How to take top-notch fitness progress photos

Having received some incredible before and after photos recently, from FitBtches who are seeing some amazing results, we thought we’d share them, as well as some tips on how to start tracking your progress when you start your fitness journey.

We'll start with the advice part.

Why take photos of yourself in your pants, you ask? You’ll get absolutely irrefutable evidence of both the work you’ve been putting in and the results you’re getting out, which is brilliant for keeping you motivated, when the body you see in the mirror doesn't SEEM like it’s changing. Trust us. It will be.

Here are our top tips on taking before & afters:

Show your shape in all its glory!

Wear something form-fitting, like workout gear or swimwear. Taking the befores in a baggy t-shirt isn’t going to cut it! Try not to give a shiny shite about how you look, you’re about to change everything. Feel free to do pics in your grungiest pants if you’re keeping them to yourself, but if you want to show off and have us and the lovely btches in our online community shower you in praise, make sure its an outfit you’re happy to share!

Wear the same thing each time.

Or something similar at least. Different colour etc is fine, as long as the fit is basically the same. Ie. don’t take updated photos of yourself in fancy new gear in a different size as it won’t give you an accurate picture of how far you’ve come. And also try to pose the same way – stand up straight, shoulders back, don’t suck in tooooo much…

Try to avoid a busy background.

A plain-ish wall is a good place, although as long as there’s good light where you’re taking the photo, you’ll stand out. Ruth’s pics are a good example of the background not mattering much at all – basically, take them wherever you like, but if you have the option, keep the background as clear as possible. And make sure it’s the same place each time!

Mirror selfies are shite for progress pics!

You can’t get your whole self in at the right angles (see point 5) Either ask someone to take them, or get a basic tripod/prop your phone somewhere and set a timer. Take them at eye level, with your whole body in shot.

Take 3 angles each time.

Front on, side on (the same side!) and from the back is the ideal. Track that glorious gunt from all angles.

Record at regular intervals.

Lastly, it’s best to not snap your progress pics too often. We recommend you try and take your pics approx once a month, at the same-ish point of your cycle is ideal (if you have a regular one). Before and after completing a course is also a solid idea!

Now, the glorious FitBtch before & afters.

This is Gemma.

She joined us in January and she says it took her a bit to get going (totally normal and fine btw) but she’s absolutely unstoppable now. She says she loves us because the workouts are easy to follow and effective, and best of all, SHORT! Gem also rates the community, how inclusive everything (and everyone) is.

“I feel SO strong. My back is better. I was born with a missing limb and it’s really helped with the strength on that side. I’ve lost 12lb. If you’re thinking about it, 100% do it. It’s really affordable, it’s a brilliant community and even if you want to dip your toe in, you can buy a programme and see how you get on.”

A jaw-dropping transformation tbh

And this is Ruth! She kickstarted her fitness journey over 12 weeks with our Ultimate Strong Body course.

We’d LOVE to see your before & afters if you decide to join us and see (and feel) the difference in your body. Remember we also have our Nutrition Hub inside the membership if you want to turboboost your transformation with optimal eating and supplements for us women of a certain age.

Our inbox is always open for questions, if you have any – on joining, courses or anything.