The doc wanted to see me this week in order to refill a medication prescription. Just after 8 holiday parties, I went in and was weighed as usual. Oh boy.
I know I gain during the winter and loose it in the more active summer, but did I need to be weighed right after Christmas? My weight increased so that now for the first time in my life I am considered overweight (but no obese:D), according to the BMI calculation.
I have begun watching calories & keeping track of calories in a written log, (which I understand is good for achieving results.) As part of my 'recovery', I am also discovering how to burn calories.
So how many calories does each stroke burn? From the internet, in a one hour swim (assume that means swimming continuously) for my weight / age:
..backstroke 651
..breaststroke 931
..butterfly 1024
..freestyle fast 931
..freestyle moderate 651
(Note to self: 1 pound of body fat = 3500 calories)
I suspected BMI was only one factor is determining 'correct' weight. After all, my doctor was not overly concerned with my weight. Still, my bones and muscle did not grow over the holidays (or over the past years for that matter,) but my weight did. I guess a little calorie accountability is in order.
Your weight can also grow if you lift weights and/or do other types of weight-bearing exercises. I'd say swimming will also increase overall muscle mass to some degree over time (and I'm sure others can chime in). Whenever I see people I haven't seen for a while, they usually comment that my upper body looks bigger.
Over the past 2 years, my weight has mostly stayed within 5-10 pounds. Yet my body fat % (as measured on a scale with bare feet) has dropped about 5%. I know these scales aren't 100% accurate, but I look for overall trends. A smaller waistline can also be a good trend (mine seems to keep shrinking).
I suspected BMI was only one factor is determining 'correct' weight. After all, my doctor was not overly concerned with my weight. Still, my bones and muscle did not grow over the holidays (or over the past years for that matter,) but my weight did. I guess a little calorie accountability is in order.
Your weight can also grow if you lift weights and/or do other types of weight-bearing exercises. I'd say swimming will also increase overall muscle mass to some degree over time (and I'm sure others can chime in). Whenever I see people I haven't seen for a while, they usually comment that my upper body looks bigger.
Over the past 2 years, my weight has mostly stayed within 5-10 pounds. Yet my body fat % (as measured on a scale with bare feet) has dropped about 5%. I know these scales aren't 100% accurate, but I look for overall trends. A smaller waistline can also be a good trend (mine seems to keep shrinking).
