Assess Your Risk

During my education and exam preparation, I have definitely learned a great deal more about fitness and health as it relates to personal training. One thing is this: besides looking unattractive, getting in the way, and using it as a loved one's pillow, your belly fat may be hurting you more than you know. There is an assessment called Waist-to-Hip Ratio, and it is exactly what it sounds like.

First, measure your waist. Without drawing in your stomach, measure around the smallest part. (For guys this is normally where our belt is. For women, this may be above your belly button. Next, measure your hips. This is the largest part around your butt and hips. Now, divide your waist measurement by your hips measurement and see what you get.

Here's the risk part: "There is a correlation between chronic diseases and fat stored in the midsection." That is a textbook fact straight from the NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. So, for women, your ratio should be under .80, and for men, under .95. When your ratio is above this, you "may be at risk for a number of diseases."

For example:
Adult Female, waist=36" hips=38" w/h ratio= .95 AT RISK
Adult Female, waist=24" hips=32" w/h ratio= .75 SAFE
Adult Male, waist=43" hips=44" w/h ratio=  .98 AT RISK
Adult Male, waist=31" hips=34" w/h ratio= .91 SAFE

Now, this is not the only factor, but try this assessment first. If you are above your corresponding male/female ratio, please contact me, and I will help you find a solution to get you out of harms way. You need to live healthier...don't risk your life for your belly! Thanks for reading everyone!