Why the Numbers On Your Scale Aren’t the Most Important
Does this sound familiar? You get on the scale and yikes! The number displayed are 5 lbs heavier and all you did was go out for a few dinners last weekend. How did that happen? Rather than obsess over the numbers on your scale, think about the numbers of your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen.
First of all, let’s talk about your oxygen levels. If you’ve seen my series on PBS, (Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews ®) you know one unique aspect all my workouts include are deep breathing exercises. Some people mistakenly think that if they’re not doing high impact aerobics, they’re not getting a good workout. Breathing exercises, often overlooked in most workouts are very important. Why?
Since oxygen provides fuel for your cells, oxygen helps your metabolism work properly. Oxygen also helps remove toxins from your body and feeds your muscles energy. You can measure your oxygen with a gadget called a pulse oximeter. If it measures 90 or above during exercise, you’re doing good. 95 or above, you’re doing great!
Now for your blood pressure. In a perfect world, your blood pressure would be 120/80 while you’re sitting down. Make sure you’ve been sitting for 5 minutes before you take it. What does that top number mean? This is when your heart is contracting. The bottom number is when your heart is at rest.
If your numbers are higher, see your doctor to discuss what needs to be done. This number is a matter of life and death so don’t delay.
Now for your heart rate. Check your heart rate at rest. If it’s 101 or higher, you have “tachycardia.” The average resting heart rate is between 60 – 100. The closer you are to 60 beats a minute, the stronger your heart is. If your heart rate is closer to 100 beats per minute, check with your doctor to see what you can do. Generally speaking, exercise and eating right go a long way in preventing lifestyle diseases.
And that, in my medical opinion, is more important than being a size 2 and worrying about reaching for an unrealistic weight the media portrays to be “ideal.” Being healthy is beautiful!
Love and healthiest blessings,
Suzanne Andrews
Suzanne Andrews is a licensed Occupational Therapy Clinician with 30 years exercise expertise. Airing to over 49 million on Public Television, Suzanne Andrews, a licensed Occupational Therapy Clinician, (they specialize in function) creates evidenced based fitness programs for specific health conditions. Originally created in 2008 with it’s first run on WDSC TV, Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews broadcasts on 113 Public Television stations.
