Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a numerical representation of an individual's weight to heigth ratio. BMI is typically used in the fitness industry as a method to illustrate poor physical health to a potential client. Although there is a formula to determine BMI using normal "English" measurements of pounds and inches, it is considered less accurate, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, in its personal trainer's manual, "Essentials fo Personal Fitness Training." The NASM recommends using the metric measurement formula.
Step 1
Measure your height with a tape measure. Record your height, in centimeters, on your notepad. Use your calculator to convert your height in centimeters into meters. There are 100 centimeters in one meter, so divide the number of centimeters in your height by 100. Record this number on your notepad.
Step 2
Step onto a digital scale and record your weight. Weigh yourself while wearing as little clothing as possible while weighing in. Record your weight in kilograms. If your digital scale is limited to pounds, multiply your weight in pounds by 2.2 in order to determine your weight in kilograms. Record this number on your notepad.
Step 3
Multiply your height, in meters, by itself. If you are 1.8 meters tall, multiply 1.8 by 1.8. Record this number on your notepad.
Step 4
Divide your weight, in kilograms, by the square of your height, in meters, from Step 3. The result of this equation is your BMI.
Tips and Warnings
- The metric mathematical formula for determining BMI is: BMI= weight (in kg) divided by the square of your height in meters. According to the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization, a BMI over 25 is categorized as overweight. A BMI over 30 is considered obese.
- According to the National Institutes of Health, BMI should not be used as the sole measure of individual health. Athletes with large muscle mass may be categorized as overweight, or even obese, if BMI is the sole measure used.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Digital scale
- Notepad
- Calculator
References
- "Essentials of Personal Fitness Training;" National Academy of Sports Medicine; 2008
- "The New Rules of Lifting;" Alwyn Cosgrove; 2008
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