BF %

allana1111

best method to figure out my BF%? I've heard of calipers... where can I get those and are they accurate? thanks

usmcj80

You can use those scales that read BF% and they have hand held monitors as well. The calipers can be accurate but you run into people not knowing how to use them properly and or miscalculations in the formulas used to get your totals. There are all kinds of high tech ways like ultra sonic mumbo jumbo, water displacement tests, etc, etc.... A good pair of calipers isn't that expensive and if you measure the same way every time and are good with your calculations you can get really close to what your body fat is. I would look on Amazon or even some of the bodybuilding type sites if you want a set of calipers but I am no expert myself and I am really just getting into using calipers. I have used those handheld monitors for a couple years now and used a scale with a monitor built in but they are sometimes inaccurate depending on what time of day you measure and your hydration levels and such.

The main point is you want to see a continual decrease in BF%, I am guessing, so any of the mentioned methods will work and they all have advantages and disadvantages and can easily be Googled for more information outside of me or any other posters.

allana1111

great info, thanks

Juliane_

I use the Navy Method...

BoxerBrawler

The wise master trainer at my MMA club has both calipers and hand helds, we used both for a few weeks to make sure we got an accurate reading. It was pretty consistent within a percent or two. I got an Aria (Fitbit) scale and it's dead on accurate. I recommend getting one. You can get just the scale... doesn't have to be with the Fitbit. Hope that helps

allana1111

awesome! aria scale sounds easier than calipers

Rose6300

The wise master trainer at my MMA club has both calipers and hand helds, we used both for a few weeks to make sure we got an accurate reading. It was pretty consistent within a percent or two. I got an Aria (Fitbit) scale and it's dead on accurate. I recommend getting one. You can get just the scale... doesn't have to be with the Fitbit. Hope that helps

I'm intrigued. Dead on accurate? Last time I had a BF scale (admittedly, eons ago), it was all over the place even when I was consistent with doing it post-shower with wet feet. This one's much better?

allana1111

kinda pricy =/

jeepfit21

Do a google search for Bod Pod locations. I've used the Bod Pod before at a local university, and judging from the reviews online, it seems to be a very accurate and less expensive alternative to the pricier methods. I've also tried the calipers and BIA scales, but find the Bod Pod to be the most consistent over multiple uses.

Rambo529

I've used both calipers (had a friend who's a trainer do it since there's a bunch of points to do and it's difficult to do alone) and a scale. The key is to do it the same (same method, same time when possible, same points, same helper, etc) each time. Also, I found doing it before a workout is more accurate than after a workout. Also, as mentioned before, depends on the formula used (if using calipers) as to what result you'll get.

ColoradoCountryGal

Bumping this for later reference(:

Rogiefreida

Bod Pod or Dexa scan is the most accurate, but like PP posters have said, using less accurate methods (hand helds, scales) and measuring consistently and seeing a downward trend works too. I have heard that scales that measure body fat via bio-electrical impedance only measure the body fat in your lower half (cannot remember where I read this, I believe on BB.com), as the electrical current only travels up one leg and down the other so it's really only accurate for your lower half. Same theory goes for hand held devices (goes through one arm and out the other). Just something to keep in mind. All methods are guesses, so the important thing is to control variables (hydration, time of day, caliper spots, etc) and watch for a downward trend.

Mischievous_Rascal

My EatSmart Precision scale is right on with the Bodpod test I had done. It has a regular and an athletic setting, which makes a big difference.

Mischievous_Rascal

My EatSmart Precision scale is right on with the Bodpod test i had done. I used the scale for the first time an hour after I had the test done - I wanted an accurate base to work from because I had heard the scales were so off. It has a regular and an athletic setting, which makes a big difference.

gmthisfeller

I've used both calipers (had a friend who's a trainer do it since there's a bunch of points to do and it's difficult to do alone) and a scale. The key is to do it the same (same method, same time when possible, same points, same helper, etc) each time. Also, I found doing it before a workout is more accurate than after a workout. Also, as mentioned before, depends on the formula used (if using calipers) as to what result you'll get.

+1

I attend the Sports Clinic here at Vanderbilt University, and they use a set of calipers, which I purchased at Amazon. The trainers then spent time helping me learn to use them *consistently*. The post I have quoted also reflects my experience.

sabrina19782014

i have a pedometer that does BF % - seems pretty accurate from what I already knew -

(got it on amazon)

kill3rtofu

.

rikracer61

There are hydrostatic body compostion testing mobile units. check with your local crossfit gym. This is THE stndard for BF% testing and only cost 40 -50 dollars to get tested. This is really the only accurate method available

jim180155

Bod Pod or Dexa scan is the most accurate, but like PP posters have said, using less accurate methods (hand helds, scales) and measuring consistently and seeing a downward trend works too. I have heard that scales that measure body fat via bio-electrical impedance only measure the body fat in your lower half (cannot remember where I read this, I believe on BB.com), as the electrical current only travels up one leg and down the other so it's really only accurate for your lower half. Same theory goes for hand held devices (goes through one arm and out the other). Just something to keep in mind. All methods are guesses, so the important thing is to control variables (hydration, time of day, caliper spots, etc) and watch for a downward trend.

I was never sure if that was right, that the electronic scales measured only through the legs while the handhelds measured only through the arms, but it seemed to make sense, and it always kind of bothered me. Then I found a scale that measures from four points: through your hands and feet. It's more expensive than most scales, but still only about half the price of one of those Fitbit/ Aria scales:

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-514C-Composition-Sensing-Monitor/dp/B0020MMCDE/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1399657485&sr=8-10&keywords=body+fat+scale

wpwarrior88

I purchased my Sequoia Fitness Products USA Warrior Digital Body Fat/Mass Caliper from Amazon. I have been pleased with the results and accuracy. Amazon offers several different styles, you should be able to find one that fits your needs/price range.

RyHollingsworth

Fitbit Aria scale is cool but there's a couple of things to note that I have noticed.

Hydration level: when i first wakeup in the morning my fat percentage is much higher than it is later in the day. (around 19%) Later in the day it's been rating me at 14% (I'm actually 11%), which is still high but at least it's consistent. (The scale calculates BF% by sending an electrical pulse through your body and water affects conductivity....)

Regular Mode/ Lean Mode: There are two modes for this scale (probably others as well) I'm a fit guy lifting weights 3-4 days a week, in regular mode it thought I was 29%.

Calipers are considered the most accurate and consistent at home test if you know how to use them- and that can be the hard part.

Bod Pod or Water Displacement tests I hear are the best evaluation. Consistency is key for improving. Just keep checking at the same time with the same scale and all the same conditions to monitor progress.

lrmall01

Tracking body fat trends vs determining absolute body fat levels are kind of two different things.

Calipers, tape measures, pictures, Bio Impedence (hand held / feet) are all OK for tracking trends but can be off on your absolute body fat.

Bod Pods and Dexa Scans are two common ways to get a better absolute measurement.

Here's a good write up on using a tape measure to track body fat % trends. http://strengthunbound.com/measure-body-fat-easily-accurately-home/

Here's a good write up on body fat % in general if you are interested. http://www.leighpeele.com/body-fat-pictures-and-percentages

SnuggleSmacks

Bod Pod or Dexa scan is the most accurate, but like PP posters have said, using less accurate methods (hand helds, scales) and measuring consistently and seeing a downward trend works too. I have heard that scales that measure body fat via bio-electrical impedance only measure the body fat in your lower half (cannot remember where I read this, I believe on BB.com), as the electrical current only travels up one leg and down the other so it's really only accurate for your lower half. Same theory goes for hand held devices (goes through one arm and out the other). Just something to keep in mind. All methods are guesses, so the important thing is to control variables (hydration, time of day, caliper spots, etc) and watch for a downward trend.

I was never sure if that was right, that the electronic scales measured only through the legs while the handhelds measured only through the arms, but it seemed to make sense, and it always kind of bothered me. Then I found a scale that measures from four points: through your hands and feet. It's more expensive than most scales, but still only about half the price of one of those Fitbit/ Aria scales:

http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HBF-514C-Composition-Sensing-Monitor/dp/B0020MMCDE/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1399657485&sr=8-10&keywords=body+fat+scale

I have this scale. The weight is accurate but the other stuff? Not completely...it gives a slightly different reading, for example, if I use it before or after I pee in the morning. However, I'm using it more for trend watching than pinpoint accuracy, and it hasn't given any crazy readings, so it appears to be at least somewhat close. The other info, like body age and visceral fat, I find interesting as well.

ksuh999

Find a place with an InBody machine...

CorvusCorax77

There are hydrostatic body compostion testing mobile units. check with your local crossfit gym. This is THE stndard for BF% testing and only cost 40 -50 dollars to get tested. This is really the only accurate method available

THIS! and Dexa!

Those scales with electronic pulses whatever. SO inaccurate. They can track trends though, so if you just want to know if it is going up or down, fine. But no way is it accurate.

I think calipers can be more accurate than those scales, cost way less, and can also track changes.

But if you want to know what you REALLY are, Dexa or Hydrostatic testing.

allana1111

that's a lot of info and a lot of options, thanks everybody!

SergeantNarwhal

Do a google search for Bod Pod locations. I've used the Bod Pod before at a local university, and judging from the reviews online, it seems to be a very accurate and less expensive alternative to the pricier methods. I've also tried the calipers and BIA scales, but find the Bod Pod to be the most consistent over multiple uses.

Bod Pod is so informative. I found a HIIT center near me that offered it for $25. I got a whole run down of body composition and I think you can ask for BMR TDEE as well. It's a great way to go.

nxd10

No scale provides accurate body fat measurement. It's really hard to do correctly.

Might I suggest you don't actually need either? What you want is to measure lots of body parts with a tape measure and look in the mirror. Fat and muscle feel, look, and measure differently. It's pretty obvious what you've got and what direction you're going.

3dogsrunning

A great breakdown of the methods.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

HWeatherholt

I got calipers on amazon for pretty cheap -- needed them for a personal training class I was taking -- we learned how to use them and do the calculations and had to practice on ourselves and our classmates. I always felt uncomfortable and unsure of if I was doing it right.

I have had a scale that calculates bf for a long time, and used it, knowing it was not perfect.

I also had my bf calculated using the water displacement method, which is one of the more accurate ways to do it. When I came home I used my scale and calculated the difference.

Now, I use my scale every Monday and subtract the difference to get my "real" number. At some point though ($$$), I am going to go back and have the water displacement method done again.

Brag: I have taken my BF from 39.9% to 27.7%!