Body Fat Test?

Dauntlessness

Besides trainers, who will do a body fat percentage test thingy on me?

Id really like to know because the tests online seem way to general and I know I have some serious muscle going on under this skin. haha

/flex

AZackery

If you can afford to spend $30.00, then buy yourself an Omron Handheld Body Fat Monitor. You can get it from Amazon.com or Academy. GNC sells the machine as well, but it costs more there.

BriaMc

Ya as AZackery said the Handheld ones are nice. I own the exact one she mentioned and haven't had any problems with it at all in the last 4+ years. Well worth the $35.

mhankosk

I got my scale at Target and it has a BF% monitor in it. I don't remember it being too expensive and it serves 2 purposes! (well 3 if you count that it is basically my cats favorite place to sit lol)

swthrtsmrf

The fitbit scale will tell you that also. But I hear it is pricey.

tuskegee4

Scale and handheld devices are unreliable. I would buy a pair of handheld calipers. Don't waste money on the electronic calipers either.

TiffanyWasmer

If you can afford to spend $30.00, then buy yourself an Omron Handheld Body Fat Monitor. You can get it from Amazon.com or Academy. GNC sells the machine as well, but it costs more there.

I'm pretty much obsessed with mine right now! Especially since the scale isn't budging BUT my body fat numbers are going down which keeps me from laying out in traffic :bigsmile:

Bobby_Clerici

I know somebody: YOU!
Go here for free and do it yourself
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Seriously, I found this very helpful. Good Luck:flowerforyou:

Dauntlessness

Thanks so much! I feel like everyone is different so I think its important to see the whole picture -nsv's, measurements and body fat counts and not just the scale.

shamr0ck

For about $100, you can have a DEXA scan. Most accurate body composition testing there is, ranked just as high as water displacement.

lauren3382

I had a hydrostatic body comp test done last week and it's the way to go if you can find it a place that offers it. Check out this website http://www.bodyfattest.com/ . They have mobile testing units in several major cities across the US. The test runs $45 here in Atlanta. It's supposedly the most accurate way to take your body fat. I'm starting Jamie Eason's LiveFit program on 7/1 and I had the test done for my body fat starting point and then I'll go back and have it tested again after the program is over. Certainly not as convenient as a handheld device, but if you are looking for accuracy, I'd highly recommend it!

TiffanyWasmer

And to the OP, Congratulations on all of your hard work so far!! Amazing job! :happy:

WhitneyAnnabelle

I know somebody: YOU!
Go here for free and do it yourself
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Seriously, I found this very helpful. Good Luck:flowerforyou:

I just used this site, and it said I have 5% more BF than when I used manual calipers.

xxthoroughbred

Weight Watchers has a scale that calculates it. I got mine at Bath & Body Works and I don't use Weight Watchers.

It's true that scales aren't the best way to tell, but this one has always been spot on for me.

Bobby_Clerici

I know somebody: YOU!
Go here for free and do it yourself
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Seriously, I found this very helpful. Good Luck:flowerforyou:

I just used this site, and it said I have 5% more BF than when I used manual calipers.

I ALWAYS go with the low number..:bigsmile:
Seriously, the number is not so much the issue but the consistency of the result.
It's for tracking progress - nothing else.

FrenchMob

Tracking is the key word. Yes the handhelds and scales that measure BF aren't that accurate for getting the proper number, but over time, you should see a trend and that's what's important.

Calipers aren't that accurate either when done on yourself, or by someone with limited experience, but again, it can provide a trend over time if done consistently.

Helloitsdan

I know somebody: YOU!
Go here for free and do it yourself
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Seriously, I found this very helpful. Good Luck:flowerforyou:

Nice tool Bob!
Thanx!

omma_to_3

I know somebody: YOU!
Go here for free and do it yourself
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Seriously, I found this very helpful. Good Luck:flowerforyou:

I just used this site, and it said I have 5% more BF than when I used manual calipers.

I ALWAYS go with the low number..:bigsmile:
Seriously, the number is not so much the issue but the consistency of the result.
It's for tracking progress - nothing else.

The problem is the HUGE variance in the numbers. The website I've used before, you enter in a bunch of measurements, weight, height, gender, and then it gives you like 4 different estimates. For me, they ranged from 25% to 45%. So basically completely useless.

Bobby_Clerici

I know somebody: YOU!
Go here for free and do it yourself
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Seriously, I found this very helpful. Good Luck:flowerforyou:

I just used this site, and it said I have 5% more BF than when I used manual calipers.

I ALWAYS go with the low number..:bigsmile:
Seriously, the number is not so much the issue but the consistency of the result.
It's for tracking progress - nothing else.

The problem is the HUGE variance in the numbers. The website I've used before, you enter in a bunch of measurements, weight, height, gender, and then it gives you like 4 different estimates. For me, they ranged from 25% to 45%. So basically completely useless.

Find ONE you like, and just stick with it for tracking purposes.
This one gives a solid result that is consistent.
Simple.:bigsmile:

So, what did you find that worked for you?

KiltFuPanda

The number variance is due to not every body being of the same proportions - the neck/waist measurement is handy for most people, but some body types throw these numbers way off.

For example, I've got a "powerlifter belly" and therefore I have a large waistline. The online sites all had me pegged at 35% bodyfat for years, even though I have some moderate definition. Then I bought a set of skinfold calipers and got a proper measurement - 24%. It's easy to do the skinfold test, just practice for a little to make sure you get the same measurements (as a difference of 2-3 mm on each site can skew your results a bit.

crobl

From working with these different forms of tests for years ( I work as a Certified Athletic Trainer at a small college in Kentucky), I can tell you that the scales with percentages and random website calculations are fairly inaccurate. The 3 best forms of testing a via a bod pod, hydrostatic weighing, and by using manual calipers.

Bod pod is definitely my favorite - you sit in an egg shape capsule that uses air displacement. Although easy, it's an expensive piece of equipment and not everyone has access to one.

Hydrostatic weighing - for a long time this was the method of choice - basically you get dunked into a tank full of water and the water displacement is measured. There is room for error here however, as there is a technique for how to hold your breath that people aren't always successful with - also, not everyone has access to one.

Manual calipers - this is the method I use on my athletes in calculating BMI. The biggest problem with this method (in my opinion) is human error. This is a skill that requires patience and practice to do accurately. Thankfully, I've had experience here from years of working wrestling, and my margin of error is fairly low. Also, with this method you have to determine which equation to use and there are a variety that utilize caliper readings on different body locations, number of sites, etc...

Finally, to address the hand held devices, which is known as bioelectrical impedence. I think these suck..end of story. Yes, they're fairly inexpensive, and yes you can do it yourself...but I'm unimpressed with their accuracy. If you really want an accurate reading, have it done professionally and do it in the morning before you've eaten, it provides the most accurate results.

deadstarsunburn

If you go to the YMCA it costs $10 where I am, but I've heard others say they'll do it for free.

taso42

From working with these different forms of tests for years ( I work as a Certified Athletic Trainer at a small college in Kentucky), I can tell you that the scales with percentages and random website calculations are fairly inaccurate. The 3 best forms of testing a via a bod pod, hydrostatic weighing, and by using manual calipers.

Bod pod is definitely my favorite - you sit in an egg shape capsule that uses air displacement. Although easy, it's an expensive piece of equipment and not everyone has access to one.

Hydrostatic weighing - for a long time this was the method of choice - basically you get dunked into a tank full of water and the water displacement is measured. There is room for error here however, as there is a technique for how to hold your breath that people aren't always successful with - also, not everyone has access to one.

Manual calipers - this is the method I use on my athletes in calculating BMI. The biggest problem with this method (in my opinion) is human error. This is a skill that requires patience and practice to do accurately. Thankfully, I've had experience here from years of working wrestling, and my margin of error is fairly low. Also, with this method you have to determine which equation to use and there are a variety that utilize caliper readings on different body locations, number of sites, etc...

Finally, to address the hand held devices, which is known as bioelectrical impedence. I think these suck..end of story. Yes, they're fairly inexpensive, and yes you can do it yourself...but I'm unimpressed with their accuracy. If you really want an accurate reading, have it done professionally and do it in the morning before you've eaten, it provides the most accurate results.

Best answer

spirit05

I use a site that seems to be a lot more accurate than most. In fact the BMI I got from the site was within 1% of the BMI my physical therapist got using a float tank. Wouldn't hurt to check it out.
http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bf/

ShannonMpls

I've done BodPod ($25 at a university) and Omron ($30 on Amazon).

I used the Omron the same day as BodPod and they were 1.5% apart, well within the margin of error. Now I look at the Omron for overall trends, and know that my BodPod percentage is probably just under what the Omron says. I'll schedule another BodPod test at the end of the summer.

Google around for body fat testing facilities near you. You might find a BodPod at a university or wellness center for use by the public for a fee.

nheilweil

Any number of scales will show you body fat along with your weight, and they are very consistent day-to-day if you weigh yourself first thing in the morning before eating or drinking. Any since they are so inexpensive now, I'm amazed that there are folks that still don't have one. For my weight loss journey, it's been a critical way to track progress and keep me motivated!

crobl

Best answer

You don't want to argue it? lol, most people do when I say something smart

Bobby_Clerici

From working with these different forms of tests for years ( I work as a Certified Athletic Trainer at a small college in Kentucky), I can tell you that the scales with percentages and random website calculations are fairly inaccurate. The 3 best forms of testing a via a bod pod, hydrostatic weighing, and by using manual calipers.

Bod pod is definitely my favorite - you sit in an egg shape capsule that uses air displacement. Although easy, it's an expensive piece of equipment and not everyone has access to one.

Hydrostatic weighing - for a long time this was the method of choice - basically you get dunked into a tank full of water and the water displacement is measured. There is room for error here however, as there is a technique for how to hold your breath that people aren't always successful with - also, not everyone has access to one.

Manual calipers - this is the method I use on my athletes in calculating BMI. The biggest problem with this method (in my opinion) is human error. This is a skill that requires patience and practice to do accurately. Thankfully, I've had experience here from years of working wrestling, and my margin of error is fairly low. Also, with this method you have to determine which equation to use and there are a variety that utilize caliper readings on different body locations, number of sites, etc...

Finally, to address the hand held devices, which is known as bioelectrical impedence. I think these suck..end of story. Yes, they're fairly inexpensive, and yes you can do it yourself...but I'm unimpressed with their accuracy. If you really want an accurate reading, have it done professionally and do it in the morning before you've eaten, it provides the most accurate results.

A belly measurement is worth more to me than all that expensive, time consuming gadgetry.
Anyway, if you want to track progress, use body measurements, and if you have the time and money, go with whatever.
I like to keep things simple.
Neck - Waist -- DONE!
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

omma_to_3

I use a site that seems to be a lot more accurate than most. In fact the BMI I got from the site was within 1% of the BMI my physical therapist got using a float tank. Wouldn't hurt to check it out.
http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bf/

Gosh, I wish that site were accurate LOL: Your body fat percentage is 27.6%.

The site posted earlier estimated 43%. I suspect the 43% is closer.

nheilweil

A belly measurement is worth more to me than all that expensive, time consuming gadgetry.
Anyway, if you want to track progress, use body measurements, and if you have the time and money, go with whatever.
I like to keep things simple.
Neck - Waist -- DONE!

I like the idea of simple as well, as well as the idea of taking some measurements. My jeans have gone from waist 35" to 30" so I'm pretty sure we're in sync there.

But "time consuming gadgetry"? LOL, honestly, is stepping on a scale and waiting 3 seconds too much effort and technology?

The OP wants to know her body fat, I'm guessing it's because she's interested in losing some, but hasn't yet invested $30 in a scale that will also show her body fat.

They aren't time travel devices from a robot future, they're available at Target! :-)

starracer23

Buy one and do it yourself