By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
If you have recently been to the doctor for a checkup, your physician probably assessed your body mass index (BMI) and then discussed the results with you. Your BMI is a simple calculation that includes your height and weight and does not take into affect any other physical or physiological characteristics.
BMI is a good indicator of health and well-being
Because BMI only considers an individual’s height and weight, many people are led to believe that BMI is not a realistic indicator of health nor is it attainable for most people to be at such an “unrealistic” weight. However, the truth is that BMI is more often than not a good indicator of health, and being at a weight that places your BMI in a healthy range is attainable and good for you.
The BMI calculation does not apply to everyone
On the contrary, the BMI calculation does not apply to everyone, such as highly trained athletes who engage in regular strength training. Typically, athletes have much more lean muscle mass than the average person, and therefore, athletes will have a higher BMI.
The increase in BMI is simply because muscle weighs more than fat and athletes have a lot of muscle due to the intense training. Furthermore, highly trained athletes are also physically different than recreationally trained individuals or people who simply lift weights regularly to stay in shape.
Just because you lift weights does not mean that you have the muscle mass of a trained, elite athlete; which means, BMI is still a good indicator of health and can help you understand a healthy weight range.
Research suggests that an increased BMI is related to greater body fat even in a large sample of recreationally fit individuals that regularly engage in physical activity and strength training. This further highlights the value of having a normal, healthy BMI number.
Calculate your BMI:
BMI = Weight (lbs) x 703
Height (inches)
Once you calculate your BMI you should also know that a “normal healthy” range is considered to be between 18.5 – 25. In all reality, if your BMI is outside or greater than the normal range, from a health perspective, you would greatly benefit if you lost enough weight to reduce your BMI to fit in the normal range.
Article’s Source
Antonio J. (2018). The Relationship Between BMI and Body Composition in Exercise-Trained Men and Women. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition; 1(1).
Are you frequently skipping breakfast due to a busy schedule? You do not have to anymore.
Download our eBook- 20 Healthy Breakfast ideas in Under 15 minutes for just $27.00
You no longer will miss the most important meal of the day for more energy and healthy weight management! Enjoy!
Stop depending on willpower and motivation alone to help you lose those stubborn pounds.
Instead, enroll in our Vicki Doe Fitness-Step by Step Weight Loss Bootcamp Masterclass an online 12-week comprehensive weight loss program that embraces the holistic approach to sustainable healthy lifestyle habits for weight loss and long-lasting transformation- Sign up below!
Vicki Doe Fitness-Step by Step Weight Loss Bootcamp Masterclass
Resources
*Note: Some of the resources below may be affiliate links, meaning Vicki Doe Fitness receives a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use the link to make a purchase. Thank you for your support!
Need relaxation and stress relief? Try Yoga!
YogaDownload is the premier online destination for downloading/streaming online yoga, meditation, pilates, barre, and fitness classes. Online since 2009, they offer 1,700+ classes taught by professional instructors, including world-renowned yoga teachers the likes of Anna Forrest.
Join YogaDownload.com
Are you wearing Reebok?
Reebok is an American-inspired, global brand that creates and markets sports and lifestyle products built upon a strong heritage and authenticity in sports, fitness, and women’s categories
Shop Women’s Sale Items at Reebok
Reebok is for women, men, and kids….. It’s a family affair!
Shop Men’s Sale Items at Reebok
Go to our Resources page- For the most recommended tools, you need to succeed on your healthy living journey!!
Listen and share our podcast show- “It’s All About Health & Fitness-” Vicki Doe Fitness
Or anywhere that you listen to your favorite podcast.
To support this Website, Podcast, and all of our other health fitness educational media content,
Haywood Doe Consulting Co. LLC
Wow wonderful blog layout How long have you been blogging for you make blogging look easy The overall look of your site is great as well as the content
I have read some excellent stuff here Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting I wonder how much effort you put to make the sort of excellent informative website
Fantastic site Lots of helpful information here I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious And of course thanks for your effort