Proper use of calipers

joehempel
joehempel Posts: 1,543 Member
edited February 11 in Fitness and Exercise
I was wondering about the proper use of calipers. I tested my body fat percentage last week with it, and did the pinch test according to the Accu-Measure or whatever it's called, and got about 27% (I'm 5'9" 185lb so it's high).

The next week, I got about 26%, so it went down which is good.

However, when I do a 3 point test, with the thigh, belly and in between the chest and armpit, I got 24% with a different calculation.

I'm wondering if maybe I'm just grabbing too much skin when doing the pinch test? I don't know if i just need to grab a handfull and pull, or just pinch a bit and test.

Replies

  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    1. You have to get the exact same spot
    2. It takes practice to get it right
    3. It has a fair degree of inaccuracy, usually due to operator error.
    4. The inaccuracy level is acceptable because the main thing is that you are tracking in the right direction.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwNXXG6K4a4
  • joehempel
    joehempel Posts: 1,543 Member
    Hey thanks guys!

    Appreciate the info and the video
  • joehempel
    joehempel Posts: 1,543 Member
    So...I didn't know there was a slider on the one side LOL.

    My percentage is about 1% lower than what I thought...so that's good!
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