All we hear about nowadays is how America is becoming more and more obese with every year. When you go to a doctor’s office they do your vitals including having you weigh yourself and proceed to calculate your BMI(Body Mass Index) which is controversial on measuring someone’s overall health since BMI doesn’t take in account the amount of muscle you have. Personally, I’m 6’3” at 275lbs so by that calculation I’m 34.4 on the BMI formula which means I’m obese by their standards. HOWEVER, I currently have 132.7lbs of skeletal muscle mass and am at 17.4% body fat which means I’m in the healthy range for percent body fat(healthy ranges are 10-20% for men and 18-28% for women). So I’m actually healthy since a lot of my weight comes from muscle mass. I never get sick, I don’t get injured with everyday activities, vitals are always good, and I’m able to do the things I love to do without being restricted by my own body. This is exactly why we need to start talking more about the issue of being “Under-Muscled”.
How much muscle mass someone has is a key indicator on someone’s overall health, science has shown. From reduced risk of all cause mortality to reducing the risk of physical injuries. This is more directed to people that are older since muscle atrophying gets progressively worse as we get older. The principle “use it or lose it” applies for skeletal muscle. If you aren’t stimulating muscle groups regularly, then muscles over time will atrophy as a negative adaptation. How do we slow do or potentially reverse the muscle atrophying? Strength training at least 3 times a week along with eating adequate amounts of protein.
So if you are an individual who is looking to have more energy, move better, and be healthy for the years to come. You need to add strength training to your routine. Don’t know where to start? Feel free to call or message my email!
Coach Evan