How to Calculate Lean Mass
Lean mass is the amount of non-fatty substances in your body, including muscle, bones, fluids and organs. This number is calculated based on the percentage of fat in your body. While technology makes these numbers more accurate than ever, the numbers are still only estimates. Knowing your lean mass can help you design a fitness program based upon your goals, whether they are gaining muscle or losing fat.
Instructions
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Calculate your body fat percentage. You can have it calculated professionally using calipers or underwater weighing, which usually costs money. You can also purchase a scale that calculates body fat percentage while you weigh yourself or a machine that sends electronic signals into your body to see how much body fat you have. You can also use your Body Mass Index, or BMI, which is an estimate based on your weight and height. This number is generalized for everyone of the same weight and height but can still provide some information in an inexpensive and simple way.
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Weigh yourself first thing in the morning while undressed to get an accurate assessment of your weight to calculate your BMI. Measure yourself against a wall without shoes on and use a tape measure to calculate your height.
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Divide your weight, in pounds, by the squared value of your height in inches. Multiply this number by 703. This is your BMI.
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Multiply your body fat percentage by 100 to get your body fat in pounds. If using BMI, you do not need to do this.
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Subtract your BMI or body fat in pounds from your total weight. This number is your lean mass. Along with your doctor, you can use this number to develop a fitness plan that is right for you.
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References
- Photo Credit muscle fitness image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
