philadelphia 76ers

5. Indiana Pacers

6. Boston Celtics

7. Atlanta Hawks

8. Orlando Magic

Western Conference

Northwest Division Champs

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Pacific Division Champs

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Southwest Division Champs

 3. San Antonio Spurs

Other playoff teams

4. Los Angeles Clippers

5. Denver

6. Memphis

7. Dallas

8. Portland

Eastern Conference Finals:

The Heat over the Bulls in seven games.

Western Conference Finals:

The Lakers over the Thunder in six games.

Finals:

Lakers over Heat in seven games.

MVP: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Rookie-of-the Year: Kemba Walker

While a lot of people aspire to have a contoured body, not everyone can achieve such an ideal appearance in a short span of time and without investing a huge amount of effort and discipline in fitness training. Changes in daily diet are also necessary, including the addition of certain supplements and drinks to boost muscle mass.

From the Perspective of Managers and Models

Fitness modeling does not just entail improving the body’s physical appearance; it also involves getting into a business that is very subjective and competitive. Much like other types of modeling, a fitness modeling career can start at an early age. American fitness model Christina Lindley, who made her mark in the industry by posing for Muscular Development magazine in a 25-page layout, says that young model hopefuls should not rush training, since the physical changes will not manifest in the short term. Lindley recommends a balanced diet high in protein and moderate in carbohydrates, together with a 45- minute cardio workout four to five times a week for beginners. Fitness models need to find a constant motivator to stay in shape, be it in the form of celebrity posters, physical activities like marathons or the appearance of their own curvy body, Lindley adds.

People looking to enter the fitness modeling industry should be prepared for the subjective nature of the business, said Adam Silver, president of Silver Model Management. Although there is no height requirement in fitness modeling, scouts will often look at facial beauty especially among female models during go-sees. For male fitness models, having a strong jaw line and a chiseled face overall is a big advantage. Because the primary advocacy is fitness, female models with slim but not so lean faces are preferred by casting agencies.

You can read more in the November issue of ModelsMania.

This passion for sports equates to seasons with high expectations, high ratings for the broadcasts of sporting events and millions of dollars to be made. However, not all sports are equal. While some remain in relative obscurity and become nothing more than trends, others are restricted by the demanding requirements of special gear, training and require certain areas where the sport can be practiced. It is easy to see why the most popular sports in the world are easily accessible to everyone and only need some willing players. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world because it can be played almost anywhere by as many people as the situation calls for and it only requires something to stand in for the goal posts.

Basketball is another one of the most popular sports and, although it is topped worldwide in popularity by soccer, it is way above it in the United States of America. While the traditional saying is that baseball is the national pastime in America, ratings and game attendances show that it is trumped by football and basketball.

Basketball is a very exciting sport that keeps the fans on the edge of their seats most of the times because its rules are designed specifically to allow for very little downtime during which nothing of note happens. Even though its popularity is at its highest in the USA, it has its share of devoted fans and competitive associations in Europe and Asia, as well. Back in the States, this sport is represented by several well-known associations: the NCAA, which is the main basketball association at a collegial level, the WNBA, the basketball league for women and, of course, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the world’s most renowned basketball league. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait longer for their beloved season of basketball because the league is currently in a lockout.

Not the First Time

A lockout occurs whenever the management of a company and one or more representatives of the worker’s union cannot reach a new agreement regarding the working conditions. This usually involves the amounts of money dedicated to each individual aspect of the company, as well as other benefits. In this case, the lockout occurred because the owners of the teams and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) could not agree on a new collective bargaining agreement.

However, most fans are not new to this problem, as this is not the first lockout that has occurred in the NBA’s history. In fact, this would be the fourth. The first two lockouts occurred in 1995 and 1996, but were no major threats to the basketball seasons as they were resolved quickly. However, the third lockout started in July of 1998 lasted for almost seven months and ended on the 20^th of January 1999. This is the longest lockout in the league’s history to date. The owners of the teams wanted a salary cap and a ceiling for individual player’s salaries, while the NBPA wanted a raise for the players that earned the minimum amount. By the time this lockout was over the season had been shortened to 50 games instead of the regular 82 and the All Star Game had been cancelled. This standstill cost everyone millions of dollars, but overall the new agreement was seen as a clear victory for the owners who got most of their demands met: the salaries of players were capped at $9 million or $14 million dollars, depending on how long they have played for the team and the annual salary raises were capped as well. In return, the players got a $15,000 increase in the minimum salary, bringing it to $287,500 and also the salary cap exemptions, in some cases. Most sport personalities criticized the players union for eventually starting to disperse and not sticking together as the main reason why they conceded most of their demands. However, this set the stage for a future confrontation when both sides would be tougher and less likely to give in to the other’s demands.

A lot of people may say that investing may be compared to gambling. Well, if it is, investment may be the best form of gambling because you do not have to depend on luck. The key is strategy. If you have the right strategies then you are bound to having more money.

Who would not want to have more cash, right? Even if they say that more money means more problems, it is a situation anyone would gladly take. That scenario is far lot better than not being able to make ends meet.  

If you are thinking of how you can invest your money, you need to remember that you have to be smart in making your decision. There are different ways on how you can invest and there are lots of considerations too. Do not just jump into any investment opportunity that comes your way. It is best to start knowing the basics first so you would not be wasting your money.

There are a few questions that you need to deal with so you can successfully choose your investment method. Since there are different options, the following questions may help you trim down the list. First, what are you more concerned of—big return of investment or safety of your investment? Second, are you looking for long term or short term investment? Third, how much are you planning to invest?

Now, if you have determined your preferences when it comes to investing, it is best to look deeper into what each investment option can give you. Here are the top 5 best ways to invest. Whether you have a hundred or ten thousand, these methods can be profitable. 

1. Savings Account

This is known as the safest way to invest your money. If you are a beginner when it comes to investing, opening a savings account will save you from all the confusing details and overwhelming techniques. If you are also not the kind of person who wants to take risks when it comes to hard earned money, opening a savings account is a good choice.

Because there are different ways of investing money these days, savings account is no longer a preference for a lot of people. It may sound traditional but when it comes to safety of your money, savings account is still the best contender. First of all, if you open up a savings account, you do not have to worry about losing your money just because of inflation. Even the economic crisis will not affect the money that you have put into your savings account. Second, banks are covered by provisions of the government. So, if in case the bank closes or encounters other mishaps, you will still be able to get the amount that you invested.

You just have to know that if you deposit the money in a savings account, the interest rates being offered by the banks are usually not that high. If you are investing a few hundreds, it will take years before you see it double. If you have thousands of dollars, you will notice significant increase in your initial investment. It can be a good idea to start with a small amount first and continue to add more money to your savings account.    

You can easily open up a savings account online or by going to the bank. There is usually a maintaining balance for savings accounts and this may vary from one bank to another. The good thing about savings account is that you still have easy access to your money and you are not restricted by time or other technicalities.

A skinfold measure of body fat is when a doctor uses what is called a skin caliper and estimates body fat by measuring the thickness of the skinfold. The right side of the body is the side that is measured to ensure consistency, especially since the right side of the body can be slightly larger than the left. The calipers are to pinch an area of fat, but to ensure that no muscle is pinched for better accuracy. This tends to be a preferred method since measurements by tape measure don’t always take into account a person’s bone structure and muscle mass.

Knowing the amount of fat a person has versus the amount of muscle they have can help construct a good weight loss plan. Unfortunately, many of the popular weight loss methods result in muscle loss in addition to the fat loss. Some of these methods can also have an effect on organs and bone density, which is also something that you do not want. The last thing you want is to go for an undernourished look. An undernourished look means that muscle has been lost. When you have lost weight and you don’t look undernourished, it’s because you have been able to maintain the lean muscle in the body. Of course, while dieting and exercising you do want to take muscle that is not lean and turn it into lean muscle so that you can have the power and agility that you desire.

The interesting fact about muscle is that it is very hungry. It wants protein and fat. It even needs some glycogen for fuel. Besides your brain and your organs, every muscle in your body consumes energy. You have to give it that energy because the more muscle you have, the more fat you are going to burn. Even after you are done exercising, your muscle still burns energy, which means you burn calories even while resting after exercise. It all comes down to the types of exercise being done so that fat and not muscle is reduced.

 Chart Your Progress

One way you are going to be able to keep yourself motivated is to chart your progress. Before you begin your diet and exercise routine, you will need to take body measurements and monitor your weight. Monitoring weight alone is not enough. Measurements can help you produce the proportions that you need. When losing weight, you don’t want your body to be out of proportion.

In many cases, the scale is not needed. It can be abandoned because measurements are what counts, but only after you have learned how much muscle your body already contains. It is hard to calculate weight when there are so many other factors contributing to it. When taking measurements, you want to measure your chest, waist, hips, upper legs, and upper arms. And there are other tools that you are going to use to monitor your weight loss while maintaining muscle. Those tools are: Your eyes, your ears, your clothes, belts, and the weight that you lift.