What is the best way to measure bodyfat?

Im getting some calipers, but i recently saw a scale, that has an imput body fat function, as in, you get on it...it shows your weight AND bodyfat.

Thanks anyone :)

What is the best way to measure bodyfat?

Im getting some calipers, but i recently saw a scale, that has an imput body fat function, as in, you get on it...it shows your weight AND bodyfat.

Thanks anyone :)

The best way (and most expensive) is hydrostatic calibration. I guess the next most accurate would be calipers. I wouldn't put too much stock in those scales.

The best way (and most expensive) is hydrostatic calibration. I guess the next most accurate would be calipers. I wouldn't put too much stock in those scales.

Cheers man, thanks for the fast reply...

How do you mean you wouldn't put too much stock on the scales..meaning they would be inaccurate??

Oh yeah man, btw i havent had chance to tell you but your lookin' great, I'd be proud to be your son.

:tu: Tru

Cheers man, thanks for the fast reply...

How do you mean you wouldn't put too much stock on the scales..meaning they would be inaccurate??

Oh yeah man, btw i havent had chance to tell you but your lookin' great, I'd be proud to be your son.

:tu: Tru

Thanx man. That makes me feel real good!!!! :nod:
Yeah, from what I understand, those scales aren't too accurate. I can't tell you for sure though. I've never used one.

Yeah, from what I understand, those scales aren't too accurate. I can't tell you for sure though. I've never used one.

They're horribly in accurate. At 143-lbs. with half my abs finally showing, the scale tells me I'm still 17% body fat. Every now and again I turn on the BF% option just for grins to see what it says.

The best measure, besides hydrostatic as DD42 said, is probably the mirror, actually. I have very little faith in calipers because every person who operates a set of calipers seems to have varying techniques and they'll all yield a different number.

The most accurate? I'd say it's the mirror or posting a picture, because I think we can ballpark just about any physique to within 1% of what calipers or hydro testing might yield. We're pretty good at it around here.

-R

The most accurate? I'd say it's the mirror or posting a picture, because I think we can ballpark just about any physique to within 1% of what calipers or hydro testing might yield. We're pretty good at it around here.

-R

Good point. Agreed. :tu:

What is the best way to measure bodyfat?

Im getting some calipers, but i recently saw a scale, that has an imput body fat function, as in, you get on it...it shows your weight AND bodyfat.

Thanks anyone :)

I've got one of those scales and use it every day to keep track of the trend. I agree that it is not all that accurate, but I think it's OK to average the data and use the trend. I have the cheap plastic calipers but never learned how to use them properly. Every once in a while, I will post a picture here and get input. I also use mybodycomp.com and then average the three methods and consider it as good of a %bf number I can get without spending a lot of money.

If you get one of the scales, just know that the time of day and how hydrated you are will make a big difference. You have to look at your bf number at the same time each day under the same circumstances.

Scales are pretty inaccurate because of hydration, heart rate, stomach contents, and even skin resistivity. If you can keep things consistent when you measure, they're good for following a trend but will vary when producing a number.

Calipers are better but it takes time to learn how to become accurate with them.

Hydrostatic testing is even more accurate but is expensive and requires a qualified facility to have it done.

The most accurate is lab tests involving a DEXA scan (Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry))...good luck getting that one done.


This gives a pretty good breakdown of what's out there. (Don't believe the hype on the tantia scale....Impedance measuring has it's drawbacks, probably more than calipers).
http://www.new-fitness.com/body_fat_analyzing.html

The best way is to find a method and stick with it. Even if it reads higher/lower than your actual %, you will still be able to see how you are progressing.

Jason

What are the thoughts on the circumference methods e.g. US Navy test?

http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/bfb

I have no idea my BF%.

Navy method says 24%.

My new impedence tester by Taylor says 35.7% and flashes the little picture of a guy that is as fat as Chris Farley was while saying OBESE...

I think in my head I'm like 19-22%.

Could some of you experienced guys take a stab? I didn't get much response over in media gallery. I know I've let myself go... the beer made me do it...

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=20939

I have no idea my BF%.

Navy method says 24%.

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=20939

Probably pretty close. You have good musculature under the fat. I'd say ~25%.