Today I had my annual medical physical at the Fire Department Health Center. The evaluation that I had a week or two ago was my annual fitness evaluation...done in house, by members of our department's fitness team...which I oversee. Today's physical however, was conducted by a physician, and is more comprehensive (from a medical standpoint) than our fitness evals.
For the past 20+ years, we have had our bodyfat measured by skinfold pinch...the same as we use for fitness testing, and the same as that which I use on my clients. This year however, the Health Center decided to implement bioelectrical impedance testing to determine body composition. This method is relatively inaccurate, and very inconsistent. When I was weighed this morning, the Dr. noted that I had lost nearly 11 pounds since my physical last year. He then proceeded to test my bodyfat with the new device...19.9% bodyfat! He looked at me, then looked back at the machine, and shook his head. Then he documented that I was 19.9%. I immediately said, "Doc, you realize that I am nowhere near 19.9% right?" He then told me that these machines were somewhat inconsistent, and that if I wasn't well hydrated, the results would be high. I asked him if was still going to record that value, and his answer was "Of course". I said, "Excuse me, but you guys are using these numbers to determine the physical readiness of firefighters, and potentially declare them unfit or duty...don't you think you should use a method that is much more reliable, and rreproducible?" He shrugged his shoulders and responded "I guess you have point there". He still didnt change my score.
No big deal I suppose...I still passed my test, and everything looks good.
Today's workout was a good one. I am on duty today, so I prayed that I could get in a complete workout without any calls, and to my surprise, it worked out great. I did some circuit training this evening, using the TRX and the battling ropes. By the time I finished, I had used up roughly 600kcal, and cranked my hear rte up to a high of 184 beats per minute. Good stuff!
That is ridiculous. Some one in the know should not be allowing those things to happen. Although the last time I saw you, you were putting eating desert, I'm just saying.
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