X Marks the Scot - An on-line community of kilt wearers.
-
21st April 11, 12:55 PM
#5
I loathe using the BMI as any indicator of fitness! It doesn't take into account musculature, aerobic endurance or bone density. (I have a slightly higher than normal bone density, as shown in various x-rays I've had. Several doctors have remarked on it.)
I stand a little under 5'7", and have since I was 14. When I graduated high school, I weighed about 147, which gave me a BMI of 23.0 (in the middle of the healthy range). I wore a size 38 sports coat, with some room to spare.
Then I started weightlifting - concetrating on my upper body - and riding my bicycle. (When I graduated high school my biceps were about the same size as my wrists and I didn't have a lot of upper body strength - I couldn't even do 10 push-ups.) Over the course of four years I gained 20 pounds and increased my chest size by 6 inches, but my waist only increased by 2. That's a BMI of 26.2. I would have been considered overweight even though I had about 10% body fat.
I still have that 44" chest, and most of the muscle tone in my extremities. I can do 20 push-ups without any problems. While I know my weight is currently higher than it should be, my doctor says I'm still fit enough to participate in any activity I want to - within reason. I wouldn't expect to be able to run a marathon tomorrow, but I don't get out of breath taking the stairs. The majority of the excess fat is right around my middle (not a good thing, I know). My BMI says I'm obese, though to look at me, I think most people would say I'm just overweight.
John
-
Similar Threads
-
By Kilted_MJM in forum Highland Games and Celtic Event Discussion
Replies: 2
Last Post: 27th April 08, 08:16 PM
-
By Martin in forum Professional Kiltmakers Hints and Tips
Replies: 20
Last Post: 6th August 07, 04:49 PM
-
By Doomsday in forum General Kilt Talk
Replies: 80
Last Post: 9th April 07, 08:04 AM
-
By Nick in forum Kilt Advice
Replies: 12
Last Post: 30th March 06, 08:27 AM
-
By longshadows in forum General Kilt Talk
Replies: 12
Last Post: 14th March 06, 10:57 PM
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
|
Bookmarks