It's hard to take a lot of measurements in the beginning, because you don't really want your picture taken in a body you hope to change. It's not necessarily a fun idea to find out your baseline. However, when those changes start happening, comparing where you are to where you were is one of the most exciting motivators.
I wish I would have taken more pictures - of my back, of my flexed biceps, of my calves. The picture from the front definitely shows changes, but it would be really cool to have more angles to compare from.
Here are several other measurements to consider taking:
- Blood levels. A routine blood test at the beginning and the end of a 12 week program would be very interesting and informative
- Body fat percentage
- Blood pressure
- Strength and Fitness tests
- A hiking test: Going on a hike at the beginning and the end of a program will give you a real world idea of how much healthier you have become
- Body dimensions measurements. Waist size, arm circumfrence, that sort of thing
Since we are all different, we will have different results in different areas. By having several measurements, you have a better chance of noticing some big changes. For example, you may not lose much weight, but if your body fat percentage goes down, that means you lost fat and gained muscle.
