A few weeks ago someone reached out to me about getting a DEXAScan.   I’ve been intrigued since I read Marcia’s post but never got around to making an appointment.  Now that my schedule is a bit “flexible”, I made an appointment.  

What is a DEXA Scan?  It stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and is a body composition test.  This test measures fat, weight, muscle, and bone density.

I went to the Naperville location after work.  I arrived a few minutes early and checked out the place.  The office is shared with another office which I thought was weird.  You have to go through one office to get to the other one.

After filling out some paperwork, I was taken to another room for the test.  There was a table with a scanner attached to it.  The machine can be intimidating but don’t let it scare you.  The receptionist asked me to remove all metal jewelry and when I was ready, to lie still on the table.  Then an x-ray wand passed over me several times and then I was done.  The whole process took about 5 minutes.

Then I waited for my results.  This is what I found out:
• My bone density is good.  I have to thank all of my years of running for this.

• My BMI puts me in the overweight category.

• Overall body fat is high.  It is 10% higher than what it should be based on my height and weight.

• Most of the fat is in the stomach.  I knew that already.  I can see it.  Hahaha.

I am glad I took this opportunity to get this scan.  I have a good idea of where I am at bodywise.  I would like to go back in a few months to see if there is a difference, especially the body fat.  I definitely have lots of work to do.  🙂

There are several locations you can go for a DEXA Scan.  Check here to find one near you.

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What are your tips for a strong training cycle?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!