BMI/HRM

[beth6395]

Good morning everyone. Ok I was wondering if you should find out your body fat? I would like to know I have already noticed a big difference in the 3 weeks I have been working out to Cathe. I am in Michigan does anyone know how I can find this information out? Can I just go to a fitness center w/o being a member? I am 34, 5'8. before working out these few weeks I was 147. I haven't weighed or measured any areas. I would like to get to 130.

#2 Question. I want to start running 1-2 days a week is there a monitor that keeps track of your heart rate I am assuming that is what a HRM is for but will it have how many calories burned how many miles ran etc.. I see there was a post on the differnt kinds someone posted one from Wal-mart a TIMEX 5C361 will this have what I need on it? I am not an athlete I just want to be more fit and active do I need anything more that that on this item?

Thank You so much I hope you will all be patient with my questions I do want to learn. As soon as my children are all in school full time I am thinking of a career in fitness (Next topic).

beth6395

 

[fontanic]

Hi Beth6395,

#1 I dont know about the body fat test. I tried reading up on it on the internet the other day, and it seems that although there are a variety of testing methods available, not one is definitively accurate. I think most gyms perform the skin caliper method, which is inexpensive and needs to be done by a qualified person for the closest accuracy. I doubt they would test a non-member, but it probably wouldnt hurt to call around.

#2 I have a heart rate monitor that you input your age/weight etc. when you first set it up and it tells you how many calories you are burning as you exercise each time. Once again, not sure if it is completely accurate, but it seems like a fair measure. I bought the Polar F4, and I really like it. I am not familiar with the Timex models. Everyone at my gym owns a Polar HRM, so I think they are pretty popular and well-rated.

Hope this helps.

 

[beth6395]

Thank You so much Nichole. I purchased a Bally talking pedometer with FM radio. I went to Sports Authority and the gentleman there said he has not heard of one item doing both HRM has to be on a pulse and pedometer on your hip.

I am only running 2 days a week to start so this should be allright.

beth6395