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10
Min Read

Trainers guide on calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)

Published on
April 12, 2023
|
Updated on
October 30, 2025
Written by
FitBudd

This blog post explains the concept of Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a formula used by personal trainers to determine an individual's body mass composition and set ideal weight goals for weight loss.

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To chalk out a proper weight loss regimen, personal trainers first ascertain an individual's weight using the Body Mass Index (BMI). It's a formula that determines the body mass composition of the individual.

For personal trainers, BMI gives a quick measure to know whether a person is carrying excess body mass. Accordingly, the personal trainer sets the ideal weight goal and suggests the relevant weight loss exercises to achieve it.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) measures weight concerning one's height. It is the most frequently used index to determine one's body weight. The values in the index show whether a person is underweight, overweight, or obese.  

Thus far, BMI is an ideal weight body calculator. It is simple to use and is reproducible. But a drawback of BMI is it cannot determine body fat percentage. For instance, a person falling in the normal BMI range can have elevated body fat, which the BMI calculator cannot show.

Yet, BMI is the most preferred tool for determining healthy weight.

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How to calculate BMI?

The formula for BMI calculation is

Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)] ²


The formula is the same for both children and adults. A BMI reference chart with various BMI ranges and weight categories determines whether a person has a normal BMI.

For example, if a person weighs 75 kg and is 1.7m tall, the BMI would be as follows.

1.7 x 1.7 = 2.89

75kg ÷ 2.89 = 25.95

When you cross-reference with the BMI chart, you will know that the person is slightly short of a healthy BMI. The person falls under the overweight category.

Methods of calculating BMI

There are two methods of calculating BMI. But you need not worry about doing the calculations yourself. There are numerous BMI calculators available online that give values accurately.

  • Using Metric Measurements

The formula for BMI in a metric system is Weight in kilograms divided by height into meters or centimeters.

Weight (kg) / [height (m)] ²

Or

[Weight (kg) / height (cm) / height (cm)] x 10,000

  • Using Imperial Measurements

In the imperial measurement system, the formula to calculate BMI is: Weight in pounds (lb.) divided by height in inches (in) squared and multiplied by a factor of 703.

Weight (lb.) / [height (in)] 2 x 703

BMI Chart for Men and Women

A BMI chart provides reference BMI values for a particular height. Though the formula for calculating BMI is the same for children and adults, the interpretation of the same is different.

The BMI value interpretation among children depends on gender and age. But for adults, there is no difference between genders. The BMI values for height and weight are the same for men and women.

While BMI is a quick screening tool, pair it with richer tracking to coach smarter. With software for fitness trainer, you can log BMI alongside body fat percentage, measurements, and progress photos in one place, then spot trends over weeks instead of judging a single number. Layer in food logs and plans using nutrition coaching software to align daily intake with targets. This gives you a fuller picture, helps you adjust training and meals at the right time, and keeps clients focused on steady progress rather than chasing a category on the chart. Add this right before the Conclusion to bridge BMI calculations with modern, data-backed coaching.

Conclusion

Trainers prefer to calculate BMI for weight loss to determine one’s progress in their weight loss journey. It is not a complex measurement and does not require external interventions. Any BMI calculator will turn up accurate results. And personal trainers regularly use BMI for intervention and modify workouts or diet plans to achieve a healthy BMI.

What other methods do you prefer other than BMI for weight loss? Please share your knowledge with us.

Meet the author

FitBudd

Empowering coaches and trainers to thrive, FitBudd is the ultimate personal training software for accelerated business growth.

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Content Marketer & Strategist

Yangzey Sherpa leads content strategy at FitBudd, overseeing content planning and execution across fitness-focused digital channels. With over five years of experience in SEO and content, she works closely with the fitness industry to ensure content aligns with the needs of coaches, trainers, and gym owners. Her role keeps her deeply connected to fitness business workflows, coaching models, and how professionals use digital platforms to grow.

Yangzey Sherpa

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Apra Pathak has worked closely within the fitness niche for several years, supporting personal trainers and fitness coaches through content and digital marketing initiatives. Her experience centers on understanding how fitness professionals build visibility, communicate value, and engage clients online. Through sustained involvement with fitness-focused platforms and audiences, she has developed a strong understanding of the digital needs and growth challenges faced by modern fitness businesses.

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Aishwarya Mehra has been actively involved in fitness-focused digital marketing, working closely with brands and platforms that serve coaches, trainers, and fitness businesses. Her experience spans engagement-driven strategies designed specifically for fitness audiences. Through ongoing exposure to fitness campaigns and communities, she remains closely aligned with how fitness professionals attract, convert, and retain clients in digital environments.

Aishwarya Mehra

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Suchandra Das has contributed content within the fitness niche, working on resources designed for coaches, trainers, and fitness business owners. Her experience involves supporting fitness-related topics with clear, structured, and accessible content. Through consistent involvement with fitness-focused platforms, she has developed familiarity with coaching workflows, client communication, and the informational needs of fitness professionals.

Suchandra Das

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FitBudd is a fitness technology platform built exclusively for coaches, personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness professionals. The platform supports fitness businesses through branded apps, white-labeled solutions, and websites designed around real coaching and training workflows. FitBudd works closely with the global fitness community, maintaining deep, ongoing involvement in the fitness industry.

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Ankit Uniyal has worked extensively with fitness-focused content, supporting platforms that cater to personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness professionals. His experience includes optimizing and structuring content around fitness-related search behavior and user intent. Through continued involvement in the fitness niche, he has gained a strong understanding of how trainers and coaches build discoverability and authority online.

Ankit Uniyal

CEO, FitBudd

Saumya Mittal is the Co-Founder and CEO of FitBudd. Since 2021, she has been actively engaged in the fitness technology sector, collaborating with global fitness companies to foster digital growth and scalable operations. With over a decade of experience leading high-impact projects in engineering and operations, Saumya has a strong background in developing reliable and scalable systems. Through FitBudd, she is dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of fitness professionals worldwide.

Saumya Mittal

Marketing Lead

Kinshuk Snehi has been closely involved in the fitness space for over four years. Through his work at FitBudd, he has contributed to shaping how fitness professionals build their online presence, attract clients, and scale sustainable coaching businesses. Deeply interested in the intersection of fitness, technology, and growth, Kinshuk brings a hands-on understanding of the challenges faced by modern trainers. His passion lies in building systems and strategies that support long-term consistency, both in fitness journeys and business growth.

Kinshuk Snehi

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Kanika Verma has been closely involved in building solutions for the fitness industry, working with platforms used by coaches and trainers globally. Her experience includes direct exposure to fitness coaching workflows and operational needs. Through sustained involvement in fitness-focused product development, she has developed a strong understanding of how fitness professionals manage clients, programs, and daily operations.

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Tanya Sharma has worked on branding initiatives within the fitness niche, supporting fitness platforms and businesses with visual identity design. Her experience includes creating brand systems used by coaches, trainers, and fitness-focused products. Through ongoing involvement in fitness-related design projects, she remains closely connected to how fitness brands communicate trust and professionalism.

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Niharika Sonavane

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Elesh Patel has worked extensively on marketing initiatives within the fitness niche, managing paid campaigns for fitness-focused products and services. His experience includes supporting platforms that target personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness creators. Through long-term involvement in fitness marketing, he remains closely connected to how fitness professionals discover and adopt digital tools.

Elesh Patel

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