Ethical question

Would you work out with someone if you know that their BMI puts them in the underweight category?

I feel like I shouldn't, but I also like having a workout buddy.

Depends on the type of workout.  Is it excessive cardio or strength training?  If its excessive cardio maybe not - but honestly she'll work out with or without you, so...

It's cardio..I know but, I feel like I'm providing more motivation...

What BMI is it? If 18-19, I don't see a problem - really lean people need to excercise too. Most ballet dancers have 'underweight' BMIs but are very healthy and able to engage in VERY strenuous physical activity.

 If she is fit and healthy, I really don't see a problem.

 

I would never work out with someone with an eating disorder. But if she's healthy, some people are just underweight by genetics/nature. It depends, I guess. Is she trying to lose weight, or gain strength? 

She says that she's trying to gain weight- but, as far as I know- cardio will help to prevent that.

Her bmi is 18- so, not terribly low.

She said that she doesn't "like to eat" and that it's psychological.  But, she doesn't meet the criteria for any of the EDs.... 

can you work out AND eat together?

yeah, a couple times a week at least.  I've been thinking about bringing her treats..but, I'm afraid that she'll think I'm forcing food down her throat.

I don't think it is a negative thing to work out with her as long as she isn't the type that is obsessively working out.  Working out at a normal level is good for just about everybody.  If she needs to pick up weight she needs to do it in the form of consuming more food.  Dropping all exercise will just make her feel tired and sluggish (that is what happens when I stop working out anyway) and that will just make her feel fat and then she won't want to eat.

I say, keep working out but encourage adding more foods to her diet.  Maybe talk about some health information you have learned on here as a way to start a conversation about it. 

If she is trying to gain weight then maybe you should encourage strength training so she will build muscle and not fat.

Your BMI can be as low as 18.5. Thats the cut off for being underwt. She could still be healthy where she is at. But a PT or doctor has to see if thats the case. BMI is just a general guideline reflecting your body fat.

I agree though with lilborykuamami. It just a plain ole' good idea all around for both of you.

think about it this way, if you don't workout with her how will you ever beable to help her if she Does start getting a serious disorder.

I think you should talk about it openly and stay at her side...

i am currently in this position now...my friend has recently lost a lot of weight due to rough times, and just last week decided to start running with me.  i told her that the only way she could do it is if she ate more.  i let her know my concern but was not rude about it.  i don't think she is trying to lose more weight, she is trying to feel better.  i guess it depends on what your friend wants.  i agree that thin people need exercise too!

You also need to realize that exercise has more then one benefit then just losing weight.  The heart should be the first reason that you exercise and lifting weights and doing cardio will only make you a more healthy person as long as you are eating the proper things.

Plus...just like some ppl are naturally fat...some ppl are naturally skinny and sitting around and not exercising isn't going to benefit them in any way.  BMI is just something to go by...it isn't the 'and all and be all' of weight management.

She still needs to work out.  Perhaps encourage her to drink a gatorade recovery/nutrition shake afterwards.  They taste like chocolate milk basically, have about 300 calories in them, and help to build muscle.  I'd encourage that, because it'll be the right kind of weight to gain, and will complement the work out.

I Know that skinny ppl need to exercise too- My concern is that she will join me at the gym and end up losing more weight.

Anyway- I've decided to work out with her- encourage her eating..and go from there.

 

Thanks for your input. 

 

Hi, from what I've seen and heard, people who are trying to gain weight in a healthy way, should not only increase their calorie intake but should also incorporate weight training into their workouts.  Is it all cardio that you guys are doing?  Maybe the next time you go to the gym ask one of the staff for their assistance on what the best workouts are for weight gain....it is beneficial for shedding and gaining (just depends on the type and amount of weight being lifted)

Original Post by hypermoron:

What BMI is it? If 18-19, I don't see a problem - really lean people need to excercise too. Most ballet dancers have 'underweight' BMIs but are very healthy and able to engage in VERY strenuous physical activity.

 you have no idea how glad i am to see someone else who agrees with me about ballet dancers being underweight! :P

Well it is dangerous to be heavy an dance in point shoes. Also your production company usually will fine you if your weight fluxuates by a certain amount. If you get fat by 10 pounds you basically are fired.

Original Post by chop_chop:

Well it is dangerous to be heavy an dance in point shoes. Also your production company usually will fine you if your weight fluxuates by a certain amount. If you get fat by 10 pounds you basically are fired.

 Unfortunately, "getting fat" is often just reaching a healthy weight. But that's beside the point of the OP.

I would just be sure your friend isn't overdoing it on the cardio. If she seems to be using exercise to purge food, or tries to do hours of cardio or multiple workouts per day, then there is a problem. Keep an eye on her weight/eating if possible and try to incorporate weight training. Weights are good for both of you! 

Hard work and/or exercise serve to give us a healthy appetite too.  Of course she should exercise.  If you aren't overdoing it, and she is merely keeping pace with you, there is no problem, in my opinion.

Sometimes it is the little one liners in our conversations that make the most impact. eg.... "I want to do these core exercises to target my abs, but I hope I don't go down a bust sizes in the process.  Curves in the right place add to the mystery of a woman."  *wink, wink, grin*  Says nothing about her weight, but gives her an opinion you have of yourself, and suggests others share the opinion. Is not critical of her, makes no demands, and takes her into your confidence without a hook.