Are you retaining water?

Odds are that you’re not. The body regulates its water balance hormonally and unless you suffer from edema, you shouldn’t be retaining water. Of course there are dietary incidents that could cause temporary water retention (Chinese buffets!) Some of the most amusing moments during my bodybuilding days were when competitors backstage would pinch their waistlines and tell me they were retaining water. The fact of the matter is body fat has very low levels of water and most of our body fat lies underneath our skin. Case and point, if you can pinch it, it’s safe to say the “F” word – FAT!

 

Inspire to Aspire,
 
Kristopher Simpson

What’s your BMI?

If you’ve been to the doctor lately, you may have found out that your BMI (Body Mass Index) is higher than 30 and you’re obese. This form of body fat measurement calculates a score based on your height and weight. I find it to be inaccurate, especially for athletes with a lot of muscle and older people who have lost muscle. It also doesn’t take into account your body type, which can also skew your score. For example, my BMI measurement while competing for Mr. Drug Free Canada was in the “overweight” category. I weighed 190 pounds at 6 feet tall with 5 % body fat — not exactly what you would call overweight. One easy way of determining a desirable weight for you is to look back at your weight history. History can determine your future.
 
Inspire to Aspire,

Kristopher Simpson