DEXA vs. Bioelectric vs. BodPod vs. Hydrostatic

TurquoiseSky

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA)
Air Displacement Plethysmography (BodPod)
Hydrostatic Underwater Weighing (UWW)

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Hi There,

I'm trying to figure out the best body assessment method to undergo (i.e., most accurate, best type of detailed info, etc.). I'm an average sized 28 year old female who isn't all that fit, so I'd like to find out my muscle vs. fat composition (ideally for different parts of the body - arms, legs, etc.) so that I can create a benchmark and goals. I'll probably do a series of 3-4 sessions all together, just to check my progress every several months.

Anybody familiar with any of these methods? Pros/cons? Again, I would love to see how much muscle I gain in my right arm, for example, after several weeks of training.

Thanks for any info!

TurquoiseSky

I should also add in that there are huge price differences between the four:

DEXA - $175
Bioelec - $75
BP - $90
Hydro - $60

SideSteel

Please read this thread:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

ninerbuff

Well if you're planning to lose weight (calorie deficit) then muscle gain won't be that prevalent. In the words of MMPAGS "Just work out".

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

TurquoiseSky

My goal isn't to lose weight... I'm at a weight I'm comfortable with. I want some inspiration/accountability/motivation to get more serious about building muscle through strength training.

I don't have issues losing weight because there is a scale that shows me progress. Building muscle isn't as easily measurable...

TurquoiseSky

Please read this thread:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods

This is great, thanks!