You know when we have those weeks when the scale isn't so kind to us? When we have worked out and eaten right and still the numbers aren't what you think they should be? Over the last 15 months I've had that happen a lot on a weekly basis. My Mamavation Monday posts have read that way several times. Normally the response will be ,"oh you must be gaining muscle!" Well now I get to find out the real deal!
My Crossfit gymDEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan. It's part of their Spring Slim down challenge. We go in and get scanned and for 6 weeks we get our Crossfit work outs in, make good food choices and then come back to see how what we have done is working! I'm so freaking excited about it that I just can't contain it. What's in it for the winner who loses the most after 6 weeks? Bragging rights! What else? No longer will I have to wonder about the muscle weight. I'm going to know a ton of information.
"A relatively new technology that is very accurate and precise, DEXA is based on a three-compartment model that divides the body into total body mineral, fat-free soft (lean) mass, and fat tissue mass. This technique is based on the assumption that bone mineral content is directly proportional to the amount of photon energy absorbed by the bone being studied.
DEXA uses a whole body scanner that has two low dose x-rays at different sources that read bone and soft tissue mass simultaneously. The sources are mounted beneath a table with a detector overhead. The scanner passes across a person's reclining body with data collected at 0.5 cm intervals. A scan takes between 10-20 minutes. It is safe and noninvasive with little burden to the individual, although a person must lie still throughout the procedure.
DEXA is fast becoming the new "gold standard" because it provides a higher degree of precision in only one measurement and has the ability to show exactly where fat is distributed throughout the body. It is very reliable and its results extremely repeatable; in addition, the method is safe and presents little burden to the subject. Although this method is not as accurate in measuring the extremely obese and the cost of equipment is high, DEXA is quickly moving from the laboratory setting into clinical studies." - courtesy of new-fitness.com
Sunday I will get a full report! I'll keep you posted how this 6 week challenge goes. Wish me luck!
Click on those "Like" and "Retweet" buttons to share with the online community. For current events see the side bars and click on the "Add Me" tab above to connect with me using other social media services.
6 comments:
What an interesting idea :) I CAN NOT WAIT to hear your report back! Please keep me posted!!!
Exciting!! I finally got a message from the Crossfit lady today! She said it went into her junk mail and the next one starts this coming week!
Can't wait to see the results of your challenge. Very curious what your body fat % is since you're so active.
I haven't heard of this before! Sounds like it's safe enough. Is it at any additional cost, or part of you of your crossfit membership?
I'm interested to see what you learn!
Body fat is my best metric for success and what my goals are based on. I am excited to hear how you like this testing method. I have a scale that does body fat that is highly inaccurate so go with a number consistent with the time of day. When I get close to my goal I plan to test in a lab and was thinking doing the water dip but may consider DEXA (I know this standard is around here but don't know many who have done it yet). My running club does give me access though. I can't wait to see what you think of it.
I've done the "water dip" (aka hydrostatic weighing) that Kia mentioned (DEXA wasn't an available technology when I did my degree). It's important to measure body fat % to gauge progress, more so than weight. That said, it must be measured by the same device every time for the comparisons to be accurate. This is because body fat % age tests are estimates & the only true measurement can be done post-mortum.
That said, have fun! That's a great test and your lucky to have that offered! Will the gym be paying for a second test after the 6 weeks?
Oooo -- very fun -- excited for you; maybe after the baby I can use something like this to gauge my "lose the baby weight" progress. ;)
Post a Comment
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Go ahead! Leave your enthusiasm right below!