They're using BMI?

Probably. The eye test tells me more people aren't looking like bodybuilders these days so I'd say it's probably pretty accurate that every is getting fat as opposed to carrying more muscle weight and less BF.

Yup. Bmi is demonized frequently, but for those who don't lift, it's incredibly accurate and useful.

It's just kind of weird because obesity has everything to do with body composition and BMI has basically nothing to do with body composition.

:hmmm: Never mind. Everything I read growing up on obesity only mentioned body fat percentage. I want to say something like 40+% is considered obese.. But a quick Google search says anyone from 25-29 BMI is considered overweight while anyone 30 and over is considered obese.

Strange.

Right. It's the old exception to the rule thing with serious lifters.

I'm addicted to mangos. They're always on sale and they're ****ing tasty.

I like them too, but at 50g of sugar a pop, I'll pass.

You can find a ton of information related to diet and exercise online, but having someone work with you on proper form can truly save you serious injury. If you are new to lifting, it is likely worth the money to have a trainer work with you on form. You do not want to wreck your shoulders or back by doing things with bad form.

Or he can use machines starting out and not have to worry about it.

This is exactly what I did. The only personal trainer I ever had was my sister, my Arnold bible and youtube.

I probably don't have the best form but I've never been injured and have had steady muscle and strength growth over the last four years.

Mostly true. You can still injure yourself on a Smith machine.

You could, but it's fairly unlikely.

Youtube can be a good resource, if you know where to look (Elitefts, Elliot Hulse, even the Hodge twins have some good vids). Youtube is also full of a lot of kooks.