Body Composition

Overview

The proportions of nonfat weight (muscle and bone) to fat weight are important to performance on typical law enforcement tasks. It is an advantage to have a large muscle mass and a relatively low percent body fat. Muscle mass can be increased through the resistance training recommended in the previous section.

Reducing Fat Weight

The fat weight generally can be reduced with aerobic endurance training programs. Exercise programs that are performed at least three days per week for at least 20 minutes per day and that expend at least 300 calories per session are the minimum for fat loss. Greater fat loss can be achieved through weight loss programs. However, without exercise, there is usually a loss in muscle mass as well as fat weight.