what exercise will help me achieve a healthy body fat%?
Now that I'm so close to my weight goal, I feel like I need another goal to keep me on track. I decided to improve my body fat %, mainly through exercise.
In the past, I have measured my body fat % by using an online calculator like this one: http://exercise.about.com/library/blbodyfatcalculator.htm
According to that calculator, I started out with a body fat % of 51.3% and am now at 32.3. Not quite believing the accuracy of the calculator, I bought a body fat calipers ($12.75 plus S/H, by Accu-measure, from drugsdepot.com). I followed the instructions that came with the calipers, measured the suprailliac skinfold (right on that sagging belly) and after measuring twice, came up with 32.1% body fat. Not bad, huh?
Then I researched "healthy" body fat %'s and found that a healthy range for my age is 23-35%. So I'm still 3.1 points away from the middle of that range.
My question is: what exercise(s) will help me get to a 29% body fat%? My workout routine now is:
3-4 aerobics classes a week (45-60 min each)
3-4 brisk walks a week (40 min each at 2.5 mph)
Until I injured my back 2 weeks ago, I was also doing 15 min. of weight training 3-4 days a week. I hope to start that again next week. I find weight training EXTREMELY boring, but I'm willing to put more time into it if needed.
Thanks,
Jean
In the past, I have measured my body fat % by using an online calculator like this one: http://exercise.about.com/library/blbodyfatcalculator.htm
According to that calculator, I started out with a body fat % of 51.3% and am now at 32.3. Not quite believing the accuracy of the calculator, I bought a body fat calipers ($12.75 plus S/H, by Accu-measure, from drugsdepot.com). I followed the instructions that came with the calipers, measured the suprailliac skinfold (right on that sagging belly) and after measuring twice, came up with 32.1% body fat. Not bad, huh?
Then I researched "healthy" body fat %'s and found that a healthy range for my age is 23-35%. So I'm still 3.1 points away from the middle of that range.
My question is: what exercise(s) will help me get to a 29% body fat%? My workout routine now is:
3-4 aerobics classes a week (45-60 min each)
3-4 brisk walks a week (40 min each at 2.5 mph)
Until I injured my back 2 weeks ago, I was also doing 15 min. of weight training 3-4 days a week. I hope to start that again next week. I find weight training EXTREMELY boring, but I'm willing to put more time into it if needed.
Thanks,
Jean
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
Jean,
I think any and all exercise will help you achieve a healthy body fat percentage. Sounds like you are doing great! One thing to keep in mind, I don't know how you are with excess skin, but a measuring body fat with calipers might not be the most accurate. Your body fat % might be lower than the reading you get.
Mary
I think any and all exercise will help you achieve a healthy body fat percentage. Sounds like you are doing great! One thing to keep in mind, I don't know how you are with excess skin, but a measuring body fat with calipers might not be the most accurate. Your body fat % might be lower than the reading you get.
Mary
5'6" - 302/155-158
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