Body Fat % Confusion!

jayb0ne

Ok so I got some calipers a few weeks back and I've been measuring up weekly.

I've been using the 4 point method that was outlined in the manual that came with it and it put me at 18.5% which has been dropping steadily (currently 17.5%).

Last week, I downloaded a good looking excel file available here:

http://users.compaqnet.be/cn000760/drugsandmedicine-bodyfat.html

This one had me take measurements at 10 points and input the readings and it calculates using 8 different methods, giving you the results from each method and then an average of all of them. Sounds ace! Except it gave me BF % of between about 7.8% and 14% using the different methods and the average was something like 10.8%.

While I'd love to have 10.8% body fat, I somehow doubt that's right as I read somewhere that the abs start to show through properly at 10% and although I can feel mine and make out the outline, they aint showing through the layer of fat around my tum.

Anyone here use calipers? Any advice on how to get the most accurate readings? Which method to use? I've set my ultimate goal as under 10% bf now I've reached goal weight so I could do with getting an accurate reading each week.

All advice muchly appreciated.

FrenchMob

Just looking at your profile pic, you're definitely not 18%. 10% to 12% is probably closer.

The "abs show at 10%" varies from person to person. Some people don't see their abs at 8% so you can't always use that as a gauge.

Larius

Just looking at your profile pic, you're definitely not 18%. 10% to 12% is probably closer.

The "abs show at 10%" varies from person to person. Some people don't see their abs at 8% so you can't always use that as a gauge.

Correct. And bigger abs show through sooner.

jayb0ne

Just looking at your profile pic, you're definitely not 18%. 10% to 12% is probably closer.

The "abs show at 10%" varies from person to person. Some people don't see their abs at 8% so you can't always use that as a gauge.

Really? 10-12%? That's awesome! In my mind I've just lost 5 or 6 % body fat right there!

I reckon I'll go with the fancy spreadsheet and use the average then or I'll see which one seems closest to that range and go with that one.

I guess the number itself isn't too important, more using the same calculation method each time and tracking the downward trend.

I'll also have to start working hard on the abs if I'm gonna get that 6 pack I've been promising myself!

Thanks!

FrenchMob

Yeah, I would use the high end (12%) as a good starting place for sure.

If you have a place nearby that has a Bodpod or can do hydrostatic testing, that would be the more accurate way. Alot of universities that do health research have Bodpods. That's where I got mine done....usually cost around $50.

jayb0ne

Thanks for the tips.

There's likely one of those near me, I'm in a pretty major university city (Manchester, UK). I'll look into it for sure.

Reckon I'll stick with my calipers for now until they're showing me under 10% and then look into getting an accurate water displacement test or similar done to know for sure.