From what I can figure with some lazy Googling... Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis has an error of about 4% or as much as 15%

Calapers... THIS person says calapers are more accurate... but can have an error of 10%.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080109055134AAHFHR9

So... does this mean that your body fat is probably somewhere between 17% and 27%?

Me personally... I think that the ratio between good habits and bad habits and how consistently can you maintain THAT number might be a good gauge.

That would be an interesting mathematical calculation... the good/bad habit ratio.

quote:

Originally posted by Brie:
To me, clothing size and body fat % is more important than the scale number.

I don't even care about clothing size... since I wear a 6, 4, or 2... depending on the brand and the store. I'd set myself up for some serious depression if I expected to ALWAYS wear a 2...

And even body fat has some percentage of error... depending on the method and the person doing the test. Even bioelectric impedance (from when I can figure from a post of Brie's) ... they ask your age... and then some computer chip in the device, figures your bone weight based on the average woman my age. What if I have denser bones than the average 50 year old? My mom has REALLY dense bones. None of the women in my family have ever had a broken bone, except my grandmother, who fell of a ladder, at age 96 and broke her wrist.

Or hydration... hydration can affect bioelectric impedance.

To me…My “ideal” weight or clothing size or body fat or waist size or _______ is mostly governed by how hard or easy is it for me to maintain ___ weight. Some of it is genetics… some of it is some combination of my good and bad habits… and accepting my personal reality. I will ALWAYS have some bad habits. I will NEVER eliminate ALL of them, EVERY single day.

I’m 5’1&½” to 5’2&½” (depending on my posture… who is measuring me… time of day… etc, etc, etc… EVERY measurement has SOME percentage of error ). I weigh 120 about 4 days a year… maybe after a good case of the runs or something… I usually weigh 121.5-123.5... Although I hit 126 or 127 about four times a year, too.

* * * * * *

quote:

Originally posted by BrenauMom:
I have probably asked this before but what do you consider "average" for a woman 5'4"?

http://www.weightwatchers.com/health/asm/calc_healthyweight.aspx

Weight Watchers and the CDC and many/most doctors and most health organizations consider 117 - 146 a “healthy weight” for someone 5'4". WW goes by BMI from 20-25. Some charts use a BMI down to 18.5 - 25. Lower than 18.5 is considered under weight. 25-30 is considered overweight. 30-40 is considered obese. 40+ is considered morbidly obese.

However, YOUR doctor may disagree. My doctor was thrilled when my BMI went from 30 down to 26.3, although I was still technically and statistically overweight. My health improved so much from just losing 10-15 lbs… that he was REALLY happy.

In 1960, the average adult had a BMI of 25 (for a person 5’4” this would be 146 lbs). In 2002, the average adult had a BMI of 27 make that 28 (for a person 5’4” this would be about 164 lbs). (However, MOST people are not “average”… and “average” varies from state to state… or even city to city.)

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/04news/americans.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GoingSkiing,

Hi, Susan-
I am almost 5'4" and I rest in the upper 120's. I don't think that I have the muscle mass that you do becuase I don't think I push myself around exercise like you do.

I have this idea that weighing closer to 120 would be great, but I can't seem to get there. I feel that I look pretty good and am comfortable in most 6's. I am "settled" with those results even though I know that I could build more muscle mass and I could wear 4's. IT just feels like it is not a fit for me and my lifestyle. Sure, I want to continue to make small gains in the fitness department, but I am just not willing to make huge changes when what I have been doing is working.

I would feel super discouraged if I got on the scale each AM and saw that I was 5# overweight. Instead I call 127-129 my ideal weight.

Not sure if my own story is helpful, but thought I would share.

I have probably asked this before but what do you consider "average" for a woman 5'4"?

And would you consider it a "healthy weight" or is "average" in our day and time still a little on the heavy side.

quote:

Originally posted by susanrows:
[...]I'm back to keeping a food journal this week [...]

Sounds like you are doing good and it is funny you mentioned this because just this morning I decided that I am going to go back to logging my food on fitday for a while.

I have been losing the same 4 lbs (between 203 & 207) for the last 6 months. Never gets higher than 207 but never gets lower than 203.

quote:

Originally posted by Brie:

What's your body fat %? If that's good and you are comfortable in your clothes, is it really that important to get down another 5 pounds?

My body fat is 23.4% according to the skin fold test. Three years ago, it measured 23.8% by bioelectric impedance, which is more accurate.

I guess I focus on weight because it's easy to measure and I can see "progress." And I am wearing smaller sizes than I used to. But I'm not happy with how I look in shorts or bathing suits (admittedly, what woman is?) so I keep trying to get rid of the belly and thigh fat. That's where I see the benefit in losing those last five pounds.

quote:

Originally posted by susanrows:
Right now, my weight tends to be at the higher end of the 125-130 range. I would like to be comfortably in the 120-125 range. I don't think that's unrealistic for someone who's 5'3", but it does tend to be difficult for me.

What's your body fat %? If that's good and you are comfortable in your clothes, is it really that important to get down another 5 pounds?

For what it's worth, I'm 5'3 too and the only time I was close to 120 was when I had very little muscle mass. As soon as I started lifting regularly, my weight went to 128 - 132 lbs.

I weigh 10 pounds more now than at my very lowest but am still comfortably in a size 4 (and some 2s) with great body fat numbers. (Actually when I weighed less, I was wearing more 6s).

To me, clothing size and body fat % is more important than the scale number.

Thanks, you guys. I know I can always count on my CT friends to put things in perspective for me. You're pretty much echoing what my trainer and DH have said, but my competitive side and my inner brat still wanted to stamp their feet and whine about it.

Right now, my weight tends to be at the higher end of the 125-130 range. I would like to be comfortably in the 120-125 range. I don't think that's unrealistic for someone who's 5'3", but it does tend to be difficult for me.

I'm in constant denial that the issue is more related to what I eat, but that has to be it. I'm back to keeping a food journal this week and sticking to my plan (per Dr. Beck).

susan, i hear you.

for me, i have started to think of exercising as an investment toward my future. when i was 28, i was so out of shape, i would get breathless doing a fast walk. my hobby was trying as many restaurants as possible. eating out was the only competitive sport I engaged in.i slowly started jogging a half mile at a time but it was a huge struggle. i hated jogging.

now, at 40, i am way more healthier than i was in my 20s. but i don't se e much gain. my workouts are intense. i really place a huge effort into challenging myself. if i can breath easily while running on the treadmill, i kick it up a notch with the speed and/or incline. i try to make my time at the gym count. but have i made much gain over the last 2 years? no. i feel i am having to continue my power workouts jsut to stay the same. i cannot say that i lift much more weights--maybe 2.5 pounds more (tops). i cannot say i run any longer than i used to. and that is frustrating because damn it, i work really hard! when i am 55 , will i still be able to do intense workouts? maybe not. but i know, the time i am investing now into my workouts, it is going toward my quality of life later. when i see folks strggling to walk fast (the way i did at age 28), it motivates me to keep going because i hope when i am 70 and 80, i will have no problem walking the length of the mall, and up and down the stairs.

susan, what you are doing is really going to pay off BIGTIME.

quote:

I think if you compared my results then and now to the average 40-something mom who earns a paycheck, I’d stack up well. Three years ago, I was also participating in a competitive sport. And mostly maintaining and a little improving is not such a bad thing at this stage of my life. Oh, yeah, and there were those two injuries (shoulder and hip) I suffered in the last year.

But dang! That’s a lot of work, effort, time, sweat, and sore muscles with not a lot to show for it. Am I really off base in expecting more progress in that amount of time? Or am I just not working as hard as I think I am? What is it really going to take to get to my weight goal?

Susan -
First off - kudos to you for getting stronger and being cardiovascularly more fit. Those are HUGE!

How far are you from you "goal weight?" Is it realistic? Does it really matter if you weight 5 or 10 or 15 lbs less?

Being the same and even better after injuries and no longer competing is GREAT!

Don't sell yourself short!

quote:

Originally posted by susanrows:
What is it really going to take to get to my weight goal?

PS... I think that it takes a "Screw this!!!!" attitude. Either:

a) Screw this!!!! I'm not messing around and weighing X one day longer and I'm doing what it takes to get to Y and stay there!!!!

b) Screw this!!!!! I've spent the last __ years trying to lose 3-5 lbs and I'm not spending one more single day trying to lose one more stupid pound and this IS my goal weight and where I'm going to be. And if I'm at this weight 15 years from now at my 2023 assessment... good for me!!!

Takes a "Screw this" attitude... one way or the other...

quote:

Originally posted by susanrows:
But dang! That’s a lot of work, effort, time, sweat, and sore muscles with not a lot to show for it. Am I really off base in expecting more progress in that amount of time?

I was fortunate that my trainer told me to expect that at some point I'd plateau. People get to a certain level of fitness... and it is actually AWESOME that you have maintained that level of fitness as you have aged 3 more years thru your 40s! (and even seen some gains in strength) Eventually, I expect that both you and I may very well see our fitness decrease as we hit our late 50's or 60's or 70's or at some time in the future... despite our best efforts.

But people plateau… We don’t just continue to get stronger and stronger and stronger… many people actually get injured first trying. Or if we are lucky, we get to a certain level of strength and fitness and plateau and stay there.

And at a certain point… given a healthy diet and genetics… we are the inches or body fat percentage that we are. I suppose that I COULD go down to a lower body fat percentage… I think that it is 19 or 20% now… but I’d have to eat clean, clean, clean… and I’m just not willing to do that.

I, too, started lifting weights and lost NO inches what so ever. I’m wearing the SAME clothes I was wearing when you met me 3+ years ago. Which is good. A LOT of people complain about their waists GROWING as they move thru menopause and I haven’t experienced THAT, either.

I think that you look pretty darn good!!!!!! And congrats on a great assessment. RE: Weight… Me personally, I wouldn’t spend my energy trying to lose the "last stubborn 3 pounds". I personally think that it is very over rated and you look GREAT now!!!! And at some point it is better to be thin and happy... rather than "not thin enough" and dissatisfied. But that is me.

Been a little out of touch for a while, and it’ll take me some time to get caught up with the board. In the meantime, I’ve been brooding about something for a week now, so I’m just going to vent and get it off my chest.

I had a fitness evaluation with my trainer a couple of weeks ago. I thought it went pretty well. I could do most of the tasks he presented to me, although I was wiped out at the end of the session. The last time I did a fitness evaluation was in March of 2005 – same trainer, but he was working for a different facility then. I looked through my stuff to see if I still had the results from three years ago – and I did.

In two areas, my results have improved since 2005 – the jump rope test (134 reps a minute now vs. 98 in ’05) and lat pull downs (seven reps with 100 lbs. vs. 13 reps with 75). But everything else is Exactly. The. Same. My measurements are all within ONE CENTIMETER of what they were three years ago. My weight has decreased a whopping three pounds. Body fat percentage is down a whole four-tenths of a percent.

OK, this is the part where I rationalize and try to put a positive spin on this situation. As someone who “drank the Koolaid” on exercise a long time ago, I was in pretty good shape when I did the evaluation three years ago. I think if you compared my results then and now to the average 40-something mom who earns a paycheck, I’d stack up well. Three years ago, I was also participating in a competitive sport. And mostly maintaining and a little improving is not such a bad thing at this stage of my life. Oh, yeah, and there were those two injuries (shoulder and hip) I suffered in the last year.

But dang! That’s a lot of work, effort, time, sweat, and sore muscles with not a lot to show for it. Am I really off base in expecting more progress in that amount of time? Or am I just not working as hard as I think I am? What is it really going to take to get to my weight goal?

Laura,

Ever since I went back to the Catholic Church, almost four years ago, I've offered to help with music. On numerous occasions, I have told Father repeatedly that I would be willing to play the organ (and about the number of years experience I have). He never took me up on it.

When the organist wouldn't be there on Sunday morning because of illness or weather, I'd approach Father and offer again. Nope!

I was continually crushed. I felt I had a gift/talent to share for the greater glory and my gift was refused.

The last time I offered to Father was a little over a year ago when one organist left and there was a gap of time until the new one could start. Still a "not necessary".

I have made friends with our fantastic über-talented organist who commutes from Columbus. A few weeks ago, I made the offer to him and to my surprise he jumped at the chance to have some weekends free for other musical interests (directing a German choir contest).

I played this past weekend for the first time. I can't say all went great --I never got the chance to practice the organ since every time I went there were people in church. I have to learn the instrument's dynamics.

Father even told the organist I did a good job.

My point, Laura, is maybe there's another road which will help you get where you want to be. Is that possible.

As I type this, I also think, maybe this isn't what the Lord wants. I didn't consider this either.

Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.

Linda

Hugs to Tina & Brie, from me too. Sounds like a lot of people are having a tough week.

I found out today that our pastor decided to put someone else in charge of the women's ministry at church. I have been sharing the duties with someone else and am taking this far more personally than I probably ought to. But with all the other recent disappointments, I think this one was the hardest to take.

I've been asked to sit on the board, I just wouldn't be the coordinator or co-coordinator anymore. It feels like a consolation prize after being sucker punched. (I am trying to not over-dramatize this, and I agree with what our Pastor is trying to accomplish, but argh, I didn't see this coming at all.)

I'm not sure what I want to do right now about the board, so I'm going to hold off on responding for right now. I just want to have a clear head and look at the opportunity in the proper perspective, and oddly enough going out for a run didn't help matters.

Hugs to you both Brie and Tina.

Linda

Tina-sending you hugs and will pray for you and your family. I can't imagine how difficult this is, especially being completely unexpected. I agree with Brie that over time the pain does become easier to bear and you will be able to remember your niece without the overwhelming feelings of grief.

Brie-Sending you hugs as well and will pray for you and your family. Again, I can't imagine how difficult the loss of your son must have been and how greatly that will impact you for the rest of your life. I wish you and your dh peace and good memories, even though I'm sure this is a very difficult day for you both.

Jill

i am thinking you guys, brie and tina.

quote:

I know there are board members here that have lost loved ones, but when does it ever get easier ??

Sending great big hugs your way Tina.

Your grief is so fresh and raw, it's hard to imagine it being any other way but it does get easier.

You will be able to think and remember your niece without pain, it just takes a good long while.

Today would have been my son's 9th birthday. I am sad. I cried all through church yesterday and last night we watched his video.

Today we are working in our garden and doing the things that bring me some peace.

I certainly do have my moments but for the most part, there is a lot of joy in my life and I appreciate and am greatful for how much this little soul touched and shaped me every day.

Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling - you are allowed to have your pain and to grief. There is no right or wrong....

Today is Sunday - woke up feeling very empty inside - sun was shining, nice day out....but had a nasty case of the duldroms. It is a good thing that I had an open house today, otherwise I would have crawled back into bed and called it a day!

No one showed for the open house - not even the person who called on it for a private showing. The weather was just too darn nice.

I can't go out and work in my yard yet because of my surgery (hopefully there will be news on Thursday - last of the stitches can come out and I can start working on being normal again). I can't wait to see all the tulips and daffodils come up !! I love planting flowers so I'm glad that Wisconsin's spring takes a little while to get here.

It's been 3 weeks today that my niece died... some days it feels like we are learning the news all over again. I know this will take a while to get over, and I know there are board members here that have lost loved ones, but when does it ever get easier ??