This past week I had a body composition test done. I joined a gym last week and it came with my membership. I wasn’t going to do it at first, as I know what I need to do to get back into running form. I think my 10km time is more important than what a scale says. But then I thought why not, it will be a new experience and maybe give me more motivation (not that I need a whole lot more!)

After answering some questions, the trainer had me stand on what looked like a fancy scale, and hold out 2 hand-held sensors. After about 60 seconds a report was printed. It was far more detailed than I expected, including composition, body type, bone and muscle and fat amounts, even a “segmental” analysis that measured my limb weights.

Overall it was worse than what I was hoping, I have a 32% body fat rating. The trainer pointed out that the body really holds onto fat while breast feeding as well which I suspected, I never did believe that one “drops the weight” if breast feeding. I am also really curious about my leg weight discrepancy, my left leg apparently is over a kg heavier than my right! I am wondering if this could be a postural difference though, maybe it has more to do with what my hips are doing.

I am planning on having another composition test done in a few months time, hopefully I will see a significant shift in the numbers. For now the report is going up on the fridge as a reminder, especially with the Christmas season of fatty yummy food!