Where to measure hips? - JP Fitness Forums

rixatrix · 03-22-2008, 12:42 PM

I know this seems like a straightforward question, but it vexes me to no end - where do I measure my hips?

If I shoot for measuring around the "widest" part, the measurement can vary wildly if I measure just an inch above or below where I took my last hip measurement. In a nutshell, consistency is hard.

I've also seen to measure around your hipbones, which gives a convenient reference point but also seems like - in women, at least - not the most relevant measurement since most of the junk is in the trunk.

Does anyone have any thoughts? It's hard to get a reading on whether my measurements have changed or whether a change in numbers is human error.

Lisa~ · 03-22-2008, 12:48 PM

When I learned to do assessments, the hip measurement is taken at "the widest point of the gluteals." But when you're taking your own measurements, just find a reference point on your own body that seems most relevant to your own fat patterns and stick with it. Consistency is the only really important issue. Take both measurements if you want and just clearly label what they are. These numbers are for you to measure progress, so whatever number makes sense to you is the best one to use.

riverbender · 03-23-2008, 01:41 PM

I thought I was the only one with this question!

I use markers like a freckle or a stretch mark. Guess they're good for something after all.

And I always measure first thing in the morning when I'm skinny

. I measure pretty much daily (but never after cheat day!), not to monitor change but rather to encourage the consistency thing.

I don't know if it's typical but my numbers around the mid section occasionally go up and down from week to week - sometimes by large amounts - and it doesn't seem to be related to my cycle - but who knows, it's not exactly regular these days. Two weeks ago my hip and waist measurements were back to almost where they were in January. They've since dropped back down.

Hips are an issue for me as well. What I'm finding is that as I lose weight the widest area has changed. What was once widest, isn't anymore. So now I'm not really sure which location to use for bf% calculations. The smaller measurement gives me a bf% that really seems lower than what I actually am. Oh well. Sooner or later it will all be gone anyway.

prof41 · 03-23-2008, 04:21 PM

I have some underwear, several of the same type, that I wear for measurements. I take one measurement at the top of the elastic band of my underwear that lands a couple inches below my belly button, and then another measurement on the lower part of the underwear (the leg part of the underwear if you will) which measures more of my hips and butt.

I take the measurement every week and put on the same type of underwear, so I know I'm fairly consistent.

rixatrix · 03-23-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prof41

I have some underwear, several of the same type, that I wear for measurements. I take one measurement at the top of the elastic band of my underwear that lands a couple inches below my belly button, and then another measurement on the lower part of the underwear (the leg part of the underwear if you will) which measures more of my hips and butt.

I take the measurement every week and put on the same type of underwear, so I know I'm fairly consistent.

BRILLIANT! And so much cheaper than getting a tattoo!

stephanie932 · 03-23-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rixatrix

BRILLIANT! And so much cheaper than getting a tattoo!

And, much better than marking yourself with a Sharpie!

maggieandmommy · 03-23-2008, 09:12 PM

That's a terrific idea, Prof! I'll have to try that!

jesca · 03-24-2008, 09:01 PM

Brilliant! I didn't realize you were supposed to be taking them around your bum. I've been measuring around to pooch on either side of my hip bones, I guess. I suppose I will be consistent, but perhaps add in that glutes bit next month to look for changes there. I got a lot of junk, I'm not sure I want to know what that number is!

Natalia · 03-25-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prof41

I have some underwear, several of the same type, that I wear for measurements. I take one measurement at the top of the elastic band of my underwear that lands a couple inches below my belly button, and then another measurement on the lower part of the underwear (the leg part of the underwear if you will) which measures more of my hips and butt.

I take the measurement every week and put on the same type of underwear, so I know I'm fairly consistent.

I can see it now.....At your local dept. store - rows and rows of special underwear (and T-shirts for chest, arm and other measurements)

MuscleMom23 · 03-25-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natalia

I can see it now.....At your local dept. store - rows and rows of special underwear (and T-shirts for chest, arm and other measurements)

You need one of those body suits all marked up LOL. Don't laugh it hasn't been done LOL! Call it the Measure Buddy bodysuit.

prof41 · 03-25-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natalia

I can see it now.....At your local dept. store - rows and rows of special underwear (and T-shirts for chest, arm and other measurements)

I LOVE IT....