Initial Session: Measurements

Measurements

The following is a list of measurements to gather from the client during their initial session.

1. Body Composition (Body Fat Mass vs Lean Mass) & Weight

Body Composition will be measured via Bioimpedance. Bioimpedance is a method used for assessing and measuring body fat by measuring the electrical resistance of body tissues. It works by passing a small electrical current through the body and measuring the resistance of the tissues to the flow of the current.

Fat tissue contains less water and fewer electrolytes than muscle tissue, resulting in greater resistance to electrical currents. Specifically, adipose tissue is approximately 20% water, while skeletal muscle tissue is about 75% water. By measuring the resistance to electrical current, bioimpedance can accurately estimate the amount of body fat in the body.

Bioimpedance is a non-invasive and quick method for measuring body fat, and it can be a useful tool for monitoring trends in body composition over time. Factors such as hydration levels, which fluctuate throughout the day, can affect the accuracy of this method, and therefore when testing using bioimpedance, the coach should always try to keep the parameters such as time of day, as well as food and beverage consumption relatively consistent across all measurements to ensure accurate and reliable results.

To perform a Bioimpedance measurement with the InBody 570:

  1. Have client remove shoes, socks, and any excess clothing that may add extra weight on the scale. Then have client step on the footplate when the screen below is shown.
  2. Allow for weight measurement to be taken.
  3. Have client input their information.
    - Height
    - Age
    - Male or Female.
    - For the personal identifier have client enter their last name followed by their first initial. For example if their name is Ryan Scott, they would input ScottR. Or they can use their phone number.

  4. Instruct client to maintain a proper posture for the duration of the test for the most accurate results.
  5. When the test is completed, the results will be shown on the screen, and a printed copy will be provided for the client as well.

Interpreting Results

  • Body Fat Percentage: This is the percentage of your total body weight that is composed of fat. A healthy body fat percentage varies depending on factors such as age, gender, and activity level. Generally, a body fat percentage of 10-20% for men and 20-30% for women is considered healthy.
  • Muscle Mass: This is the total weight of your muscle tissue. Having a higher muscle mass can lead to a higher metabolism and overall better health.
  • Body Water: This measures the amount and distribution of water in your body. A healthy body water balance is important for many bodily functions, including digestion and temperature regulation.
  • Segmental Lean Analysis: This measures the amount of muscle mass in different segments of your body, including your arms, legs, and trunk. This can help identify areas of muscle weakness or imbalance.
  • Basal Metabolic Rate: This is the number of calories your body burns at rest. This information can be used to determine how many calories you should consume daily to maintain or lose weight.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI): This is a measurement of your weight relative to your height. While it is commonly used to assess overall health, it is important to note that BMI alone does not provide an accurate assessment of body composition or overall health.

2. Blood Pressure & Resting Heart Rate

In arteries the blood pressure is primarily created by the pumping of the heart. The highest pressure occurs when the heart is contracting. Then, when the squeezing stops, the blood pressure falls. It does not reach zero before the heart contracts again. Which means that the blood pressure oscillates up and down like a wave.

The highest pressure reached is called the systolic blood pressure (systole = contraction of the heart). The lowest pressure, as the heart refills, is called the diastolic blood pressure (diastole = relaxation of the heart).

Which is why the blood pressure is reported as two figures. Highest (systolic) and lowest (diastolic). Normal adult blood pressure is around 120/70 mmHg. By which I mean it rises to a max of 120 mmHg and falls back down to a minimum of 70 mmHg.

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that cells need to function properly, and it also removes waste products. The heart has four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. Blood enters the heart through the right atrium and flows into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. The oxygen-rich blood then returns to the heart through the left atrium and flows into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood out to the rest of the body.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood. Blood pressure is important because it tells us how hard the heart is working to pump blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage the arteries and organs over time and increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Taking blood pressure readings regularly can help detect high blood pressure early and allow for timely intervention to prevent or manage these health issues.

Measuring Blood Pressure (and Resting Heart Rate) using InBody Bio 750

Measurement should be taken after Client Discovery so they can be tested in a relatively relaxed state. If the client tests in an agitated state, the results may be inaccurate and read higher than normal. Time permitting, test up to 3 times to account for any false readings. Take an average of those readings.

  1. Align the chair in front of the machine so that the client can comfortable insert their arm into the sleeve. Remove, or roll up any excess clothing that may impede accurate testing.
  2. Insert the arm until the elbow is positioned in the elbow groove, as shown below. When elbow is in the correct position, a Blue LED Light will come on. If the elbow is not in the right position, a Red LED Light will show.
  3. Press the Start/Stop button to start the test.
  4. The cuff will automatically pressurize, and blood pressure will be measured. Allow the client to sit upright and still, and remain quiet during the duration of the test. **
  5. The cuff will automatically release once the test has completed. Wait for the cuff to fully loosen before having the client remove their arm.
  6. The results will appear on the screen. Additionally, they will be printed out.

Interpreting Results

Ideally, Blood Pressure will be in the Normal or on the lower end of the Elevated range. If so, the client should be able to train with no issues. If the client's results come back within any of the Hypertensive ranges, test the client again to see if it comes down. If not, dive deeper into the possible cause and be careful as you progress on the gym floor.

Resting Heart Rate

Resting heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute while the individual is at rest, and it can serve as an indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

A high resting heart rate may suggest that the individual has a lower level of cardiovascular fitness and may be at a higher risk for developing health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Additionally, a high resting heart rate may also indicate that the individual is experiencing stress or overtraining.

On the other hand, a low resting heart rate may indicate a high level of cardiovascular fitness, which is desirable for athletes and individuals who engage in regular physical activity.

Assessing resting heart rate can serve as a starting point for progress in the clients fitness journey by providing a baseline measurement of the their cardiovascular fitness level. By regularly monitoring the client's resting heart rate, a coach can track improvements in cardiovascular fitness over time, which can be an important motivator for the client and can help the coach to adjust the exercise program as needed.

Interpreting Results


3. Circumference (Optional)

Upper arm / Biceps (unflexed):

Located on the upper arm halfway between the shoulder and elbow joints, with the palm facing upwards; measured standing in a relaxed position and the arms at the side of the body

Waist (abdomen):

Located at the narrowest part of the torso between the ribs and the upper portion of the hip bone; measured in a relaxed standing position with arms at sides of the body or folded across the chest and weight evenly distributed between the feet.

Hips or gluteal:

Located at the widest part of the hips and buttocks; measured in a relaxed standing position with arms at side of the body or folded across the chest and weight evenly distributed between the feet

Thigh:

Located halfway between the hip joint and the upper corner of the kneecap on the front of the upper leg; measured with arms at side of body and standing in a relaxed position with weight evenly distributed between slightly separated feet.

Calf:

Located at the level of the maximal calf circumference taken while seated or with the foot placed on a raised box (with the knee and hip joints flexed to right angles); measured standing in a relaxed position with weight evenly distributed between slightly separated feet and arms at the side of the body.

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