Formetrix Docs

Your Measurement Schedule

4 min read

Formetrix does not require you to measure everything every time.

How often you measure depends on your goal, your tolerance for noise, and how you intend to use the data.

You can interact with Formetrix frequently — while measuring selectively and intentionally.

Full Measurement Sessions

A full measurement includes all core body measurements used for composition and interpretation.

Recommended frequency:

  • Once per week for general tracking, performance monitoring, or recomposition

  • Once every 7–14 days for slower-changing outcomes such as fat loss or baseline health trends

These timeframes align with:

  • the biological pace of measurable body change

  • normalization of short-term variability

  • limits of anthropometric measurement precision

More frequent sessions may be appropriate depending on goal (e.g. performance monitoring, rehabilitation, or short experimental phases), but they are not required for meaningful progress tracking.

Partial / Targeted Measurements

Between full sessions, you may choose to record partial (targeted) measurements.

These sessions focus only on values that:

  • change more frequently

  • are directly relevant to your current goal

Targeted measurements are most useful when:

  • monitoring response to a diet or training adjustment

  • tracking a specific area (e.g. waist, limb symmetry)

  • supplementing longer-term trends without re-measuring everything

This allows engagement without unnecessary repetition or noise.

What Happens When Values Are Left Unchanged

Formetrix can use a cumulative-model when you do not re-enter a value:

  • the most recent valid value is carried forward

  • interpretation remains continuous

  • no artificial “reset” or data loss occurs

This allows you to:

  • avoid re-measuring stable points

  • preserve a complete body model

  • reduce unnecessary input effort

Important

However, this should be used intentionally.

If used without awareness, carried-forward values may give an illusion of continuity where no new data was added. This can reduce interpretive precision in the short term and, if prolonged, limit the reliability of the profile for interpretation.

However,

If you are unsure, it is usually better to carry forward a stable value than to leave it empty repeatedly. Refer to cumulative-model for more details.

Using External Devices or Clinics

If you occasionally use an external device or clinical machine:

  • You can import or manually enter those readings

  • You can compare them with Formetrix’s estimation functions to see which ones align most closely with your reference device

    • You can then prioritize those functions and build your measurement habit around the inputs that stay most consistent with that reference over time

Accordingly, you may also choose to:

  • Use different profiles (see profiles-and-history) for different measurement contexts

  • Distinguish these measurements using aliases or notes (e.g. “DEXA scan”, “Clinic visit”)

Note

Formetrix is capable of contextualizing imported values, distinguishing between direct measurements and derived estimates within the same timeline.

Danger

Frequent switching between machines reduces comparability.

External measurements are best treated as reference points, not replacements for consistent longitudinal tracking.

Example Scenarios

Fat Loss (Conservative, Low Noise)

  • Full measurement every 7–14 days

  • Optional weight or waist checks in between

  • Use cumulative view to maintain continuity

This avoids chasing short-term fluctuations while still capturing real change.

Focused Adjustment (Short Phase)

(e.g. training block, dietary intervention, rehabilitation phase)

  • Full measurement at the start and end of the phase

  • One or two targeted checks mid-phase

  • No need to re-measure stable points

This captures direction and response without unnecessary density.

External Scan / Clinic Visit

  • Import results as a standalone measurement

  • Continue normal tracking before and after

  • Treat the result as a contextual anchor, not a baseline reset

This preserves continuity while benefiting from higher-resolution snapshots.

What to Avoid

  • Daily full measurements

  • Leaving frequently tracked points empty unintentionally

  • Interpreting short-term fluctuations as real change

Bottom Line

Formetrix works best when:

  • measurements are deliberate

  • sessions are structured

  • trends are allowed to form naturally

TL;DR

You do not need frequent measurements. You need consistency over time.

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