KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: TIPS LEARNT THROUGH PERSONAL TRAINING

 

When it comes to fitness and numbers, the first thing that comes to peoples mind is what’s on the weighing scale. Well, not to say that that’s not a way to keep track of your fitness, but with my training and experience in personal training, I've learnt that it’s not the conclusive determinant of one’s fitness level. This is because body weight alone is not a clear determinant of kilos that come from body fat and those that come from muscle.

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Understanding your numbers is a very important step in the fitness journey not just because it will let you in on how you are progressing but it’s also a good way of knowing what your goals should be in fitness, hence a better fitness plan. 

Early measurement and knowledge of your numbers will improve your health and at the same time determine early risks. This is because numbers are what we use to measure, track and evaluate progress. Most people will only consider taking the weight measurements which isn’t the overall determinant of your fitness level. This means, there is much more to fitness beyond the weighing scale. Knowing your numbers is a good way of keeping up with your body’s progress while also ensuring that you are at your best health-wise. This, in most instances, will help to keep many lifestyle diseases at bay.

An ideal number plan should consist of the following;1.Waist to hip ratio (WHR)This is the ratio of the circumference of your waist in relation to that of your hips. Your waist to hip ratio helps to estimate the fat distribution in the body. Research shows that people with more weight around the waist have higher health risks than those with more weight around the hips.

2. Body Mass Index (BMI)
 Body mass index is the measurement of weight in relation to your height. A healthy BMI is 18.5-24.9, unhealthy BMI is 25-30, and obese is 30 and higher. Therefore, getting these numbers will help one to know where they should be health wise. However. measuring your BMI isn't a conclusive method of determining your fitness levels.

3. Blood pressureBlood pressure readings include systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Blood pressure numbers are usually written with the systolic number above or before the diastolic. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Knowing these numbers helps to detect hypertension and high blood pressure early.

4. Body fatThis gives you a clearer picture of the different changes taking place in your body and what they really mean. You are able to determine if the weight you are loosing is coming from the lean mass/ muscle or if it’s the body fat.

There are many other tests in the fitness industry that are given depending on what the goals of a particular person are. However, these are the basic ones taken when one needs to track progress.

During my personal training sessions. I always inform my clients that these are very important measurements for someone who is serious about their fitness and well-being. When you know your numbers, your fitness goals are already established and you know that you are working towards a particular goal. Furthermore, you can only keep tabs of what you know.  These measurements can be taken by a certified personal/fitness  trainer or a health professional.