Must-Read Fitness Tips From Top BodySpace Members

We've all done it—scrolled through sites, flipped through magazines, and admired the ripped bodies we've pegged as our goal physiques. From boulder shoulders and biceps peaks to six-packs and V-tapers, there's a lot to admire about successful fitness athletes. But where does it all start?

As we found out using BodySpace data, monitoring progress is absolutely critical to fitness success. When it comes to reaching your goals, consistently punching in and tracking your workout specifics—reps, sets, and weight lifted—could be as important as pressing that barbell overhead—and not by a small margin, either.

BodySpace members who log workouts three times a week or more have roughly 70 percent more success toward their goals—measured by weight gained, fat lost, and other criteria—than members who don't track reps and sets!

The first year of consistency can be the hardest. With that in mind, we rounded up tips from the top BodySpace trackers who have stayed the course over the last 365 days. Not only are we 'mirin their physiques, we're also 'mirin their dedication to staying on top of their workouts! Check out their stats and advice to crush your own fitness journey!

Top-Tracking Women

These 10 BodySpace members prove that ladies definitely lift, earning them each a spot among the top-tracking women.

1Jennhfit

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
0	50	144 lbs.	15.5%	4,904,414	461

Progress pics	0
Gallery pics	50
Current weight	144 lbs.
Current body fat	15.5%
Pounds lifted	4,904,414
Workouts tracked	461

Fit Tip Consistency is key

When it comes to training, the only bad workout is the one that didn't happen. Steady progress is what you should strive for, not instant results. The expectation shouldn't be perfection, and as BodySpace member Jennhfit will tell you, not every workout is going to be amazing. Realizing this will help you take steps in the right direction. "Consistency is key," Jennhfit says. "Not every workout has to be perfect. Putting forth the effort is what matters."

2KayDuff

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
4	3	125.5 lbs.	13.6%	7,186,428	408

Progress pics	4
Gallery pics	3
Current weight	125.5 lbs.
Current body fat	13.6%
Pounds lifted	7,186,428
Workouts tracked	408

Fit Tip Tracking ensures progress

Working out without recording your reps and sets completed could be what's holding you back from being your best self, especially if you don't know how much you're lifting from workout to workout. After all, if you don't know where you've been, it's hard to know where you should go.

When it came to logging workouts to ensure her consistent progress, KayDuff was a leader among the ladies with 408 pumped-up, biceps-growing, core-tightening, and delt-developing workouts tracked. She says tracking has helped her stay in the game!

3Nadya0577

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
15	16	121.25 lbs.	18.6%	2,779,484	400

Progress pics	15
Gallery pics	16
Current weight	121.25 lbs.
Current body fat	18.6%
Pounds lifted	2,779,484
Workouts tracked	400

Fit Tip Set short-term goals

You're not going to look like a fitness model after your first training session. Heck, it could take years to build your goal physique. That's why it's imperative that you break up your larger goals into smaller goals. "I like to motivate myself with short-term goals," says BodySpace member Nadya0577. "Goals like losing one kilogram in 10 days are more manageable. A week goes by quickly, and once you've achieved that goal, you realize you've coped and survived. Then, it's on to the next goal!"

4TangoClimber

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
37	21	135 lbs.	16.6%	224,814	371

Progress pics	37
Gallery pics	21
Current weight	135 lbs.
Current body fat	16.6%
Pounds lifted	224,814
Workouts tracked	371

Fit Tip Do what you love, and love what you do

Healthy living isn't a cookie-cutter lifestyle, and a traditional gym workout isn't the only way to train. "For me, the biggest hurdle has been setting my own goals and not getting lost in the cultural expectation of what it means to be fit," says TangoClimber. "I've always loved training, but I have a more nontraditional approach than spending hours in the weight room with the standard 8-12 rep range. Rock climbing, running, and yoga make me happy, so I spend the majority of my time doing those activities, and my body is a reflection of that."

5C0urtkn33

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
49	99	158 lbs.	20.3%	7,192,324	355

Progress pics	49
Gallery pics	99
Current weight	158 lbs.
Current body fat	20.3%
Pounds lifted	7,192,324
Workouts tracked	355

Fit Tip Schedule your workouts

Fitting training and proper nutrition into a busy schedule isn't always the easiest thing to do. "My toughest hurdle is working around my schedule with kids and life in general," says C0urtkn33. When life gets hectic—as it undoubtedly will—carving out time to care for yourself and be a fit role model for your family is key.

"I had to decide that no matter what was going on in my life, I would get in my workout, even if that meant staying up late or getting up way too early," she says. To strive toward change, you have to really want it.

6Paskos79

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
44	178	132.5 lbs.	17.9%	3,723,525	342

Progress pics	44
Gallery pics	178
Current weight	132.5 lbs.
Current body fat	17.9%
Pounds lifted	3,723,525
Workouts tracked	342

Fit Tip Get your head in the game

Sometimes the gym beckons, but you're just not up for training. That's when you have to dig deep, echo some positive self talk, and be your own motivation. For Paskos79, a quick mental warm-up is all it takes: "I put on my favorite music to pump myself up and keep telling myself, 'You can do it. It's only an hour of your life—go hard and enjoy the benefits,'" she says. "Before you know it, I'm sprinting, and my mindset is focused on making gains! After 5-10 minutes, I'm ready to hit the weights."

7Vigsmom

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
65	94	152 lbs.	16%	4,108,527	338

Progress pics	65
Gallery pics	94
Current weight	152 lbs.
Current body fat	16%
Pounds lifted	4,108,527
Workouts tracked	338

Fit Tip Research everything

Knowledge is power. Knowing what you're eating and why you're eating it is essential when transforming your body. BodySpace member Vigsmom credits research as an important factor in her journey. "Research everything you want to put in your body, whether it is a supplement or a new food," she says. Knowing what you're using to fuel your body and why you're using it is the cornerstone of success.

8Sadie915

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
24	94	102.5 lbs.	6%	3,749,734	337

Progress pics	24
Gallery pics	94
Current weight	102.5 lbs.
Current body fat	6%
Pounds lifted	3,749,734
Workouts tracked	337

Fit Tip Don't be afraid to fail

Sometimes, the fear of failure can be paralyzing and keep you from even starting. BodySpace member Sadie915 had to overcome this hurdle before she could truly begin her fitness journey. "My toughest hurdle was not being afraid of failure," she says. "I was scared to put myself out there so openly. I made a decision to follow my dream of one day being a fitness spokesmodel. While it hasn't happened yet, I'm still working toward it and couldn't be happier with the wonderful support of my BodySpace friends and followers who push me to be better every day."

9Kelleysherwin

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
34	75	111.4 lbs.	15%	3,075,825	320

Progress pics	34
Gallery pics	75
Current weight	111.4 lbs.
Current body fat	15%
Pounds lifted	3,075,825
Workouts tracked	320

Fit Tip Track your nutrition

When it comes to being and staying fit, nutrition is paramount. "Track everything that goes into your mouth—clean or dirty," Kelleysherwin says. "If you don't know how many calories you're consuming and what the macro breakdown is, you won't be able to make the adjustments that will help you achieve your goals."

10Littlebibbs

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
0	19	108 lbs.	Not tracked	2,553,877	303

Progress pics	0
Gallery pics	19
Current weight	108 lbs.
Current body fat	Not tracked
Pounds lifted	2,553,877
Workouts tracked	303

Fit Tip Indulge in moderation

Working out and eating clean don't have to mean chicken and broccoli for life. The occasional indulgence is OK and might even help turn that "diet" into a lifestyle change. BodySpace member Littlebibbs's cheat of choice is a homemade cheeseburger. "I use 91 percent lean ground beef and one slice of full-fat cheese. No bun," she says.

It's important to do what works for you and your diet. "I don't track my macros, but I've been a follower of the Fighter Diet principles for years, and I've learned what my body can tolerate and what it needs."

Top-Tracking Men

These eight BodySpace members brought it home for the bros by tracking enough workouts over the last year to sit among the top-ranking trackers.

1Iantherockstar

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
20	42	142 lbs.	7%	8,863,542	563

Progress pics	20
Gallery pics	42
Current weight	142 lbs.
Current body fat	7%
Pounds lifted	8,863,542
Workouts tracked	563

Fit Tip Love the journey

For some BodySpace members, training is all about discipline and enjoying the ride. "If you go into this thinking in terms of giving the least amount of effort possible, or how much you'll be able to 'cheat,' your results will reflect that," Iantherockstar says. "You have to love the process of training as much as the results. It becomes easier as you develop and stick with the right habits."

A strong mind-muscle connection also plays a role. "I focus on every movement in the gym with careful, deliberate intention—never dropping or swinging the weights," he says. When the going gets hard, don't slack. "Letting gravity take the weight down at the end of a rep is a wasted opportunity! Resist and be stronger for it."

2Kunlars

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
25	3	196.21 lbs.	13.1%	5,875,592	475

Progress pics	25
Gallery pics	3
Current weight	196.21 lbs.
Current body fat	13.1%
Pounds lifted	5,875,592
Workouts tracked	475

Fit Tip Inspire others

Something as simple as a kind word of encouragement on a fellow lifter's progress pic can give them a boost of confidence. Turns out, those kind words benefit the "complimenter", as well! BodySpace members who engage in the community by commenting are 40 percent more successful toward their goals than those who sit back, stay quiet, and look on.

With an average of one comment per week, it's no wonder that Kunlars is on the right track. The takeaway: Share your experience, offer feedback, and be there for your #fitfam. We're all in this together!

3Jzehel21

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
7	28	189 lbs.	Not tracked	10,835,832	397

Progress pics	7
Gallery pics	28
Current weight	189 lbs.
Current body fat	Not tracked
Pounds lifted	10,835,832
Workouts tracked	397

Fit Tip Challenge yourself

Increasing the weight you're lifting weekly or pushing through a few more reps before dropping pounds definitely spells success, but mental fortitude can be just as impressive as any physical feat. It's what BodySpace member Jzehel21 credits with helping him break barriers and overcome plateaus. "Pushing yourself further than what you think is possible—reaching your 'limit' and going beyond—is exactly what it takes to get to the next level," he says.

4Luekutus

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
5	20	182.9 lbs.	16.6%	5,047,350	393

Progress pics	5
Gallery pics	20
Current weight	182.9 lbs.
Current body fat	16.6%
Pounds lifted	5,047,350
Workouts tracked	393

Fit Tip Find balance

Balance is key when it comes to nutrition and daily meal prep. Finding healthy alternatives for major cheat meals is key, but sometimes there's no real replacement, and that's when practicing moderation becomes crucial. A long-term fit lifestyle means having to make room for your favorites from time to time.

For Luekutus, it's all about finding balance. "I love beer—it's one of my biggest hurdles," he says. "Instead of trying to 'overcome' it, I've just relegated it to Saturday evenings."

5Integrityinside

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
18	16	165 lbs.	6.5%	5,570,062	385

Progress pics	18
Gallery pics	16
Current weight	165 lbs.
Current body fat	6.5%
Pounds lifted	5,570,062
Workouts tracked	385

Fit Tip Photograph your progress

Selfies aren't just for #flexfriday. In fact, saying "cheese" more often and tracking your progress through gallery photos and progress pics could help accelerate your path toward fitness. BodySpace members who add at least one photo per week are 2.5 times more successful than those who remain camera shy and don't post.

With 34 gallery and progress photos, Integrityinside is living proof that sharing everything from your back progress to your cut abs can help foster a supportive environment that leads to growth.

6Gw43

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
8	48	150.5 lbs.	7%	13,748,560	367

Progress pics	8
Gallery pics	48
Current weight	150.5 lbs.
Current body fat	7%
Pounds lifted	13,748,560
Workouts tracked	367

Fit Tip Get comfortable in the kitchen

Making strides toward a fitter you isn't an overnight process. BodySpace member Gw43 gained a strong foothold in healthy living by nixing bad habits. "I quit drinking, and read a lot to become informed about my food choices," he says.

Instead of hitting up the drive-through and ordering A&W's sausage n' eggers, which led to instant regret and left him feeling crappy, Gw43 takes the time to prep his own take on a protein-rich breakfast with five whole eggs, natural peanut butter, flax, and oat porridge. "I lost close to 20 pounds in six months," he says. "I was more consistent with my goals, and when I reached one I added another. That's kept me going."

7Guitarhero23

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
3	0	155 lbs.	13%	4,033,056	358

Progress pics	3
Gallery pics	0
Current weight	155 lbs.
Current body fat	13%
Pounds lifted	4,033,056
Workouts tracked	358

Fit Tip Tailor your workouts

Turning your life around is no easy feat, but in the end, hard work definitely pays off. BodySpace member Guitarhero23 can speak to that. While he currently sits at a solid 13 percent body fat, that wasn't always the case. "Back in 2009, I was obese at 240 pounds," he says. "Now I sit at around 156 pounds and feel great, but adapting a new healthy lifestyle wasn't easy."

If you're feeling overwhelmed with the changes you have to make, break them down to create more manageable tasks. For example, instead of working out for an hour and a half straight, split cardio and lifting into two separate sessions. "Now my routine is to go to the gym before work for a 30-minute cardio session, and then follow that up with a lifting workout at lunch," Guitarhero23 says.

8Shedden

Progress pics	Gallery pics	Current weight	Current body fat	Pounds lifted	Workouts tracked
10	0	167.5 lbs.	10%	4,428,621	349

Progress pics	10
Gallery pics	0
Current weight	167.5 lbs.
Current body fat	10%
Pounds lifted	4,428,621
Workouts tracked	349

Fit Tip Measure everything

The scale might be misleading when it comes to tracking progress, but pairing weight measurements with changes in the circumference of your body parts—whether it's the broadening of your chest or the narrowing of your waist—can be a better indication that you're taking strides in the right direction.

BodySpace members who update their body-part measurements are three times more likely to succeed in reaching their goals—whether it's dropping body fat, gaining weight, or shedding a few vanity pounds—than those who don't track them!

With 422 weight updates alone, not to mention tracking the growth of his guns and the trajectory of his calf development, Shedden earned his place among the top-tracked men. He says consistent measurements have helped him succeed for the long haul.