User Profile

In search of ... my waist.

Plump out-of-shape female barely surviving in NYC. Would like to be strong, fit, and thriving.

GOAL STATEMENT: Apple-shaped (chubby and flabby) and need to start from scratch, with a grandiose ambition to be, feel, and look better and more fit than the average* U.S. woman (even half my age), with older women as fitness icons (such as entertainment icons like Tina Turner and Madonna who prove it is possible physiologically). Though it sounds like a high ambition, I believe that it is genuinely possible if I stick with a slow-and-steady strategy, completely unlike most of my previous attempts in my life till now. I have also been much more honest with myself about why I want (and need) to change myself physically and mentally, accepting the unexpected surprises up and down along the way. I'm getting there, day by day, while enjoying the process this time.

At the end of 2007, my BMI** averaged at 26.8.
As of October 1, 2008: BMI of 23.2

As of April 27, 2008 (After an unfortunately LONG hiatus from fitness):
Current BMI of 27.5

Added May 30, 2008: Wikipedia article about body fat percentage.

I prefer an accurate fat-ratio barometer, but I do not currently know of an at-home, consistent method for doing this accurately by myself. Added May 19, 2008: a site with BMI calculators plus general averages I found is http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm - includes background and history of other charts and gauges used in the U.S. per gender and age groups (18+ only), and related supplemental information. This site appears to be a doctor's informal site on weight for consumers.

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* Average Height and Weight.
Based on the CDC's October 2004 press release summarizing a report, "Mean Body Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) 1960-2002: United States" findings. The following is as of 2002 for the average adult from the ages of 20 to 74.
Average woman (BMI of 28): 5'4" tall and weighs 163.4 pounds (1.6256M tall and weighs 74.1169 kg)
Average man (BMI of 27.8): 5'9½" tall and weighs 191 pounds (1.7653M tall and weighs 86.6361 kg)
Press release here: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r041027.htm

** About BMI, or Body Mass Index.

(1) Acceptable (normal) BMI range. Generally, preferred normal range should be between 19 to 24 (some will say 20 to 25, 19 to 24; parameters can vary slightly). If the number is too low (under 20 or 19, etc.) indicates that one is underweight and can be at medically at risk. Numbers that are too high (over 24, or 25) means that one is overweight #s that are too high means that one is overweight (general agreement is that if over 29 or 30, one is clinically "obese").

(2) Controversy about BMI as a reliable indicator. There are many who do not believe that BMI calculations considers enough variables for many. Personally I feel the same and don't think that BMI should be relied on solely, nor significantly. I think it is useful only as a very general guideline for those who are in the *middle* 60% of population (in terms of body types, fitness, etc.) only and doesn't factor in many other issues that can impact significance of a BMI calculation. Since I don't want to reveal too much personal details and that it's more of a comprehensive overview of my current changes and conditioning, I think the general BMI calculation is useful for my purposes here.

For more general information about BMI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index
The main article is useful for an overview, but I would suggest that people read the references at the bottom of the article for further consideration and research.