Health & fitness goals come in many forms and descriptions. Take a surveyof 30 people, ask them what their primary fitness desires are and you'll get 30 different answers. There will most likely be some similarities amongst many of those fitness seekers - but then again, what means 'toning up' to one may mean something entirely different to another person.
Regardless of the many different specific versions of personal fitness goals, we can easily put them into several broader categories that can hold the various subcategories and definitions as implied (or inferred) by any type of specific fitness 'enthusiast'.
To keep matters simple, I will list the broadest phrases that define the majority of fitness objectives as applied to 'regular' men and women.
1) Body Fat loss/Weight loss
2) Muscle 'Toning' (getting leaner)
3) Strength Building
4) Muscle Development
5) Energy Boosting/Enhancement
7) Flexibility Improvement/ Range of Motion
8) Reduction in Aches & Pains (Back problems,etc)
9) Enhanced Self Image and Stronger Self Confidence
10) Improved Health / Medical Status (Overall Wellness)
There is definitely some overlap between these terms not only in definition but also in practice. But, this is a good thing - not a bad thing, at all - reason being that you can only get improvements in some of these areas if you are realizing improvements in a few of the others. Now, we are probably getting into an area of discussion more suited for fitness pros as opposed to fitness seekers but I think you are getting the idea of where I am coming from.
Optimal fitness is not defined by one parameter - but rather by at least several. In other words, having a 'hot body' does not define one as fit - but having a great body, that is flexible and capable of a moderate amount of physical performance - which is fed a well rounded, nutrient dense diet will most likely fall into the 'healthy and fit' category.
Looking at the flip side, having a body that isn't defined as sexy or hot by mass media norms doesn't mean the owner of that body is 'unhealthy and unfit'. Remember, fitness is not defined by whether or not you can elicit cat calls and get yourself 'checked out' by others around you. Rather, realistic and 'helpful' fitness is a 'total package deal'. It should answer the question: 'What are we as a whole?' when we look at all critical factors. Ultimately, it's 'how we feel about ourselves, with all elements of fitness being taken into consideration'.
So, where am I leading you with this brain bending philosophical perspective? Well, the actual measurement of fitness progress and success can take many forms when we talk about specifics, but when the smoke clears and its time to assess ones changes and improvements - there are several elements to consider, depending on your personal fitness goals, that will tell a tale and provide all the feedback needed to let you know if you are on the right track or in need of exercise/diet program modifications.
One of your most under-used tools is your own intuition. You should be able to sense if you are making progress or not. While there is nothing wrong with body-fat analysis, regular weigh-ins, or muscle-strength testing (just to name several)... It is more important that you start to rely on your internal feedback system. You want to learn how to get in tune with your body and your self. The better you get at this - the simpler it becomes to 'stick to your plan', to make consistent and 'measurable' progress... and to make your healthy fitness lifestyle '2nd nature' to you.