I want to be able to check my progress in a bulk... how would I go about doing this? I would assume I should grab a cloth tape measure and take the measurement of my biceps, chest, etc. Main question is, where exactly should i put the tape measure on each respective body part so as to get a consistent reading between attempts? Should I just find the thickest section and loop it around there, or are there particular points you should measure from? Also, I'm not at all thin at the moment, and I know bulking will likely add more wieght, but I do not want to go overboard. I'm about 5' 10', 180 lbs. How would I know if the weight I'd be gaining was muscle or fat? Should I measure my stomach as well, and start cutting back calories if I see that measurement starting to increase?

Measuring muscles -- I just measure around the biggest part -- consistency within yourself is the key. Pick some spots and stay there.

Bulking progress -- determine your body fat %. There are machines that do this electronically -- most gyms have them. There are some tests on the internet that go by various body measurements, but I don't think these are as accurate. When I bulk, I plan to bulk up to 15% body fat, then cut back down. If you know your body fat and weight before you start bulking, you'll know exactly how many pounds of muscle you put on at the end.

Hope this helps -- and welcome to the JSF Forums. Glad you're here.