Many moons in the past once I was a well being coach, a part of my companies included measuring physique fats share with calipers. It all the time felt a little bit awkward pinching somebody’s arm, stomach, and leg but it surely was the most effective methodology we had obtainable on the time. I nonetheless personal these calipers, however physique composition has now gone excessive tech within the type of the Bod Pod.
The Bod Pod is a “gold commonplace” physique composition monitoring system that makes use of air displacement know-how to precisely measure physique fats share and fat-free mass in about 5-10 minutes. It’s a protected, non-invasive, egg-shaped chamber and the outcomes are sometimes used for health planning, weight administration, and monitoring progress over time.
After I noticed it supplied as an expertise when mother and I had been visiting Canyon Ranch, I jumped on it. I adopted the recommendation to not train, eat, or drink caffeine for at the least 2 hours prior and confirmed up sporting a washing swimsuit (and a gown). After a quick introduction on the method together with a take a look at run with an empty pod so I may right here the sound of the air displacement and perceive what to anticipate, I used to be handed my cap (like a swimmers cap) and climbed inside.
I virtually requested her to take my image however felt a little bit foolish doing so 😉
We did two runs, every taking about 45 seconds, and that was it! I may really feel like puffs of air and my ears popped a little bit, however apart from the chilly seat I used to be sitting on, there was no discomfort by any means.
She opened the pod, I popped out and placed on my gown, and we met subsequent door in her workplace to go over the outcomes. It helped that I used to be aware of lots of phrases – physique fats share, lean physique mass, and so on. Let’s check out the print out:
This was the print out she introduced in to go over with me. It exhibits my physique fats share and my fats free mass. I used to be advised the stats are compared to different ladies my identical age and ethnicity, although the true worth is to match your outcomes over time, to not others.
Some takeaways from this evaluation:
- I’m 24% physique fats, which is in a wholesome zone.
- I’ve 89 lbs of fats free mass (something not fats together with muscle, bone, organs, and so on) and the purpose for my top, weight, and age is 90+
This was fascinating to me, however I needed a deeper dive. I requested if my purpose was to extend my fats free mass (muscle) to 92 lbs from 89, wouldn’t it be wiser for me to concentrate on constructing muscle or dropping fats. As we dived into this dialog subject, she had me wait whereas she printed off a second web page.
When she returned I used to be thrilled as a result of this was the knowledge I used to be extra interested in than the straightforward stat of my fats share. I needed data I may act on and this was it:
I discovered this web page to be SO rather more useful, so for those who get the evaluation, please ensure you ask for this print out as properly.
This web page helped me see that I’m within the higher vary of an athletic stage of physique fats. That I really feel high quality about, however longevity-focused purpose is to realize extra muscle. After I requested her if my purpose needs to be to lose some fats or concentrate on gaining muscle, the reply was clear: muscle! So we dived into caloric expenditure.
Your RMR (additionally known as BMR) is the energy your physique wants to only keep alive for those who had been mendacity in mattress all day (1097 for me). Your Whole Power Expenditure (TEE) is the variety of energy you want based mostly in your exercise stage. I advised her about my day after day life and train schedule and he or she decided I used to be within the lively group, which means my physique wants 1909 energy a day to take care of my present stage of health.
Since my purpose is to realize muscle, I really need a small surplus of energy with a concentrate on protein to perform this. Aiming for 2100ish energy per day with 120g of protein can be an excellent place to begin, whereas additionally maintaining with centered energy coaching 4 days per week.
This data was tremendous useful to me as a result of I feel I’ve really been undereating for this purpose. I don’t monitor macros, however given my intensive expertise in doing so, I estimate I’ve been consuming nearer to 1600-1800 energy a day.
Have I misplaced you but? haha 🙂
As a well being knowledge fanatic (as a result of that sounds nicer than nerd), I like these things. It’s one of many causes I like Perform Well being a lot.
Will I begin monitoring energy and macros on My Health Pal to hit these objectives? Possibly for a day or two out of curiosity, however actually, in all probability not. However I’ll proceed to tailor my meals with a concentrate on protein and fiber and attempt to increase my caloric consumption a little bit as properly.
Total I discovered the Bod Pod to be a really precious expertise. I’d like to do it once more in a 12 months to see how my physique composition shifts. As we age, muscle turns into more and more necessary for longevity so to have that information and information on what my particular physique wants to extend it’s so useful.
Have you ever completed a physique composition evaluation? Would you wish to if given the chance?
