Tracking progress...

[thecomplex]

I recently took some progress pictures to see how I've come along since last July. When comparing the 2005 pictures to the 2006 ones, they look much too much the same. I only see a slight bit of chest definition in the newest ones.
Since starting a new gym last year, I've been getting my bodyfat checked every two weeks ...and every two weeks the caliper readings improve. Going from 18% to 8%. I know that the gym bodyfat percentages aren't all that accurate, but it does say that I'm consistantly moving in the right direction.
As far as diet, I feel like I've done well with lean meats, vegetables, healthy fats, every 2 - 3 hours eating time and minimal cheating (once every week 1/2 - 2 weeks).
I'm disappointed because all this time I've been working out, I've been doing so under the impression that I'm making good progress. But when it boils down to a visual comparison over a long period of time, I feel like I haven't gotten back what I've put in. While I admit there has been a change, it looks more like 1 or 2 months of working out than 12 months of working out.
How do I go about finding out what and when to change something if everyone and everything is telling me I'm doing good and to stick to what I'm working with.

 

[Cynic]

I'm disappointed because all this time I've been working out, I've been doing so under the impression that I'm making good progress. But when it boils down to a visual comparison over a long period of time, I feel like I haven't gotten back what I've put in. While I admit there has been a change, it looks more like 1 or 2 months of working out than 12 months of working out.
How do I go about finding out what and when to change something if everyone and everything is telling me I'm doing good and to stick to what I'm working with.

First, congratulations on the loss of body fat. A 10% loss is major. The calipers is the third best method next to the air chamber or water immersion even though it has a margin of error up to 5%.

1. What's your caloric intake? Does it exceed your maint lvl taking into account your physical activity, HT, WT and age?
2. What's your macronutrient breakdown?
3. When was the last time you changed up exercises?
4. What does your workout look like (in detail)?

 

[malkore]

congrats on leaning out. but you can't really add much lean mass when you're cutting fat. that's why we bulk, then cut, bulk, then cut.

and definition/looking toned is a product of having enough lean muscle mass to show up/look good when your body fat gets low.