How to Measure body fat?

Lisgetsfitter

I think the gym may have a device to measure it but not sure. Is this something the doctor can check?

bulk_n_cut

i use this cool device called the mirror, and pinching with fingers (cant tell instantaneous approximation, but great for monitoring progress over time lol)

Lisgetsfitter

LoL

addysaurus

You can get a pretty decent scale at Target that measures body fat. I got mine there and it measures weight, body fat %, water % and muscle mass. I believe it was like $20, and the only problem I've had is remembering to make sure my feet are slighty moist to get the best reading.

Hornsby

There are no accurate at home ways to measure body fat. BIA scales are mostly bunk, and calipers are at the mercy of the user.

The only real way to know is to get a bod pod test or dexa scan. These can be pretty pricey and not always accurate either.

Honestly, you will probably be more accurate just looking in the mirror than any BIA scale.

jenglish712

Anything you get at target that tells you BF% is probably as accurate as a magic 8 ball.

bulk_n_cut

i have this one at home,

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-514C-Composition-Sensing-Monitor/dp/B0020MMCDE

But i'll be honest, they aren't really all that helpful...it will show drastically different numbers depending on how full your stomach is, or if you've taken a dump not too long before weighing, or if you've just sweat after a workout, or if your water retention is high from high sodium or creatine etc....in summary, you kind of become a slave to the numbers and can get bogged down in that. it's easy to get depressed and lose sight of your goals as a result because some days the numbers will be in your favor, some days not.
MIRROR IS BEST lol

giantrobot_powerlifting

Bio-electric impedance scales that measure your body composition are not very accurate. I have one collecting dust underneath my dresser now because it was so widely inaccurate.

Depending on your what your BMI currently is, dexa scan or pod-bod may or may not be a better option.

I use a calipers and then I enter in measurements into this calculator to figure out where I am compositionally.

IMO, whatever method you pick as long as you are consistent in your measuring methods from test to test, I don't think it really matters which you use. (Other than the crappy electronic scales.) I prefer the calipers because after the initial purchase you can do it in your own home any time you want.

getalife9353

Do a google search for: US navy circumference method body fat.
You can even find a .pdf that has all of the study information. You do need to keep in mind that the study was done with US military persons, so if you are very high BF% it may not apply.

nlmillervt

I use the calculators at http://www.gymgoal.com/dtool_fat.html to get an estimate. I don't know how exact it is, but figure it's a good way to figure improvements if nothing else.

hayleyquin

I find Tanita Body Composition scales are excellent and quite accurate. Quite pricey though.

Lisgetsfitter

Thanks everyone