Getting fit and staying healthy is a goal that many people strive for. However, without proper monitoring, it can be challenging to know if you’re making progress or falling behind.

That’s why tracking key health benchmarks is essential to achieving your fitness goals.

Why Should You Track Your Health Benchmarks?

The reason behind tracking health benchmarks is simple – you can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Monitoring these critical indicators of health can provide valuable insights into your progress and help you make necessary adjustments to your fitness routine.

The 7 Critical Health Benchmarks You Must Track

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a widely used measurement that assesses whether you have a healthy body weight based on your height and weight. Calculating your BMI allows you to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

It is an essential benchmark to track when working towards a healthier lifestyle.

2. Resting Heart Rate (RHR)

Resting heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. Monitoring your RHR over time can help you understand your cardiovascular fitness.

A lower resting heart rate generally indicates a healthier heart and better overall fitness.

3. Body Composition

Body composition refers to the ratio of different tissues that make up your body, including fat, muscle, and bone. Tracking your body composition can give you a more accurate picture of your progress than simply relying on weight alone.

A body composition analysis can help you understand if you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, which is often a primary goal for many individuals.

4. Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can help you identify and manage any potential health issues.

Ideally, your blood pressure should fall within the normal range, which is typically around 120/80 mmHg.

5. Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels can lead to various health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

Regularly checking your cholesterol levels is crucial, as it allows you to maintain a healthy balance of HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) in your body. Aim for a cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL for optimal heart health.

6. Flexibility

Flexibility is often overlooked but is a vital component of overall fitness. Tracking your flexibility can help prevent injuries and improve your range of motion.

Simple tests like the sit-and-reach test can provide insights into the flexibility of your hamstrings and lower back.

7. Mental Well-being

While physical health benchmarks are crucial, mental well-being is just as important. Monitoring factors like stress levels, sleep quality, and mood fluctuations can help you gauge your overall mental health.

Incorporate stress management techniques and prioritize sleep to ensure your mental well-being aligns with your physical fitness goals.

Conclusion

Tracking your health benchmarks is key to achieving your fitness goals.

The 7 critical health benchmarks mentioned above – Body Mass Index, Resting Heart Rate, Body Composition, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Levels, Flexibility, and Mental Well-being – provide valuable insights into your overall health. Regularly monitoring these indicators allows you to stay on track, make necessary adjustments, and ultimately improve your fitness level and well-being.