Body fat %
Sugar_Junkie
Posts: 366 Member
Ok so I have been doing this stronglift program for 5 weeks now. Also mixing in some cardio (about 30 minutes 2 times a week). My diet probably not the greatest, but isnt bad either. Anyway I went to the gym yesterday and ask a trainer if i could measure my bf%. She said sure and got the machine out. WTF my bf% went up like a little over 1%! I am building muscle and strength, so i know the program is doing something. Can someone explain how I am building muscle and such and havent altered my diet since i started this but still the bf% increased????
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Replies
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The BF% scales or hand held devices are not really that accurate. Things like hydration levels from one time to the next can play a major difference in readings so I don't think you went up 1% unless your measurements would suggest that. I have one at home and I can see more fluctuation in BF% between one day and the next than I see even with weight.
The way I use it is as an additional data point along with weight and measurements to track progress. I'm less concerned about the actual number as I am watching for a downward trend.
So, don't worry about it. It is an okay general reference point, but not the cold hard truth.0 -
The BF% scales or hand held devices are not really that accurate. Things like hydration levels from one time to the next can play a major difference in readings so I don't think you went up 1% unless your measurements would suggest that. I have one at home and I can see more fluctuation in BF% between one day and the next than I see even with weight.
The way I use it is as an additional data point along with weight and measurements to track progress. I'm less concerned about the actual number as I am watching for a downward trend.
So, don't worry about it. It is an okay general reference point, but not the cold hard truth.
Good to know, but man I was so disappointed. I try not to read into any of that stuff. I think I might step away from everything but pictures and good ol fashioned my pants are fitting better.
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Yeah, it can be a head trip to put in all the work and the numbers not be where you expect. As long as my pants are fitting, I'm never concerned with the exact numbers because of the inaccuracy they can have.0
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The margin of error in most methods of BF measurement is around +/- 3%. There's no way you can measure a 1% difference. Go by your measurements and you'll be fine!1
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Had my BFP measured three different ways:
Bioelectrical Impedence (one of those devices that clip onto the finger and sends an electrical impulse through the arm): 37%
BodPod (air displacement chamber measurement): 23%
Calipers: (done by a trained professional who has measured me several times over three years): 18%
Which one is most accurate? At this point I don't care. I'm going by the mirror.0 -
Which one is most accurate? At this point I don't care. I'm going by the mirror.
None? :laugh: I agree with going by the mirror. Each method has error, and Sara did a really good write up in the Eat, Train, Progress group about each method of measuring:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods0 -
For me it is a little similar. I increased 0.4 in body% after doing two months of lifting and eating within my calorie limit (1850.) I use the calculator from fat2fitradio.0
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You might be better off taking measurements and progress pics (with consistent lighting, poses, etc.)...0
