Knowing your body shape can help you diet, exercise and dress more effectively to make the most of your body. Whether you have an hourglass shape or are more of an apple, you can use body measurements to formulate a diet and exercise plan based on your shape. A measuring tape and a steady hand are all that you need, along with a way to record your measurements and track your success.
Step 1
Measure your waist. Locate the smallest area of your waist to draw the measuring tape against. If you don't have a discernible waist, choose the area an inch below your belly button. Stretch the measuring tape around your back and under your belly button. Record the measurement.
Step 2
Record the measurement of your hips by bringing the measuring tape around your widest point, usually just above the hip bone.
Step 3
Stretch the measuring tape around your back, then shimmy it upward until it's level with your bust line. Position the measuring tape directly over your nipples for the most accurate measurement, and record the number.
Step 4
Pull the measuring tape around your shoulders like a cape. You may need a friend to help you ensure that your measurement is level. Bring the ends of the measuring tape to your collarbone, and record your measurement.
Step 5
Compare the numbers you recorded for your measurements against the four typical body shapes. If your bust and hips are larger than your waist, you are an hourglass shape, especially if the difference is 6 inches or more. If your hips and waist are the same size, yet you have a smaller bust, you're an apple shape. If your waist, bust and shoulders are smaller than your hips, you are considered a pear shape. If your shoulders, bust, waist and hips all have similar measurements, you have a ruler, or "boy" shape.
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