BOD POD – Body Composition Management Plan

This body composition management plan is more than a step-by-step, “by the book routine”. Simply following directions without a deeper understanding of the why keeps things on the surface – which makes you vulnerable to getting off track whenever a diversion or stressful situation comes your way. For a lifelong commitment you need motivation – and a better understanding of the body composition management plan provides some of the tools to keep that motivation strong.

Body Composition: Body composition refers to the identification and measurement of the components of the body. The first step in formulating an intelligent program of weight control is to appraise body size objectively. A body composition analysis utilizing the Bod Pod provides a practical, accurate and reliable method to assess the body’s fat content.

 Facts about Fat, Exercise, and Your Health

• Our bodies can be divided into two main components – fat and lean mass.
• A certain amount of fat is absolutely necessary for good health.
• Fat plays an important role in protecting internal organs, providing energy, and regulating hormones.
• Overfat is more important than overweight in determining health and wellness.
• If too much fat accumulates over the years, health may be compromised.
• Fat is classified as two types. The first, “essential fat”, is necessary for normal body function. The second type is “storage fat”, which is the extra fuel we store under the skin and around various organs.
• For men, the minimal amount of “essential fat” is approximately 3-5%.
• For women, “essential fat” is approximately 12-14%.
• Lean mass primarily consists of muscle, the major “metabolic” engine of the body. The more muscle in your body, the more calories you will burn (even when resting).
• Proper nutrition and correct training can increase muscle mass and change body composition

Whether you are on a weight management program (weight loss or gain), or an athlete, or simply determined to take care of your health and well being… Calculating and controlling your body composition will be at the very heart of your success.

Why calculate your body composition on an ongoing basis?
Calculating your percent of body fat before and after a period of diet/training is the most important measurement you can take.

Here is why…
Research shows that many fad diets, with little or no exercise can cause a person to lose as much muscle tissue as fat. There is a good chance that this person will return to their pre-diet weight but now with a higher percent of body fat and lower lean muscle mass (Diet Paradox).

How much body fat is too much?
High body fat levels have been linked to over 30 health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoarthritis.
Being categorized as “clinically obese” means that body fat is at such a level that these health problems become more of a concern.
Men are considered borderline at 25% body fat and clinically obese at 30%, while women are borderline at 30% and clinically obese at 35% body fat.

Felipe Sanchez M.S. Fitness Consultant
NASM, Performance Enhancement Specialist
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Email fjsan7@gmail.com