Have you ever used a BMI calculator ? The Body Mass Index BMI compares body weight and height. This will tell you if you tend to be normal, overweight, or underweight .
If you exercise a lot, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a BMI calculator. Your result may not apply to the actual condition of your body .
However, there are reasons for a lower or higher BMI in athletes. Especially in endurance sports , it can happen that you are considered underweight according to BMI – but you still don't have to worry.
In this post, we'll take a look at what you can keep in mind when looking at BMI, especially as an endurance athlete . And you'll learn how to get the most out of your workout with oats and oatmeal.
Do endurance athletes have a lower BMI?
When calculating the BMI values of athletes , many endurance athletes, for example, runners , find that they appear too low. But that's not necessarily because they're really underweight.
Running is predestined to burn a lot of calories with regular exercise – at a good speed of around 600 calories per hour.
This melts fat reserves over time. At the same time, muscles build up, but far from mass, as in strength athletes, for example.
That's a good thing because if you want to run fast, you should be strong and yet light. It is important to find the right balance here.
The BMI, which is calculated only from weight and height, cannot alone reflect this complex interplay .
Incidentally, this does not only apply to jogging, but also to other endurance sports, such as inline skating or cycling.
Which endurance athletes have a high BMI?
Endurance athletes tend to have a low BMI when calculating BMI. An apparently too high BMI, on the other hand, is often found in strength athletes .
These athletes have a very low body fat content but a lot of muscle mass.
Nevertheless, the BMI, which has been shown to be too high, can also affect you as an endurance athlete; namely, if you also practice strength sports in addition to endurance sports.
Because muscles are heavier than body fat , the BMI increases accordingly. Strength athletes would thus be classified as overweight, even if they are not.
Such a fallacy can be worrying at first because being overweight puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, for example. Therefore, the overall condition of the body should be taken into account.
The BMI in endurance sports – what does it say?
In sports – both in strength sports and in intensive endurance sports – the significance of the BMI on the state of health may lose importance.
Nevertheless, it can offer a good clue. For example, if you do not practice your sport at a professional performance level, the BMI can give a first impression of your body condition .
It can also motivate you to exercise more if you want to bring your BMI to a better value for yourself personally.
Healthy nutrition for endurance athletes
Especially in endurance sports, you need high-quality energy for the entire body. Exactly those that will stay with you for a long time during your workout and that will help you achieve your desired BMI or fitness goals.
That's why proteins and fiber play such an important role in sports. The energy they provide is slowly depleted by the body, and you can benefit from it for longer.
In addition, proteins are important building blocks for building muscle.
So that your body gets everything it needs for sports, we at VERIVAL have developed our protein porridge .
Because oats and oatmeal are high-quality sources of protein and fiber. They also contain energy-providing, complex carbohydrates.
We only use high-quality ingredients. In this way, you will be optimally prepared for effective training.
In contrast to products with whey protein, oats are also suitable as a plant-based protein source for vegan athletes.
By the way: In addition to our Protein Porridge, you will also find Protein Muesli and other delicious products for your sport at VERIVAL.
