I recently received an OMRON body composition scale, completely by chance.
Unlike a regular bathroom scale, this one measures not only body weight but also body fat percentage, visceral fat level, skeletal muscle percentage, and even something called “body age.”
Naturally, I had to try it out.
And let’s just say the results were a little eye-opening!
Remember When TANITA Scales Were All the Rage in Japan?
If you grew up in Japan, you might remember when TANITA body fat scales became incredibly popular.
TANITA introduced a stand-on body fat analyzer in 1992, followed by a household scale with body fat measurement capabilities in 1994.
That was more than 30 years ago. Where did the time go?
Over the years, these scales evolved into body composition monitors that could estimate muscle mass, visceral fat, and other measurements.
TANITA eventually became famous for something else, too: healthy cooking!
In 2010, a cookbook featuring recipes from the company’s employee cafeteria became a massive bestseller in Japan.
The popularity even led to the opening of a public TANITA restaurant in Tokyo in 2012.
Who would have thought a company known for bathroom scales would become a household name in healthy cooking?
The Trouble With Measuring Weight in Pounds
Now, back to my new OMRON scale.
As a woman going through menopause, I’ve become increasingly interested in what’s happening to my body.
My old bathroom scale displayed weight in pounds, as most American scales do.
Even after living in the United States for many years, kilograms still make more sense to me.
When I see my weight in pounds, the number doesn’t quite register.
But when I switched to kilograms…
Oh my goodness!
When did I get this big?
Apparently, I’ve been growing without even noticing!
And at my age, I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to be done growing.
Too Much Body Fat, but a Younger Body Age?
The scale had a few more surprises waiting for me.
First, my body fat percentage was a little higher than I’d like.
Not exactly the news I was hoping for.
On the bright side, my visceral fat level was relatively low.
So perhaps much of my extra fat is subcutaneous fat, the kind stored underneath the skin.
Of course, a home scale can’t tell me exactly where all my body fat is stored.
The scale also measures skeletal muscle percentage, which is especially interesting as we get older.
And then came the most exciting result of all.
My body age was TWO YEARS YOUNGER than my actual age!
Well, hello there!
That certainly brightened my day.
OMRON estimates body age using measurements such as body composition and resting metabolism.
It’s not a medical measurement of how old your body really is, but I’ll happily take those two extra years of youth.
Interestingly, my body age sometimes changes by a year or two from one day to the next.
Still, it’s fun to see a younger number pop up.
These days, I check my body composition almost every morning.
Who knew a bathroom scale could become a source of entertainment?
Starting a Gym Routine in My 50s
About three months ago, I also joined a gym.
I’ve been trying to go about twice a week.
Don’t picture me doing intense workouts or lifting enormous weights.
My routine is much more modest.
I usually start with about 30 minutes on the treadmill, walking at a fairly relaxed pace.
After that, I use two or three weight machines to work on maintaining or improving my muscle strength.
And that’s pretty much it.
Is it an impressive workout?
Probably not.
But surely it’s better than doing nothing!
The gym also has a swimming pool.
I’m not a particularly strong swimmer, but sometimes I manage a lap or two before heading to the jacuzzi.
To be perfectly honest, the jacuzzi might be my favorite part of the whole experience.
A Little Yoga Before Bed… Sometimes
At home, I occasionally do some yoga-inspired stretching before bedtime.
I’d love to say I do it every single night, but that wouldn’t be entirely true.
Some nights I stretch.
Other nights, well… not so much.
Still, stretching feels good, especially after spending most of the day sitting at a desk.
I’m trying not to turn exercise into another stressful obligation.
Menopause, Muscle Mass, and Aging Gracefully
As women enter their 50s and go through menopause, our bodies begin to change in ways that can be frustrating.
Hormonal changes can affect body fat distribution, muscle mass, and bone health.
And losing weight isn’t necessarily the only thing we should focus on.
Maintaining muscle strength and staying physically active may be even more important for long-term health and independence.
That’s one reason I’ve started taking strength training a little more seriously.
I’m not trying to become a fitness enthusiast overnight.
I just want to keep my body functioning well as I get older.
For now, my plan is simple:
- Visit the gym about twice a week.
- Walk on the treadmill and use a few weight machines.
- Swim occasionally, even if it’s only a lap or two.
- Stretch at home whenever I feel like it.
- Keep an eye on my body composition without obsessing over daily fluctuations.
I’m also reminding myself that smart scale measurements are estimates. Hydration, timing, and other factors can affect the readings, so long-term trends matter more than any single number.
A Little Progress Is Better Than None
I’ve reached the age when taking care of my body feels less like an optional hobby and more like a long-term investment.
I know I should probably pay more attention to my diet, too.
But if I try to change everything at once, I’ll probably give up.
So I’m taking things slowly.
A little walking, a little strength training, some stretching, and perhaps a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi.
That sounds manageable to me.
And if my OMRON scale continues telling me I’m two years younger than I really am…
Well, that’s just an added bonus!
Here’s to staying active, healthy, and hopefully a little younger at heart.
