HELP Please!! BF% Calculation Accuracy

Emv79

In January, I started weight training and decided I was going to rely on BF% and not my weight as a goal. My target was 18.5%BF.

I initially used my gym's device (you enter weight, height, gender and hold the sensors with your arms stretched out), and it showed 22.6% (Jan). In May, using the same method I was at 19.2% and today, 17.1% (this is using the "standard"...I get 17.3% if I use "athlete" setting).

I doubted the accuracy of m gym's device (seemed too good to be true), so I decided to go for a test done with a Bod Pod, with the thought I would get a more accurate reading. I did everything by the book. After 3 readings, average result: 11.7%... Now, someone else may have said "great!", but I know my BF% is not that low...I own a mirror. lol. The operator seemed surprised too, so she asked me if I would do the test again using the "athlete" setting. Still in shock, she gives me the second result: 11.9%. I never had curves (I'm shaped like a swimmer: no butt, no hips, small chest, massive shoulders), but I'm still not buying it and think to myself that I just wasted $60 on a marketing ploy.

Out of curiosity (or just plain frustration that I can't find out a measurement that should be relatively consistent), I tried 2 online calculators where you enter your measurements... I get 18.4%-18.5%.

So now, I'm just lost. Yes, I should be happy since I've lost 16lbs in 5 months while gaining quite a lot of muscle, and that's what counts....but I'd still like to know where I stand. Is that crazy?!

Should I try calipers? My fear there is I do have some loose skin from the weight loss (skin does not bounce back as quickly in your 30s than in your 20s, unfortunately).

HELP!! Suggestions anyone?


PS: I weight lift (heavy) 3hours a week spread on 4 days and do a minimum of 30min of cardio 6x a week. I'm 5'9 1/2, 33years old and weight 148lbs.

LaurenAOK

Wow, that's really weird. Bod Pod is supposed the be the ultimate accuracy, but 11.5% is extremely low for a girl and I think that could even be dangerous. If you're in good health, I doubt you're 11.5%.

The one they use at your gym is probably accurate. I actually just ordered one of my own from ebay. The brand is Omron and it's the one they use at most gyms. It's supposed to be very accurate. Maybe consider getting your own if you want to keep track of BF%? I got mine for only $35 brand new.

Maybe something was malfunctioning with the Bod Pod, I have no idea haha. I do know that most online calculators are very inaccurate so don't trust that number.

coraliethomas

I dont know, I was working mine out using the Navy method (measuring waist, neck and butt versus your weight and sex) and I got 26%, when I went to enlist in the Army, he told me I was 34%.

I know this isnt helpful, but it can be really tricky!

LaurenAOK

I mean, it's POSSIBLE you are that low... check out this girl. She's 11.5% in the "after." Do you look like her? (I know people can look totally different at the same BF% but it gives you an idea.)

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/body-transformation-body-image-blues.html

ETA: Oh wait she's your same height but 135lbs at 11.5%. It's doubtful that you are the same percent at 13 pounds heavier, unless you have A LOT of muscle!

Emv79

I mean, it's POSSIBLE you are that low... check out this girl. She's 11.5% in the "after." Do you look like her? (I know people can look totally different at the same BF% but it gives you an idea.)

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/body-transformation-body-image-blues.html

ETA: Oh wait she's your same height but 135lbs at 11.5%. It's doubtful that you are the same percent at 13 pounds heavier, unless you have A LOT of muscle!

Thanks for the link. Yeah, no way in hell...even without the extra skin I have, I don't have her abs! But also don't have her breasts or bum, but I do have larger arms and shoulders (does that balance it out?! LOL).

The fact is that I know the Bod Pod was wrong (it is said to have a +/- 3% variance...but that still would put me at max 14.7% with their reading), but it's the only one within 1hour drive of where I live.

Should I consider the calipers? the DEXA? or just plain use the gym one and learn to not be so obsessed with numbers?!

phjamo

Yes, I should be happy since I've lost 16lbs in 5 months while gaining quite a lot of muscle, and that's what counts....but I'd still like to know where I stand.

It appears that you already know where you stand...you are kicking BF *kitten*! Keep going the way you are going. Go with how you feel.
:happy: