Am I getting more fit or more fat?

Hoosiermomma

So here is a question for all... I have been working with a trainer for about 6 weeks to get ready for a family ski trip and my progress... My abs (-1.25") and hips (- .75) went down while my biceps (+.25) and thighs (+1.25) went up. Weight is 1 pound up (insignificant). I am specifically training to get ready for a ski trip so I am gaining strength (and most likely muscle) but the BF calculator (Dave Draper) does not show a BF decrease, in fact it has gone up just a bit. Going with how I feel,I think I am leaner, It's complicated! What calculator do you like to use??

bahacca

I like to use a calculator called my CAMERA. Take before pictures and take new ones every few weeks to see where you are thinning out, building muscle, etc.

becoming_a_new_me

I like to use a calculator called my CAMERA. Take before pictures and take new ones every few weeks to see where you are thinning out, building muscle, etc.

^^^^this...and if your abs and hips went down, then your pants are probably much looser than before. You are building muscle, that is why you are bulking up in your arms and legs.

_CowgirlUp_

I like to use a calculator called my CAMERA. Take before pictures and take new ones every few weeks to see where you are thinning out, building muscle, etc.

^^^ This!

karinaes

So here is a question for all... I have been working with a trainer for about 6 weeks to get ready for a family ski trip and my progress... My abs (-1.25") and hips (- .75) went down while my biceps (+.25) and thighs (+1.25) went up. Weight is 1 pound up (insignificant). I am specifically training to get ready for a ski trip so I am gaining strength (and most likely muscle) but the BF calculator (Dave Draper) does not show a BF decrease, in fact it has gone up just a bit. Going with how I feel,I think I am leaner, It's complicated! What calculator do you like to use??

bf calculator/analyzers are not accurate. and our bf% is always fluctuating thru the day! and it fluctuates more if you've eaten or worked out right before calculating your bf.
i can bet that the increase in inches on your arms and thighs is muscle, not fat

dlcam61

Don't use a body fat calculator online. Go have your BF measured by a trained professional. I assume you are using the gym with a trainer so ask the trainer to measure you. Calculators online are not accurate as they can't determine lean muscle mass. It sounds to me that you are gaining muscle which is good. So keep up the great work :flowerforyou:

dlaplume2

You should have your personal trainer do your body fat % with the pinch and pull method. Sadly when you use a calulator that only uses height and weight it will not be accurate. Mose body builders with a lot of muscle will always show up as obese using those even though they have very little body fat.

As with most things in life body fat calculators are not a one size fits all.

Best wishes.

celticmuse

I use this one, which is based upon a formula developed by the US Navy:

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/

For me, this came out fairly close to the body fat calculator on my scale said.

Hoosiermomma

Thanks all for your input! I do know I am becoming more fit and less fat but it would be nice to have the numbers back it up. I have a friend who works at the Health Club. I think I will ask him to measure me with calipers! My trainer does not have the calipers. I am also hoping that my thighs don't continue to expand! I must be prone to adding there! I am curious to see if I continue to go up or will hold steady!

Pictures are always a great, I can look at the snapshots but did not take an intentional photo. (Should have :frown: ) Have a great week all! And Thanks again!

celticmuse

You should have your personal trainer do your body fat % with the pinch and pull method. Sadly when you use a calulator that only uses height and weight it will not be accurate. Mose body builders with a lot of muscle will always show up as obese using those even though they have very little body fat.

As with most things in life body fat calculators are not a one size fits all.

Best wishes.

The calculator for the link I posted above includes neck, waist and hip measurements, not just height and weight. My trainer has used the calipers on me, and it did not strike me as particularly scientific method for measuring body fat, since she would tend to get slightly different measurements each time she did it, and take an average. She told me that the only accurate test is the immersion test, which involves being dunked in a pool.

Hoosiermomma

So I have heard! (About the immersion method.) Perhaps we should all be not worrying about BF and just look in the mirror and our closets to make our comparisons! The scale is another tool to use less! (not completely useless!) The closer I get to my goal, the harder I am on myself!! i see so many who have lost 100 or more pounds complain about the last 10!! Ah, to be satisfied and enjoy our healthy bodies!