Body Composition
Let me pose a scenario to you: someone has been exercising and eating right, but hasn’t checked the scale in over a month. When they look in the mirror, they think to themselves, “I look good!” What gives them that impression? How do they judge their own physique? They don’t know how much they weigh, or even the precise size of their waist. What makes them happy is the SHAPE of their body. They can look at the proportions of their waist to their shoulders or hips and see the progress they’ve made. In this case, the mirror can be a powerful assessment tool.
People often view body weight as the ultimate indicator of fitness, but it can vary for a variety of factors, such as height, muscle mass, body fat, bloating, etc. Sure, it can be a useful tool, but living and dying by what the scale tells you is a dangerous mindset. On the other hand, if you take body composition into account, you will have a clearer understanding of the whole picture.
Macronutrients
If you read my last post, you know that calories are the key to controlling weight. But when it comes to affecting body composition, we have to understand macronutrients. What are macronutrients? Basically, they consist of 3 major groups: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Without getting too detailed, protein is the building blocks of muscles, carbohydrates are an efficient energy source, and dietary fats are important for a myriad of bodily functions, including cell growth, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. In other words, all 3 groups are VITAL for your health, and balancing them properly can help you achieve that lean physique you want.
However, if you want to know how to both look good AND be healthy, check back for part 3 in a few days.
Spencer Smith
Owner & Head Coach
CrossFit Donelson