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Tools for Weight Management

Tools for Weight Management

Measure, Analyze, Calculate

Measure Your Body Fat
When losing weight, it is important to know where the lost weight is coming from. Your body weight can be divided into two parts, lean body mass - consisting of muscle, organs, bones and water - and fat mass, which is simply fat and nothing else. A high percentage of body fat has been associated with certain health risks, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

A successful diet/exercise regime allows you to lose fat weight while maintaining lean body mass. Since fat weighs less than muscle, the scales are not an accurate method of monitoring your progress. Your weight loss could be lean body mass, while the amount of fat you carry stays consistent.

The Bios Fitness Body Fat Analyzer reads your body fat percentage in just five seconds. The compact design stores information for up to four people and determines if you are underweight, normal, overweight or obese according to weight, height, gender and age.

Analyze Your Heart Rate
When working out, it is important to reach and maintain a level of intensity that is productive. Knowing your heart rate will help you get better results from your workout. Effective aerobid conditioning requires that you maintain your heart rate at the right intensity level for at least 20 minutes. If your heart rate is too high, your workout can be counterproductive. As the heart rate exceeds its upper limit of 85 percent, your body will burn less fat and produce lactic acid. This can cause a burning sensation within the muscles.

If you are trying to lose body fat, a heart rate monitor can help you make sure your exercise intensity is at a level that burns fat optimally. Performing a regular exercise program at the proper heart rate for you, will help elevate your metabolism and increase the likelihood of reaching your target weight.

The Bios Fitness Heart Rate Monitor displays your current heart rate and allows you to program your high and low target zone. The unit comprises a wireless chest transmitter, and incorporates a clock and exercise timer. Fully waterproof, it is ideal for cycling, running, swimming, etc.

Calculate Your Mileage
Walking is a great way to lose weight - and keep it off. A pedometer will help you calculate the number of steps you take and, from this, calculate your mileage. Many people find that knowing the number of steps they take (or kilometers/miles covered), to be very motivational. To achieve good health, strive to take 10,000 steps a day (the equivalent of walking roughly five miles). The average person who walks an additional 10,000 steps a day burns between 2000 and 3500 extra calories per week - a weight loss of between two and four pounds a month.

Whether your goal is to achieve good health, to lose weight, or both, remember to put your pedometer on when you dress in the morning, and keep it on all day. Every step you take throughout your day counts towards your total.

The Bios Fitness Pedometer and Bios Fitness Pedometer with FM Radio count your steps, measure the distance covered, and even monitor the calories you have expended. The model with FM Radio also includes a clock and stopwatch function.

All Bios Fitness meters are available from London Drugs. Please see your doctor before starting a fitness program if you are over 50, have a health condition, or are taking medication.