Following my Channel swim I made a decision.  It was time to lean down.  I needed to get rid of the accumulated insulation that I acquired when working and not working out.  After 7 years those fat cells have had their fun and it was time to go.  Now I know that cold water swimmers need their insulation and I fully agree with this.  However, what I wanted was more control over those fat cells.  I wanted to lean down and then add bulk when I really needed it.  This way I was in control and I could add the weight in a healthy manner.

So I signed up for some critical tests to get a baseline of where I was.  I did a VO2Max test to determine how in shape I really was and how effective I was at using oxygen. (Note: this is the number that they always give out for the cyclists of the Tour de France to tell who is expending the most energy.  And yes I realize that I may be the only one that watches the Tour de France every day.)  I also did a Hydrostatic weighing and Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) test.  Hydrostatic weighing is where you get into a tub of water, drown yourself and then see how much you float.  Yes you practically drown yourself as you have to release all your air and then submerge underwater for a few seconds.  The REE is how many calories your body burns at rest in a state of wakefulness (to be precise).

The first baseline tests were conducted in October and drumroll please….here are the results:

REE – 2077 calories

VO2Max/Fitness test:

  • Resting Heartrate = Excellent
  • Direct VO2/Gas Exchange = Above Average (Amazing since the test makes you run on a treadmill with this space age contraption strapped onto your head to measure the results.  Think mouth guard with hoses attached and a nose plug)
  • Sit-ups = Excellent (I crushed this test!)
  • Push-ups = Excellent
  • Flexibility = Average (Can’t believe I hit average with this as I’m very unflexible)

Hydrostatic Weighing – 27.6% bodyfat

Every 3 months we do a reassessment of the REE and Hydrostatic Weighing, so here are the results for January.

REE – 1971 calories

Hydrostatic Weighing – 26.7%  Which means that I’m winning the battle against the fat.  Overall my weight remained the same so I put on more muscle while losing fat weight within the 3 months. 

FYI – for a woman my age (sometimes I really hate that phrase) the typical bodyfat is between 18-23%.  Lynn Cox the famous fabulous fantastic cold water swimmer had a bodyfat composition of 35%.  (Charlie – Quite right I used the wrong word to describe the wonderful Lynne Cox.  My sincerest apologies.)

So overall a very good result.  I’m not adding to much muscle bulk, as that would put too much strain on my shoulders over long distances and I’m slowly saying good-bye to the fat weight.  Next results are scheduled for March.